The Oval Office of the White House reverberated with the powerful operatic performance of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli on Friday, October 17.
The official schedule indicated a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but the diplomatic negotiations were dominated by the impromptu aria from Bocelli.
The video, which went viral on social media, shows the 67-year-old tenor singing along to his iconic “Time to Say Goodbye” while President Donald Trump looks on from behind the Resolute Desk.
Bocelli, wearing his iconic sunglasses, sang part of the song.
He paused mid-verse and laughed briefly before seamlessly picking up where he left off.
The song choice and the setting in the White House created a jarring, yet powerful contrast. Although ostensibly a romantic ballad, its title echoed through the West Wing just before a critical meeting.
For critics and supporters alike, the soundtrack provided an unintentionally symbolic backdrop to the day’s event.
Following his visit, President Trump announced that Bocelli will return to the White House and is scheduled for a formal performance on December 5.
