Devastated fans and celebrity friends paid tribute to Il Divo star Carlos Marin on Sunday evening after the singer’s shattered bandmates confirmed he had lost his battle with COVID-19, aged 53.
Simon Cowell, TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli were among those to share fond memories of the Spanish baritone, whose life-support was turned off just days after he was placed in a medically induced coma at Manchester Royal Hospital.
Marin, who was fully vaccinated had fallen ill on December 7, and was admitted to hospital after being given oxygen.
Confirming his death on Twitter, bandmates David Miller, Sébastien Izambard and Urs Bühler said: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marin, has passed away.
Tragic: Devastated fans paid tribute to Il Divo star Carlos Marin on Sunday evening after the singer’s heartbroken bandmates confirmed he had lost his battle with COVID-19, aged 53
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and fans. Carlos will be remembered as the voice and spirit that he was. We will be missing our friend Carlos, who has been with us on the incredible Il Divo journey for 17 years.
“We pray and hope that his soul rests in peace. From David, Sebastien, and Urs.
Simon Cowell wrote in tribute: ‘I am finding this so difficult to put into words how I feel right now.
Carlos Marin, whom I am deeply sorry for, has died. He lived a full and happy life. He was passionate about performing, and he had a lot of appreciation for the people who supported him from the beginning. Carlos, Rest in Peace. Your presence will be greatly missed.
Meanwhile Kelly, who interviewed the operatic band numerous times, Tonioli and actress Emma Kennedy were among the first to react as news of his death broke.
The breakfast television presenter took to Twitter and wrote, “This is very sad. I had the joy of interviewing Carlos and @ildivoofficial many times over the years. He was such a class act. Thoughts with everyone who loved him.’
Upset: Simon Cowell wrote: ‘I am finding this so difficult to put into words how I feel right now’
Announcement: Confirming his death on social media, bandmates David Miller, Sébastien Izambard and Urs Bühler insisted there will ‘never be another voice’ like his
Tonioli added: ‘Devastated @ildivoofficial @carlosmarin_ passed away We had the best time putting together the first @ildivoofficial performance 17 yeas ago great voice great man a true passionate Spirit with wicked sense of humor we will miss you so sad.’ [sic]
Singer Michael Ball wrote in tribute: ‘Unbelievably sad to hear of the the passing of the lovely @carlosmarin, a charismatic, charming and hugely talented man. A total one off. Sending my love to all his family and friends. #RIPCarlosMarin.’
Paying tribute to Marin, Emma Kennedy urged others to protect themselves against the virus, writing: ‘Carlos Marin news is horrible. Get vaccinated. Get boosted. RIP.’
Statement: Singer Michael Ball wrote in tribute: ‘Unbelievably sad to hear of the the passing of the lovely @carlosmarin’
Welsh baritone and X Factor series four runner-up Rhydian Roberts was also amongst those affected by the news that broke on Sunday.
‘Heartbreaking. I’m so sorry to hear this news. Carlos oozed charisma and had a velvety smooth baritone. Sending condolences to his family and the rest of il Divo @ildivoofficial,’ he wrote.
Elsewhere, series eight winners of Britain’s Got Talent, musical theatre based group Collabro, shared a photo with the late star and praised his ‘spectacular’ voice and stage presence.
‘We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Carlos Marín. His voice and stage presence were spectacular and he was as brilliant off stage as he was whilst performing. Sending love to @ildivoofficial during this very difficult time,’ they wrote in full.
Heartbreaking: Welsh baritone and X Factor series four runner-up Rhydian Roberts was also amongst those affected by the news that broke on Sunday
RIP: Elsewhere, series eight winners of Britain’s Got Talent, musical theatre based group Collabro, shared a photo with the late star and praised his ‘spectacular’ voice and stage presence
Avid Il Divo enthusiasts expressed their lament while reflecting on fond memories they associated with the multi-national classical crossover vocal group.
One mourning fan penned: ‘So utterly heartbroken. I listened to Il Divo when my beautiful son came into the world and have been a fan ever ever since. Carlos was my favourite but I loved all of you. I cannot believe this news and that we have lost a pure talent. [broken heart emojis]’.
Another candidly revealed they had only seen the group in concert a fortnight ago: ‘Just over two weeks ago I was blessed to see this wonderful man and his friends sing. Every day really is so very precious. May you walk with the Angels,’ followed by a slew of hashtags including ‘too soon.’
