TORONTO – Michael Bublé says no matter where he finds himself in the world he makes it a priority to stay close to his family in Canada — even if it’s via Skype.
The B.C.-born singer said he remains close to parents Lewis and Amber and sisters Crystal and Brandee. He talks every day to “Grandpa Mitch,” his grandfather Demetrio Santagà.
“Without him I wouldn’t be here,” Bublé said of the former plumber, now 85 years old. “He’d go to guys’ houses and fix stuff for free if they let me get up on stage with them. That’s how it started.”
Bublé, 37, told the Sun he is proud to be able to use his wealth to support his Canadian family. “I’ve helped with all my family’s mortgages,” he said. “I remember what it’s like to have no money. It’s nice to be able to help.”
Bublé said he and wife Luisana Lopilato are committed to ensuring their son, due in August, will grow up grounded.
“It will be impossible for him to grow up in a ‘normal’ way because he will travel on jets, dine in fancy restaurants and meet famous people,” the crooner admitted. “But what Lu and I have in common is that we were both raised by families who are very down to earth. So I think him being around people like my mother and father and Lu’s mother and father will bring a sense of normality.
“They will certainly keep his feet firmly on the ground — as they do mine.”
Bublé said he hopes his son’s feet will also spend a lot of time on a soccer pitch.
“I used to play soccer when I was younger so I’d be thrilled if he grew up to be a footballer,” he said. “It’s my wife’s dream as well.”
Bublé said the expectant mom can attest to the baby’s kicking abilities. “She thinks he’s got a future with her favourite team, Club Atletico River Plate in Buenos Aires.”
The Burnaby, B.C.-born star married Lopilato, an Argentinian model, two years ago and the couple announced in January they are expecting.
Bublé’s new album To Be Loved will be released April 22, the day after he hosts the JUNO Awards in Regina.
He told the Sun he’ll cut his busy travel schedule to raise his son.
“I don’t want to look back and regret missing anything when my son is older. So if I am needed at home then touring goes out of the window,” said Bublé. “Three weeks is the longest I will be on the road in one go. Logistically that is a nightmare for my management and it’ll be more expense, but if I’m not a happy man in my private life then there’s no way I’m going to be happy on stage.”
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