Argentine Singer Sandro (Roberto Sánchez) woke up and his condition is "evolving very well" as he recovers from heart-and-lungs transplant in a hospital in the western province of Mendoza, doctor Claudio Burgos said, adding that Sandro's will probably not need to use medical ventilator for much longer.

Burgos, who headed the surgery, explained that Sandro's new heart "started beating by itself", without further need of electroshocks. "We hope it will continue that way so that he can get better and lead a normal life," he said. "He is conscious and recognizes people; he can even communicate by writing on a piece of paper."

The surgeon explained that the first seven days are key to see if complications will occur but that, for the moment, "everything is going well." He has no fever, his doctors said.

Sandro, 64, is portrayed as "the Argentine Elvis." He is the singer of many national classics, including Dame Fuego, Por Ese Palpitar and Rosa.

Sandro suffered from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In the past days, the family and friends of the singer had said his situation was "critical" given his deteriorating respiratory weakness.

The donor of the heart and lungs was 22 years old, and in good health when he passed away, said cardiologist Claudio Burgos, adding that this would help in the recovery of the patient.