With a voice that resonates far beyond the opera stages he is known for, Il Volo’s Ignazio Boschetto stunned audiences with a soul-stirring rendition of Whitney Houston’s iconic ballad “I Have Nothing.”

Seated at the piano, Boschetto brought new life to the powerhouse anthem, delivering a performance that both honored the original and showcased his individual artistry.

Watch his cover below.

Throughout the emotionally charged set, Boschetto moved effortlessly between soft, tender phrasing and thunderous vocal peaks, revealing his impeccable control and emotional range. His classical foundation paired with heartfelt storytelling created a rendition that captivated listeners from the very first note.

While many artists have attempted to interpret Houston’s timeless hit, Boschetto’s cover stood out for its clarity, vocal strength, and subtle elegance. As he played the piano and sang with conviction, it became one of the most compelling male versions of the song to date.

Whether you are a longtime Il Volo admirer or discovering Boschetto’s solo brilliance for the first time, his rendition of “I Have Nothing” is a powerful reminder of the emotional weight and beauty that music can carry.

What to know about “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston

The song was written by then-married-couple Linda Thompson and David Foster for the soundtrack to The Bodyguard, the 1993 romantic drama co-starring Houston and Kevin Costner. Though the film is now mostly associated with Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You,” that song is actually a Dolly Parton cover. “I Have Nothing” was original to the soundtrack, and was nominated for an Academy Award alongside Houston’s “Run to You,” also from The Bodyguard.

In the film, Houston plays a diva megastar, and to tap into that character’s perspective, Thompson thought back to her relationship with one of the biggest stars of all time: Elvis Presley.

“That song was definitely inspired by [my relationship with Elvis] because I knew what it was like to live with the biggest [rock star] of all time,” Thompson later revealed, per American Songwriter. “It was centered around this gorgeous megastar…She’s petulant. She’s a diva. And she has this bodyguard, he’s protecting her, but she’s difficult. And then she starts to fall in love with him. And the song has to be called ‘I Have Nothing.’”