A fellow Il Divo lover echoed this narrative, writing how they ‘couldn’t believe’ they’d seen the quartet only two weeks ago in Brighton.
‘At 53 it’s so young to be gone,’ the fan added, ‘so much pleasure brought to so many [crying emoji].’
Big fans: Avid Il Divo enthusiasts expressed their lament while reflecting on fond memories they associate with the multi-national classical crossover vocal group
One super fan paid tribute to his ‘great kindness’ and ‘unequalled talent’ as she reminisced on the better times.
Alongside some happy memories with the Spanish baritone, the tweet read: ‘What a terrible year… A man of great kindness and unequalled talent has just joined the stars. I think back to all the times we saw each other during these 16 years.
‘Words are lacking in such circumstances. I will miss you very much Carlos #carlosmarin #ildivo.’
Looking back: One super fan paid tribute to his ‘great kindness’ and ‘unequalled talent’ as she reminisced on the better times
Baritone Marin had been a star of Il Divo since its inception in 2003, and the group has gone to sell more than 30 million copies of their albums worldwide.
The group are also considered the pioneers of operatic pop, or ‘popera’, and their live concerts have sold more than two million tickets worldwide.
In our thoughts: Fans took to social media in their droves as news of his death broke on Sunday
Il Divo star Carlos Marin has died in hospital after his life support machine was turned off following a Covid battle
Il Divo’s concert in Bath on December 6 was the last time Mr Marín (right) was seen on stage
Il Divo was created by Simon Cowell after he decided to form a multinational quartet of classical singers inspired by opera group The Three Tenors, which included Pavarotti.
Paying tribute to the singer, Lorraine Kelly said: ‘This is so sad. Over the years, I had the pleasure of interviewing Carlos many times.
‘His character was impeccable. Thoughts and prayers for everyone who loved him.
Bruno Tonioli, judge on Strictly Come dancing added that Bruno Tonioli had died at the hands of @ildivoofficial @carlosmarin_.
“We had an amazing time making the @ildivoofficial debut performance. It was 17 years ago.
Before his death today, Il Divo had said they were ‘hoping and praying’ for Marín after the group were forced to cancel their UK tour.
According to his agent, Geraldine Larrosa, Geraldine’s ex-wife was present at the hospital. Although they split 12 years ago, they are still great friends.
Both were scheduled to perform on TVE1 at midnight on New Years Eve.
French-born Geraldine Larrosa was better known under her stage name Innocence. She recorded a cover song of Bohemian Rhapsody with Marin. This special was aired on Spanish TV.
They also played in Southend, Bournemouth and where they were pictured on December 4, 2005.
Il Divo star Carlos Marín – pictured with his ex wife Geraldine Larrosa (stage name Innocence) had been placed in an induced coma after being admitted to hospital
He shared an earlier selfie video taken from a Maspalomas pool, Gran Canaria to promote Il Divo’s last leg.
He then performed in Southend, Bournemouth and Brighton – when he posted an aInstagram video which showed him looking healthy while talking enthusiastically about the upcoming performance.
Il Divo’s concert in Bath on December 6 was the last time he was seen on stage and he was admitted to hospital two days later, El Espanol reported.
Hull and Nottingham gigs were cancelled, and Il Divo announced that every subsequent show had been postponed up to 2022.
Three years after his separation from the 44 year-old, he remained close to him and was seen at events together (including this Madrid concert).
Il Divo had made Marin a major star since 2003 when it was founded. They have sold over 30,000,000 albums all around the globe.
The singer is pictured second left with L-R David Miller, Urs Buhler and Sebastien Izambard in 2019
This comes days after Il Divo had announced that they would postpone their remaining UK tours dates to 2022 because of ‘illness.
Il Divo posted that they had suspended their tour and said: “Unfortunately, dueto illness, Il Divo has postponed the December 2021 UK tour dates until December 2022.
‘Il Divo is sorry to all their fans but we look forward returning to the road this year and meeting you all during the Christmas period.
Il Divo – which means ‘star’ in Italian – had been scheduled to perform two festive European shows, one in Lisbon and another in La Coruña, and the latter show was recently postponed until July 15, 2022.
Last month a 72-year-old woman from Barcelona was convicted of coercion and fined €60 for sending Mr Marín explicit and threatening letters.
The woman – named only as Rosa – was also given a six-month restraining order preventing her from coming within 500metres of Mr Marín.
His lawyer filed an appeal against the lightness of her sentence, noting he’d had to change his ‘work and life habits’, The Olive Press reported.