Laval teen sails through to finals of Quebec talent show singing the Italian classics

A Laval, Que. teenager is competing in the finals of Quel Talent, showing off his singing skills belting out some classic Italian songs.

After months of performances, it’s coming down to the finals of the Quebec talent show, Quel Talent, and many fans are keeping an ear out for a special singer from Laval.

Francesco Vignone, 13, is getting noticed by the judges in the show’s second season.

“They’re, like, right in front of me and they’re talking to me. It’s very cool and it’s a great opportunity,” he told CTV News.

His mother, Adriana Di Paolo, says “It’s very overwhelming. And I’m very proud of him.”

Vignone’s signature sound is singing the songs his family loves.

“I grew up old school. Italian music … and that passion transmitted to both my kids. I have a daughter as well and they grew up listening to these songs,” Di Paolo said.

Sure, he sounds like an old soul, but Vignone is a Grade 7 student at Laval Junior Academy who’s proud of his cool high-tops and he likes to build Lego.

“It’s an activity for when I have nothing to do,” he says with a smile. Not afraid of a challenge, Vignone recently sang a Puccini opera classic.

“My last performance, which was the semifinals, I sang “Nessun Dorma,” he recalled.

The judges and the audience liked it enough that he was invited to the finals of Quel Talent.

How does that feel?

“There’s always stress involved. Like, I can never take away the stress, I can reduce it. But it’s always going to be there right before my performance. However, while I’m performing, though, everything’s out. I’m just focused on my singing,” he says.

The finals are on Nov. 10. Until then, a reminder that Nessun Dorma translates as “none shall sleep”.

“I’m absolutely not relaxed. If I make it this week, I’m going to live forever,” Di Paolo said.

Quel Talent airs on Noovo, which is owned by CTV News’ parent company, Bell Media.