Bernardi trained as a singer and graduated from the Conservatorio Statale di Musica "G. Rossini" in Pesaro.
Luciano Pavarotti heard Bernardi sing and thought he could make a great dramatic tenor.
In 1976 he recorded Macbeth in studios in London with José Carreras, Sherrill Milnes, and Ruggero Raimondi, still singing the role of Malcolm.
He made his real debut in Spain, in the leading role of Manrico in Verdi's Il trovatore.
Bernardi was preparing to sing the title role of Verdi's Otello when a fatal car accident ended his life at the age of 37.