Rome, Dec 30 (IANS/AKI) Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli's latest album has sold more than five million copies around the world since its release last month.

Bocelli's album 'My Christmas' was the second biggest selling album in the US, behind the British singing sensation Susan Boyle who swept the Christmas album charts with her new CD.

According to sales figures up to Dec 20, Boyle's album 'I Dreamed A Dream' held off competition from Bocelli to secure the number one slot in the US Billboard charts.

Boyle, a Scot, achieved worldwide fame when she appeared on the talent show, Britain's Got Talent.

Bocelli's album which was released in the US Nov 3 has reinforced his position as one of the most celebrated artistes in the history of Italian music.

The album contains 16 timeless Christmas favourites and half a dozen cameos from artistes, including Natalie Cole.

Bocelli chose popular numbers including, 'I Believe', which he sang in front of an emotional Pope John Paul II, and 'Silent Night', as well as the popular Italian Christmas carol 'Tu Scendi dalle Stelle' (or From Starry Skies Thou Comest).

'For me 'Tu Scendi dalle Stelle' is the Christmas song par excellence,' Bocelli said. 'When I hear it I remember the festivities of my youth.'

Among the other top selling albums over Christmas were 'Meet Me Halfway' by the Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi's 'We Weren't Born to Follow' and 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' from The Hallelujah Choir.