Kyla

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Kyla

Kyla performing at Party Pilipinas on November 7, 2010
Background information
Birth name Melanie Hernandez Calumpad
Also known as Philippine's R&B Princess
Soul Princess
Born January 5, 1981 (1981-01-05) (age 31)
Origin Manila, Philippines
Genres Contemporary R&B, R&B, Soul, P-pop, Pop, Jazz
Occupations Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Producer, TV host, Actress
Instruments Vocals, Piano
Years active 1994 – present
Labels EMI Music
Philippines PolyEast Records (EMI Philippines)
Indonesia Tarra Group (Indonesia)[1]
Associated acts Jay R, Regine Velasquez, Too Phat, Ogie Alcasid, Keith Martin, Joeniar Arief, Rachelle Ann Go

Melanie Hernandez Calumpad Alvarez (born January 5, 1981), better known by her stage name Kyla, is an R&B singer, songwriter, producer, TV host, and occasional actress from the Philippines.

Known as "The Philippines' R&B and Soul Princess", Kyla is one of the most awarded singers in the Philippines and is the first and the only Filipino female singer to have won at the MTV Video Music Awards winning the MTV Viewer's Choice for Southeast Asia for the music video for her hit single "Hanggang Ngayon" in 2001.[2] She has collaborated with many international artists such as Keith Martin, British boy-band Blue, Ronan Keating, Norwegian band Fra Lippo Lippi, Indonesian R&B singer, Joeniar Arief, and Malaysian artists Too Phat, Noryn Aziz, Ferhad, and Hazami[3]

She began her career in 2000 with OctoArts EMI Philippines. She rose to prominence with the release of her her second single "Hannggang Ngayon". The song went on to win at MTV Video Music Awards. She has released a total of eight albums to date, all of which were certified Platinum albums.[4] Kyla is currently managed by EMI Philippines (PolyEast Records), ALV Talent Circuit, and Tarra Group (Indonesia).[5]

Kyla often performs with longtime music partner, Jay R. The two had their own segment at the music variety show, SOP for which she was a regular performer from 2003 to 2009. In 2010, the show was replaced by Party Pilipinas where she also is a current TV host and performer.


Contents

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early Life and Discovery

Weaned on her parent’s old school soul and jazz records—Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Aretha Franklin— Kyla soon developed an affinity to singing, hugging the mic every single chance she gets. By her 10th birthday, Kyla was already joining over prestigious TV singing contests. She was lording "Tanghalan ng Kampeon" for six straight weeks, and with her powerful interpretation of Jennifer Holiday’s “I Am Changing,” became the show’s grand champion in 1993.[6]

Veteran director Al Quinn saw her potential, encouraging her to join the immensely popular Wednesday group of That’s Entertainment, an afternoon variety show on GMA Network using her real name, Melanie, as her screen name.

Kyla represented the country in the Fourth Yamaha Music Quest on August 1995 in Japan, where she interpreted the Vernhee Saturno original, "Only World".

In 1997, she brought home the third prize trophy in the Metropop Young Singers’ Competition (later renamed Metropop Star Search). Soon GMA’s Infiniti Records offered Kyla, along with fellow Metropop Star Search winners Carmela Cunta and Jonard Yanzon, to wax a couple of songs for a compilation album entitled "Kung Umiibig Na". She recorded two solo tracks: "I Wish You Love"" and the folksy love song, "Kung Magkikita Tayo Muli", which would later re-emerge as a Vina Morales signature hit, "Muli".

Armed with a Raymund Ryan composition, "One More Try", Kyla once again joined the Metropop Song Festival in 2000. The song failed to make it in the Top 12. It did, however, make it to EMI’s A/R Manager Francis Guevarra’s consciousness. Guevarra immediately signed her to a recording deal with EMI Philippines on April 2000 and was given the stage name 'Kyla' meaning princess.

She graduated high school at San Sebastian College - Recoletos and earned her Bachelor's Degree at Philippine Christian University.

[edit] 2000-2003: Debut and Early International Activities

Kyla made her big debut in 2000 with Way To Your Heart with its hit carrier single, “Bring It On.” The album brought out the realization that yes, the country’s first honest-to-goodness R&B has arrived. Comparisons to R&B super stars Brandy and Aaliyah began to surface.

