The opera singer on getting advice from Pavarotti, singing as a superpower, and what happens when we die

Born in Tuscany, Italy, Andrea Bocelli, 66, became blind at the age of 12. Discovered by Luciano Pavarotti, he released his debut album in 1994. Two years later, his classical pop duet with Sarah Brightman, Time to Say Goodbye, was a hit across Europe. He has sold more than 90m records worldwide and generated 16bn streams; his accolades include six Classical Brits, seven World Music awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His new album is called Duets. He is married for the second time and lives in Tuscany.

When were you happiest?
When each of my three children was born.