Il Divo singer Carlos Marin dies at 53

Carlos Marin, a Spanish singer and a member of the group II Divo, died Sunday, Dec 19, 2021, following a hospitalisation, according to an announcement by the remaining members of the vocal group. He was 53. Photo: AP

Il Divo singer Carlos Marin has died aged 53, the group has announced.

The German-born Spanish baritone's bandmates - American tenor David Miller, French singer Sebastien Izambard and Swiss tenor Urs Buhler - paid tribute to him on Sunday (Dec 19).

In a statement on Twitter, they said: "It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marin, has passed away.

"He will be missed by his friends, family and fans.

"There will never be another voice or spirit like Carlos.

"For 17 years the four of us have been on this incredible journey of Il Divo together, and we will miss our dear friend.

"We hope and pray that his beautiful soul will rest in peace. With Love - David, Sebastien and Urs."

On Dec 16, the group had posted that Marin was "in the hospital" and that they were "hoping and praying for a speedy recovery".

The cause of death was not made clear, though reports in Spanish media suggested Marin was intubated after being admitted to an intensive care unit in Manchester.

Il Divo had postponed the rest of their December UK tour dates by a year "due to illness".

Marin had been on stage performing earlier this month.

The classical crossover group, comprised of a global melting pot of singing stars, was formed by Simon Cowell in 2003 under his SyCo record label, though they later parted ways with the music mogul.

In his personal life, Marin was married to French-born singer Geraldine Larrosa - better known by her stage name Innocence - until 2009.

Tributes to Marin poured in on social media, with TV presenter Lorraine Kelly tweeting: "This is so sad. I had the joy of interviewing Carlos and Il Divo many times over the years.

"He was such a class act. Thoughts with everyone who loved him".

Bruno Tonioli, a judge on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, wrote: "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." – dpa