Internationally beloved singer Andrea Bocelli lights up Tel Aviv, sings ‘Amazing Grace’ to 20,000 in sold out Israeli football stadium

Lynn and I were there – here’s what we experienced

TEL AVIV, Israel—Wow!

Though I love his work, and that extraordinary voice, I had never been to an Andrea Bocelli concert before.

My wife, Lynn, got us tickets to this one-night-only event in Israel, but I had no idea what we were in for.

I was blown away.

Not the best expression to use in the Middle East, but still true.

How else to describe the awe and wonder of experiencing this Italian opera star – blind since the age of 12 – singing “Amazing Grace” in the heart of the biblical homeland, and watching so many of the 20,000 Israelis who had come to the sold out performance sing along with him.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see

Was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
And Grace will lead us home
And Grace will lead us home

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see

Was blind, but now I see

Breath-taking to behold.

And there was so much more.

Bocelli sang “Hallelujah” with his adorable – and gifted – 10-year-old daughter, Virginia.

He also sang several songs with his 24-year-old son, Matteo – also incredibly gifted. That brought me to tears.

I lost count of the standing ovations Israelis gave Bocelli, his family and the several singers and musicians who accompanied him, including Israeli diva Shiri Maimon.

But I can tell you that this Italian Christian phenomenon returned to the stage not once, not twice, but three times for encore performances.

Wow – what a night.

If you get a chance to attend any of his global “Believe” tour concerts, buy your tickets immediately and prepare yourself to be blown away.