* En anglais uniquement
Inspired by the likes of
Josh Groban,
Il Divo, and
Florent Pagny,
Amaury Vassili is a French classical pop singer who has been described as "the world's youngest tenor." Born in Rouen, Upper Normandy in 1989, he developed a love of opera from a young age and, after winning a singing contest with a rendition of
Jacques Brel's "Amsterdam" at 14, decided to pursue a career in music. Discovered by French TV producer
Daniel Moyne, he signed to Warner Music, released his debut album,
Vincero, in 2009, and went on to support
Katherine Jenkins on her U.K. tour and appear on the deluxe edition of her seventh album,
Believe, with a cover version of "Endless Love." A year later, he recorded his second effort,
Cantero, but it was in 2011 when he shot to fame after being chosen to represent his country at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dusseldorf with the song "Sognu." The first Corsican-sung entry from France since
Patrick Fiori's "Mama Corsica" in 1993, it was quickly installed as the bookies' favorite, but had to settle for 15th place with 82 points. ~ Jon O'Brien