It was her second single, the piano-driven ballad "Hanggang Ngayon"" that turned out to be Kyla’s breakthrough hit, topping a host of FM radio charts. The song’s music video, which was directed by Lyle Sacris, further boosted the song’s popularity. The video won for Kyla two big honors trophies at the 2001 MTV Pilipinas Awards: Best New Artist and Video of the year. Her video even went on to win the MTV Southeast Asia Video Music Award.

Along with Lea Salonga and Regine Velasquez, Kyla was listed as Best Female Singer in a survey held by popular teen magazine Meg in her first full year in the music business alone. Kyla also has six Awit Awards, including Best New Female Artist. FM Radio station KF FM even hailed her as Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

Kyla’s second album I Feel for You marked Kyla’s debut as a songwriter, penning two compositions: "I’m Into You"" and "This Day". It is with her sophomore offering that Kyla was given the opportunity to collaborate with popular recording artists like Freestyle and Gary Valenciano. She also collaborated with Malaysian R&B artist, Ferhad for his single "What More"[7]

Kyla opened 2002 with a band, receiving the award for Female Artist of the Year from two of the country’s most popular radio stations Magic 89.9. and Monster Radio RX 93.1. She was also invited to perform at the MTV Asia Awards with popular boy group Blue.

Kyla’s third album, I Will Be There is aided by the country’s most popular and respected artists. The title track is penned by none other than Ogie Alcasid , while "Naghihintay Lamang" is written by Janno Gibbs and "Feel So Good" by Rhada. There are a couple of reunions in I Will Be There, as well. First is with Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano as they do a duet with "Sana Maulit Muli". After their performance at the MTV awards, Blue collaborates with Kyla wit the funky "Flexin’".

Kyla joined the noontime variety show SOP as a regular host on April 24, 2002. On November 29, 2002, Kyla interpreted the song "Buti Na Lang" at the Metropop Songfest.

Kyla released her third album, I Will Be There, which is also the title of her ballad carrier single on May 23, 2003. The album also produced the single "Bounce." She performed the song "Flexin" with British R&B group Blue at the MTV Asia Awards in Singapore that same year. Kyla made special appearances in sitcoms and made her acting debut in the telenovela Narito Ang Puso Ko.

[edit] 2004-2006: Not Your Ordinary Girl and Beautiful Days

Kyla, as one of the most popular faces in the entertainment industry, she remained as simple as she is in person.

She co-hosted GMA Channel 7’s defunct Sunday variety show SOP. She opened 2004 with her birthday celebration at SOP with a surprise duet from American singer-songwriter and producer, Keith Martin. Kyla had included one of his songs in her Perfectly Acoustic compilation album released December 2003.

Onto her fourth album, Kyla dished out what may be Kyla’s best work just yet. There were a lot of collaborations, a bunch of revivals, and some cute original materials, making Not Your Ordinary a not so ordinary album, too.

Currently on its way to the top of the charts is Kyla’s first single, "Human Nature". The song is a Michael Jackson original that is one of the several covers in the album. Kyla remakes Claire Marlowe’s "Till They Take My Heart Away'"", as well as Gary Valenciano.’s "What More Can I Say?", and Ella Mae Saison’s "If The Feeling Is Gone".

Collaborations with Keith Martin and Jay-R make Kyla’s album a fun and funky album. From R&B to pop to a bit of hip hop and the good ol’ ballad, Not Your Ordinary Girl demonstrates Kyla’s versatility as a singer and performer. Kyla’s conquest to stardom paid off as her latest album attained its Platinum status in November 2004. Her concert, Kyla "Not Just Your Ordinary Girl" at the Araneta Coliseum on November 12, 2004, was a certified sold out concert as well.[8]

The same year, she opened for Alicia Keys Live in Manila at the Araneta Coliseum.

From 2006 to 2007, Kyla hosted Popstar Kids, which aired on QTV.

In June 2006, Kyla’s blend of singer-songwriter sensitivity and a big voiced R&B have proven more as she released her fifth album under EMI Phils entitled Beautiful Days where each track takes you to the emotional high of love to return and the lows of a love unrequited in five covers and nine original singles.

The album features the first single "Ngayong Wala Ka Na'', a sumptuous combination of soul and heart with the song’s composer, arranger and producer is R&B hit maker himself, Keith Martin. This song is also written by Jason Balibay and Diana Dayao.

Self-assured, illuminating performance underscores Kyla a boundless passion for her craft. She explains Beautiful Days as means moving forward, moving ahead, looking at things in a beautiful way.”

