Il Volo Puts Fresh, Young Spin on Classical Music

Oh, the gift of giving! We let Italy get a taste of the Jersey Shore and they bring us the sweet sounds of Il Volo -- seems like a fair exchange, don't you think?

Honestly, I do not think that I have ever been more impressed with the raw musical talent of a group of young men like this Italian trio. Piero Barone, Ignazio Bocshetto, and Gianluca Ginoble are all under the age of 18, and they are putting a classical spin on the "boy band"! The three got their starts in 2009 as individual contestants in a Italian music competition called "Ti Lascio Una Canzone", which the then 14-year-old Ginoble won. During the contest, the three were selected to perform the opera staple "O Sole Mio" together, which turned out to be a really great idea, because once legendary producer Tony Renis heard the collective of voices, he instantly reacted to their chemistry. Steve Leber, who managed the likes of Aerosmith and AC/DC, actually came out of retirement to support them as well!

Il Volo were the talk of the town last week after their appearance on "American Idol", but I would like to go on the record and point out that Young Hollywood had them first! Yes, even before "AI" got their hands on them, the boys hung out with us at the Royal Suite at the Four Seasons (we needed a grander venue to contain their amazing voices!), and they couldn't have been more charming and personable.

We are hooked. We don’t even know what they are saying, but talent is talent, and it will not be denied. The boys of Il Volo are certainly living up to their name, which means "flight", as they are most definitely taking off and soaring to great heights!

Check it out YH's exclusive interview with Il Volo below:

To further support these guys, go to ilvolomusic.com; but be forewarned that it is a high-trafficked area!

More Than Just a Chance for Greyson

CNN recently reported that 12 hours of video is uploaded to YouTube every minute. Occupying 3 minutes and 38 seconds of that YouTube time earlier this year was a talented teen from Oklahoma, Greyson Chance. What's even more exciting is what happened just two weeks after performing at a sixth grade talent show and posting it online -- a phone call from Ellen DeGeneres. After viewing the video of Greyson covering Lady Gaga’s hit “Paparazzi”, he took his first airplane flight to Los Angeles the very next day to appear on the "Ellen DeGeneres Show". Shortly thereafter, we all became obsessed, and she signed him to her label.

We recently hung out with Greyson at the Four Season’s ballroom here in L.A. It's difficult to remember that you're watching a 13-year-old; he is so mature and well-spoken, which is also evident through his natural voice and songwriting abilities, that there is no doubt in my mind that he is going to blow up and have a long and successful career. As someone who grew up in Hollywood myself, I can attest to the difficulties that these kids can encounter, but honestly, I think Greyson is up to the challenge and will be just fine. Check out our exclusive interview with the whiz-kid below:

His single, “Waiting Outside the Lines”, is now available, and Greyson is currently touring and capturing hearts everywhere. Be sure to check out his Website.

YH Gets a Thumbs Up from Nic Cage

It's no secret that our new Studio at Four Seasons has been a success - getting an endorsement from an Oscar winner is pretty sweet too!

In all sincerity, Nicolas Cage is a very cool, down-to-earth guy and getting the opportunity to interview him was a major highlight for me and YH. It was a pleasure!

Check out my interview with Mr. Cage and his Sorcerer's Apprentice co-star, Jay Baruchel, below: