Italian Singer Tiziano Ferro: I'm Gay

Italian pop star Tiziano Ferro comes out in the new issue of Italy's Vanity Fair, saying he's spent many years not feeling good about himself and hopes being open will lead to a better way of life.

"For a long time I haven't felt good about myself...and after many tough years...I've come to the conclusion that I want to live better," he said.

Italian tabloids had published stories in recent months linking Ferro to a mystery man. Ferro said the articles hurt, but not because he was worried about being outed.

"I would get very upset because I wished I had a boyfriend, but I had no one," he said.

Ferro has released four studio albums since his debut in 2002, his latest, 2008's Alla Mia Eta, going 10x platinum in Italy and selling more than 500,000 copies. His albums have hit number one in Italy, Mexico and Switzerland and he's collaborated with Mary J. Blige, Kelly Rowland and Laura Pausini, among others.

His autobiography is due in bookstores in Italy by the end of the year.