[edit] 2007-2009: Heartsongs

In 2007, she released her sixth album, Heartfelt. Her first album of remakes, Heartfelt contained 17 tracks, 16 of which are remakes including "I Don't Want You to Go" and "It's Over Now" and an original composition, "Someone"[9]

Kyla and Jay R also were given their own segment at SOP Rules called "Souled Out" which aired on GMA Network every Sunday.

On October 10, 2007, Kyla sang the Philippine National Anthem in Manny Pacquaio versus Marco Antonio Barrera fight at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.[10]

After Heartfelt, she released and co-produced her seventh album, 2008's Heart 2 Heart. The album produced the 2009 singles "Old Friend" and "Back in Time", written by Jay-R. The song "You Make Me Feel", written by Kyla and Jay R, won "Best R&B song at Awit Awards while "Back in Time" won "OPM Song of the Year" at the RX 93.1 Awards and "Best Collaboration Award" at the Wave 89.1 Urban Music Awards. In 2010, "Back in Time" also won "Favorite song" at the MYX Music Awards .[11] Along with these awards she also won "OPM Female Artist of the Year" and "OPM Female Artist of the Decade" at the RX 93.1 Awards late 2009.

Kyla also played a lead role on Dear Friend's episode, "The Three Bachelors", starring opposite longtime music partner Jay R.

[edit] 2010-present: Private Affair and International Activities

On February 14, 2010, Kyla joined fellow R&B artists Jay R and Billy Crawford and Nikki Gil for a special Valentine's Day concert.

Kyla received nominations at 2010 MYX Music Awards including Favorite Female Artist, Favorite Mellow Video for Old Friend, Favorite Collaboration and Favorite Song for Back in Time with Jay R, and Favorite Remake for the album Heart 2 Heart[12]

In celebration of a 10-year prominence in the music industry, PolyEast Records released 27 of the "R&B royalty's" biggest hits in a two-CD compilation: Essence of Soul: The Hits Collection along with a new song, "Hanggang Wakas". "Hanggang Wakas" is a duet with Malaysian pop-R&B artist Hazami, who first wrote the song in Bahasa entitled “Tekad".

Kyla is a regular performer-host of GMA’s Sunday variety show Party Pilipinas.[13] On November 29, 2010, Kyla and longtime music partner Jay R held a concert at the Music Museum, entitled "Soulmates". At that time, the two had also signed a contract with Terra Group in Indonesia.[14]

While recording an album in Indonesia and Malaysia[15] Kyla's album Private Affair was released on November 30, 2010 under EMI and PolyEast Records. Its first single is "Mahal Kita (Di Mo Pansin)". Its second single, "Don't Tie Me Down", written by Kyla, Jay-R, Kris Lawrence, Billy Crawford, and Jimmy Muna, was released in January.

Meanwhile, Kyla is also a featured artist in Indonesian R&B artist Joeniar Arief's new album Melayang Tinggi. The official music video for his third single "Indah Cinta Kita" featuring Kyla was released on first week of August 2011 that became a big hit on radio stations all over Indonesia.[16][17]

Michael Bolton and David Foster recently conveyed their admiration for Kyla's singing prowess upon hearing her sing "I Will Always Love You" as David Foster played the piano at a private dinner hosted by Vicky Belo. Michael Bolton said Kyla was "super amazing!”. The said dinner was attended by few people including American singer Ashanti.[18]

Brian McKnight has also expressed a desire to work with Kyla, calling her his "new favorite female vocalist". He wrote a song for her entitled "My Heart", which Kyla performed for the first time on November 6, 2011 at Party Pilipinas.[19][20]

Kyla held a concert at Teatrino, Greenhills on November 11, 2011 before marrying Rich Alvarez entitled Depidida de Soltera (translated as, “Farewell to spinsterhood / single-hood”, in English).[21]

Kyla was one of the cast of GMA Network's Primetime Time of My Life, the first ever dance themed series on Philippine Television.

On December 11, 2011, Kyla sang the Philippine National Anthem in Brian Viloria versus Giovanni Segura boxing match at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, Philippines.

[edit] Personal life

Kyla graduated from Philippine Christian University with a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications. Her father is a lawyer and, she has three siblings.

Known for her humble and wholesome personality, she has maintained a relatively low-key life away from the controversies of show business, although her relationship with basketball player Rich Alvarez was especially followed by the media.

