International pop-opera group Il Divo will be the recipients of the first-ever artist of the decade award at the Classic BRIT Awards taking place in London on May 12.
The quartet of classical singers was signed by Simon Cowell’s label, Syco, in 2004. Their self-titled debut album has sold 25 million copies to date, and their second album, Ancora, went straight to number one on the Billboard Top 200 — the first classical album to do so.
The members of Il Divo are being recognized for their influence in bringing classical music to a worldwide audience and helping lead the genre into the 21st century.
"When we joined Il Divo none of us had done anything like this before. We were excited to break from our traditional roots and create something new," said American tenor David Miller.
"The immediate and overwhelmingly positive response from the public gave us even more encouragement to continue our journey. Performing and recording are what we love, but receiving this award is a great honor."
In addition to Miller, the quartet includes Spanish baritone Carlos Marin, Swiss tenor Urs Bühler, and French pop singer Sébastien Izambard.