Tiziano International

Ten years ago, you gave an interview for La Dernière Heure. You were so shy that you didn’t look at the reporter who dared asked you the questions… How do you feel today, compared to this timidity?

“It’s true, I was so shy! You know, I remember this reporter! I didn’t dare look at him because I had really low self esteem. I was 20 years old, though you can say, only 20 years old! I was still very young at that age. I was caught up in the music industry, propelled on tour, away from my family, when it’s at this age that we begin to take shape, where we also still need references. When I think of this period I feel a bit sorry for this young man that I was at the time. I didn’t feel very good about myself. But now I’m 32 years old, and things are much better! I’ve become a man. At 20, I was really still a big baby!”

What helped you get to where you are today?

“Music! It’s really the music that saved my life. I matured thanks to it, even though I still have work to do and I do so every day. I try to be honest, to live a decent life, I try to be a good guy, a good brother, a good friend, a good boyfriend. And I love communicating with people, observe them, talk to them … If I didn’t have music, I wouldn’t be here.”

When you were young, you weighed over 100 kg. No one would ever guess!

“You know, appearance is the primary means of communication … I had an obsessive relationship with food when I was younger. It made me feel safe. Today, it’s alright, it’s not difficult anymore to not eat too much sugar. I’m no longer afraid of people, I made peace with myself, thanks to the love. Especially since my coming-out two years ago. I know that when I don’t respect myself, when I don’t value myself, that’s when I want to eat.”

Do you have weight loss advice to give to our readers?

“Understand that I was very attached to food! Like a drug, I was hooked. My advice to people who experience the same thing is to not be afraid to contact a specialist, someone competent. They will be ready to help you. Because all of this is not a question of a balanced diet, but more the balance within yourself.”

Together with Laura Pausini, you are one of the two superstars in Italy. What do you think of her?

“I love her, she is fantastic. She helped me a lot when I felt lonely, a few years ago. She was there for me. You know, she experienced the same thing I did, she went through the same trials. She started singing at a very young age and also experienced weight problems later on. We’ve already sung together and I look forward to working with her again.”

On July 4th you’re coming to Forest National in Brussels for a concert …

“Yes, I’ve been dreaming of singing there for ten years! I worked hard to get there. I wanted to be prepared. I am delighted, and looking forward to July.”

What do you think of the Belgian public and Belgium?

“In Belgium, you have this blend, this heritage, this mix of cultures … It’s really interesting to travel there. In addition, many Italians live in Belgium! At my concerts, I also meet many Italian families, young ones, not so young, there’s everything. You know, if I can make my fans smile, I’m happy. And in Belgium there are also waffles! I love Belgian waffles. And chocolate. Too good …”

How much do you miss Italy when you’re on tour?

“It’s true that I am very attached to my roots. But what I love above all is to travel and see the world. I miss it, yes, sometimes, not being at home, but when I am in Mexico, London, Los Angeles, I learn so much about life … To travel is to learn, it’s opening yourself up. I love the idea of traveling, but always with a return ticket in hand!”

What would you do if you only had one day to live?

“I would eat a good Italian pizza, cooked in a wood burning oven, as we do it. This is one of my best childhood memories: that of my grandmother making pizza at home, in a wood burning oven.”

Two years ago you came out as gay. Are you planning to have children one day?

“I don’t know. It’s only been two years that I’m okay with who I am. It’s still new to me. I am happy with the person with whom I share my life and to be honest I haven’t yet considered the idea of having children. But I love kids. Why not one day? It’s a possibility. But in any case, not now.”