[edit] Engagement and Wedding

In 2005, Kyla began dating PBA player Rich Alvarez. After six years of dating, the couple announced their engagement on February 10, 2011.[22] During her announcement at Party Pilipinas, Kyla performed her song "Beautiful Days". Upon revealing their engagement video called "Save the Date" at Party Pilipinas, Kyla performed the song "Another You".[23] On October 23, Kyla and Jay R did their last duet together before Kyla was to get married.[24]

On November 6, 2011, Kyla sang a song written for her by Brian McKnight. Entitled "My Heart", it has since become her wedding song.[25]

[edit] Preparations

Though Kyla and Rich were both very much involved in the wedding preparations, the couple preferred to keep the wedding itself and the details at a very low key [26]

On November 9, 2011, it was revealed that Kyla's wedding dress was designed by friend-couturier Cocoy Lizaso [27] She also mentioned that she will not be singing on her wedding as she wants her friends in the music industry to sing for her this time. It was revealed that Ogie Alcasid, Gary V, Martin Nievera, Jaya, and Janno Gibbs would sing at her wedding.[28] Due to their busy schedules, according to speculations, will take place sometime in June 2012.[29]

Following the release of their engagement video in Party Pilipinas on July 2011, Kyla revealed that the wedding will take place on November 28, 2011.[30]

[edit] The Ceremony

The wedding took place on November 28, 2011 at Santuario de San Antonio, a well-known church for weddings between Forbes Park and Dasmariñas Village in Makati City.[31] Among the attendees are the executives of the three top commercial television networks in the Philippines: Felipe Gozon, Ms. Cory Vidanes, and Mr. Manny Pangilinan who all served as principal sponsors of the wedding.[32] Ogie Alcasid was also a principal sponsor. Close friends of Kyla from the industry, Karylle, Christian Bautista, Erik Santos, Rachelle Ann Go, and Jolina Magdangal also attended the wedding.[33]

During the church rites, La Diva, Kris Lawrence, Yosha Honasan, and Opera performed. For the reception, Kyla invited fellow singers from Party Pilipinas, Janno Gibbs and Jaya. Mr. Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera both from the rival show variety show ASAP also crossed network lines to sing at the wedding as well.[34]

[edit] Broadasting

A day after the ceremony, a church wedding video was released featuring the song Beautiful Days, the song Kyla wrote for Rich five years ago.[35]

GMA network aired "A Beautiful Day: Kyla & Rich Alvarez Wedding Day TV special" on December 10 and 11, 2011 that included the couple's personal story.


[edit] Discography

Studio albums
Compilation albums

[edit] Other records: collaborations and singles as a featured artist

Year Title Duet/s Country
2011 Indah Cinta Kita Joeniar Arief Indonesia Indonesia
2010 Hanggang Wakas Hazami Malaysia Malaysia
2010 Teman (Bahasa version of Hanggang Ngayon) Noryn Aziz
2010 How Do You Keep the Music Playing Martin Nievera Philippines Philippines
2009 Back At Home Young JV
2008 Parting Time Erik Santos
2006 Say That You Love Me Jay-R
2005 On And On Too Phat Malaysia Malaysia
2005 Let The Love Begin Jerome John Hughes Philippines Philippines
2005 You Were There Regine Velasquez-Alcasid
2004 What More Ferhad Malaysia Malaysia
2003 Flexin' Blue United Kingdom UK
Philippines Philippines
2002 Wish We Were Two Fra Lippo Lippi Norway Norway
Philippines Philippines
2002 Kahit Kailan South Border Philippines Philippines
2002 Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile Gary Valenciano
2002 Tara Tena (Himig Handog 2002 entry) Kaya & V3
2001 Laro D-Coy

[edit] Filmography

[edit] Television

Year Title Role Notes
2012 Kusina Master Guest Co-host GMA Network
2011 Time Of My Life Elaine GMA Network
2011 I-Shine Talent Camp Guest Judge GMA Network
2011 Coke Music Studio Herself/Performer ABS-CBN
2011 MYX Live Herself/Performer ABS-CBN
2011 MYX Music Awards Performer ABS-CBN
2010 Diva Guest Appearance GMA Network
2010–present Party Pilipinas Herself/Performer GMA Network
2010 MYX Celebrity VJ ABS-CBN
2009 Dear Friend Season 2: The Bachelor Sarah Ocampo GMA Network
2009 MYX Celebrity VJ ABS-CBN
2009 MYX Music Awards Performer ABS-CBN
2009 Celebrity Duets Season 3 (Philippine Edition) Celebrity Duet Partner GMA Network
2008 Celebrity Duets Season 2 (Philippine Edition) Celebrity Duet Partner GMA Network
2007 Celebrity Duets Season 1 (Philippine Edition) Celebrity Duet Partner GMA Network
2007 Popstar Kids Season 2 Host QTV-11
2005 MYX Celebrity VJ ABS-CBN
2005 All Star K! Campus Crushes GMA Network
2005 Bubble Gang Host GMA Network
2005 Popstar Kids Season 1 Host QTV-11
2004 Narito Ang Puso Ko Guest-role GMA Network
2004 Magpakailanman: The Sarah Geronimo Story Sarah Geronimo GMA Network
2004–2010 SOP Herself/Performer GMA Network

