Andrea Bocelli -- Thumbs Up to Shocking Performance By TMZ Photog!!! (VIDEO)

Andrea Bocelli is the best tenor in the world, so imagine how daunting it would be for anyone to audition in front of him ... much less on Canon Drive in Bev Hills.

But our photog Joe -- who has Italian roots -- got an audience with Andrea and sang his most famous song, "Time to Say Goodbye."

You will be impressed ... well, somewhat impressed.