A quarter-century after the release of the iconic Gladiator soundtrack, the music found new life when appeared on the TODAY Show in New York on April 9, 2026.
Rather than choosing one of their most recognizable hits, the trio surprised viewers with a performance of “Nelle tue mani,” the Italian adaptation of “Now We Are Free,” the beloved theme associated with the award-winning film .
Standing together on the Studio 1A stage, , , and relied solely on their voices to deliver a performance that resonated with audiences.
The song, originally connected to the celebrated work of , has remained one of the most recognizable film themes of the modern era.
Many viewers were surprised that the group selected such a dramatic and emotional piece instead of a contemporary pop-oriented performance, especially following the announcement of their upcoming North American tour.
The tour includes multiple major venues across the continent, highlighted by a highly anticipated performance at .
The version performed on the show was drawn from their album Live at the Valley of the Temples, a project recorded at the historic .
The ancient Sicilian setting provided a unique backdrop for a song centered on themes of freedom, hope, and remembrance.
For longtime fans, the performance reflected what has defined Il Volo throughout their career: a willingness to embrace challenging material while remaining true to their classical and operatic influences.
Seventeen years after first coming together as a group, Il Volo continues to demonstrate that artistic ambition and respect for musical heritage remain at the heart of everything they do.
