BURNABY, BC — While most world-class pop stars choose Beverly Hills or Manhattan as their home base to assert their status, the “Prince of Jazz,” Michael Bublé, made a different decision. He rejected the glamour of Hollywood to return to Burnaby, Canada—the small city where he was born—and built a home right across from his old elementary school.

The real reason Michael Bublé refused to move to Hollywood in 2005, despite his immense global success, was not about luxury; it was about honoring a debt of gratitude to his plumber grandfather, Demetrio Santagà, and keeping a promise to never forget his humble roots.

1. The Plumber’s Sacrifice and the Big Break

To understand why Bublé is so deeply attached to his hometown, one must examine the extraordinary commitment of his grandfather, Demetrio Santagà. Bublé’s career was built not on family wealth, but on Demetrio’s sweat and belief.

• The Deal: Demetrio, a plumber originally from Italy, believed fiercely in his grandson’s talent. To get Michael stage time, he went to local nightclubs and made them an unforgettable deal: he would fix their pipes and unclog their toilets for free in exchange for his nephew being allowed to go on stage and sing a few songs.

• The Foundation: It was those tireless “work-for-performance” shows, alongside his grandfather’s payment for singing lessons, that shaped the Michael Bublé of today. Bublé has consistently credited his grandfather as his “best friend” and the man who opened him up to the world of jazz music.

This sacrifice instilled in Bublé a profound commitment to humility and community, directly influencing his later rejection of the celebrity-hub lifestyle.

2. Rejecting Hollywood to Keep His Feet on the Ground

When he became a global superstar with multiple Grammy Awards and a huge fortune (his 2005 album It’s Time was a major international success), Bublé could have bought any mansion in the US. However, he chose to buy a plot of land in Burnaby.

• The Location: He built his current residence across the street from Seaforth Elementary School—the school he attended as a child. (Note: The construction of his large, 27,000 sq. ft. home, which includes an indoor ice rink, drew local attention and required variances from the city, demonstrating his commitment to remaining in the community despite the scale of the project.)

• The Intent: The reason was not for luxury, but for connection. Bublé shared that he wanted his children to grow up in the same community, running on the same lawns and feeling the same peace that he had.

3. Keeping Family Values Alive

More than just a place to live, the Burnaby home is Bublé’s way of honoring his late grandfather and keeping his promise to never forget who he is.

• Family Focus: Instead of lavish entertainment parties, his life revolves around the simple routines of his community: picking up his kids from school, having family meals, and being close to his relatives and neighbors.

• The Legacy: Bublé refuses to leave Burnaby because, for him, it’s not just a place on a map; it’s a place that holds his soul and the legacy of his grandfather, proving that his artistic success is always secondary to his personal values.