An interview with Il Divo

I was in Paris working on my second solo album. I met Carlos through his wife, who told me about Il Divo. He was already in the band. He told me a man called Simon Cowell was involved. I was not keen on joining as I was doing my solo stuff, but I went to the audition at the Opera Bastille in Paris and met David Miller for the first time. He was having his audition too. And I loved the music straight away so I decided it would be amazing to be part of. I was told a couple days later that I was in. London became my home. Carlos and I were then single, and the ladies we met asked us what we were doing in London, and we said "recording an album produced by Simon Cowell" They wouldn't believe it so I gave up and told them I worked in real estate, it was easier. It was then I realised Simon was very well known, he was unknown in France and unknown to me.

American Idol is a talent competition splitting opinion amongst the music industry. Were you concerned that it might place you into the whole talent competition argument?

I think in people's minds, we are coming from a TV talent show and that's ok. There is some real talent out there. It's not where you come from that matters but what you want to do, the choices you have to make and making sure you are surrounded by the right people and luck.

How was touring with Barbara Streisand?

One word: amazing! She is such a true artist and so talented. I learnt a lot.

Are you still in contact with her?

Not at the moment, as we have not been in America for some time but I'd love to meet her again. Do you have her number, because I think she gave me the old one? Sorry French sense of humour.

How would you define your sound?

'Popera': a mix of pop and opera.

In 2006 you performed the official World Cup song 'The time of our lives' with r'n'b singer Toni Braxton. Did you find mixing your sound with that of an r'n'b artist challenging?

No, it felt it was music at the end of the day. It worked beautifully don't you think? We were lucky, when I think back, to be able to record for such a big event - even though France lost in the final.

When your album knocked Robbie Williams off the number one slot in the UK charts, he allegedly said "so you're the four idiots that knocked me off no.1" - What was your response?

I don't recall that he said idiots, and what he said was in a very nice and friendly way. I thought he was great sport and it's not about being number one that is important but about sharing good music.

How about a collaboration with Robbie after that type of comment?

We would love to. Can you ask him? He is very, very talented and why not record a great duet if you have the right song? We love Robbie.

What are your plans for 2011?

Making this new record - our biggest ever! We took two or three years out, risking having people forget us, but we felt we didn't have the right material. We had to raise the game, to ensure 100 per cent that we are on the top of our game. We have an amazing album. I hope we can tour it to places no one has ever been to.

Can you give us the inside line on what to expect? Will it have a contemporary feel?

It's very masculine; the arrangements are edgy and charismatic. They are couple of classics like Dove L'Amore from the Barber's adagio where a whole new chorus was composed especially for us, some contemporary covers and a lot new material. I love it. The songs choices are the best. I suggested four songs on the album, so I can only be complimentary about it!

Can you sum up Il Divo in five words?

Four unique, passionate, talented men. If I'd had six, I'd have added 'young' men!