BIOGRAPHY
The story behind Fernando Varela begins and ends with a voice. Carole Bayer Sager aptly described it as “a voice touched by God.” Fernando’s powerful voice tells the tale of a breathtaking tenor whose spirit and determination has defied the odds. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, he discovered his exceptional talent at seventeen under the tutelage of opera icons: Maestro Chiaramello (Pavarotti’s conductor and arranger), Wilfredo Doherty, Cesar Ulloa and Placido Domingo.
Fernando Varela first captured the hearts of millions as a finalist on America's Got Talent. His artistry has graced the screens of countless homes through multiple TV specials, including his very own solo special, “Coming Home”, “An Intimate Evening with David Foster”, “Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honoring Gloria and Emilio Estefan”, and “The Grammy Salute to Music Legends”.
Fernando's talent has earned the stamp of approval from giants in the music industry: Quincy Jones, David Foster, Clive Davis, Babyface, Jimmy Jam, Patrick Hamilton and Diane Warren —leading to two major label deals with Sony and Universal Music. David Foster has dubbed Fernando as “my secret weapon”, Oprah Winfrey described his performance as “a spiritual experience” and Barbra Streisand exclaimed “you’re going to be a global star!”
Fernando has performed in over 75 countries for Kings, Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers while sharing the stage with legends like Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, Michael Bublé, Sarah Brightman, Babyface, Patti LaBelle, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Steven Tyler, The Beach Boys, and Josh Groban, to name a few.