[edit] Awards and Nominations

With more than 10 years of prominence in the music industry, Kyla has accumulated numerous awards from many critically acclaimed Philippine Music Award giving bodies, surpassing many of her contemporaries.

[edit] 2011

Awards
show
Nomination(s) Categories Results
24th Awit Awards Mahal Kita (Di Mo Pansin) Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist Won
Best Vocal Arrangement (Vocal Arranger: Francis Louis Salazar) Won
Best R&B Nominated
Don't Tie Me Down Best Dance Recording Nominated
3rd Star Awards for Music Kyla (Herself) Female Recording Artist Nominated
Private Affair Album of the Year Nominated
6th MYX Music Awards Kyla (Herself) Favorite Female Artist Nominated
RX 93.1 Awards Kyla (Herself) OPM Female Artist of the Year Won

[edit] 2010

Awards
show
Nomination(s) Categories Results
5th MYX Music Awards Back In Time with Jay-R Favorite Song Won
Favorite Collaboration Nominated
Kyla (Herself) Favorite Female Artist Nominated
Old Friend Favorite Mellow Video Won
Heart 2 Heart Favorite Remake Nominated
Wave 89.1 Urban Music Awards Back In Time with Jay-R Best Collaboration Nominated

[edit] 2009

Awards
show
Nomination(s) Categories Results
22nd Awit Awards Back In Time with Jay-R Best Collaboration Nominated
You Make Me Feel Best R&B song Won
Ribbon In The Sky (Musical Arranger: Bobby Velasco) Best Musical Arrangement Nominated
Ribbon In The Sky (Vocal Arranger : Arnie Mendaros) Best Vocal Arrangement Nominated
4th MYX Music Awards Kyla (Herself) Favorite Female Artist Nominated
Star Awards for Music Heart 2 Heart Best R&B Album Nominated
Kyla (Herself) Best R&B Artist Nominated
1st Radio Music Awards Solo Favorite RnB Nominated
RX 93.1 Awards Back In Time with Jay-R OPM Song of the Year Won
Kyla (Herself) OPM Female Artist of the Year Won
OPM Female Artist of the Decade Won
Pure n' Fresh Top Teen Awards Kyla (Herself) Top Teen Female Entertainer Won

[edit] 2008

Awards
show
Nomination(s) Categories Results
21st Awit Awards It's Over Now Best Ballad Won
Love Will Lead You Back Best Recording by a Female Artist Nominated
3rd MYX Music Awards Love Will Lead You Back Favorite Remake Won
Favorite Mellow Video Nominated
Kyla (Herself) Favorite Female Artist Nominated

[edit] 2007

Awards
show
Nomination(s) Categories Results
20th Awit Awards Doin' Just Fine Best Engineered Recording Nominated
YES! Mag's Readers' Choice Awards Beautiful Days Hitmaker of the Year Won

[edit] 2006

Awards
show
Nomination(s) Categories Results
19th Awit Awards Beautiful Days Best Ballad Nominated
Say That You Love Me with Jay-R Best Performance by a Duet Nominated
Let the Love Begin with Jerome John Hughes Nominated
1st MYX Music Awards "Say that you love me" with Jay R Favorite Collaboration Nominated

[edit] 2005

Awards
show
Nomination(s) Categories Results
MTV Pilipinas Kyla (Herself) Favorite Female Artist Nominated
18th Awit Awards Not Your Ordinary Girl Album of the Year Nominated
If The Feeling Is Gone Best Ballad Nominated
Not Your Ordinary Girl (feat. Jimmy Muna) Best R&B Song Nominated
Something About You (feat. Thor) Nominated
Hindi Mo Ba Alam (feat. PKaso) Nominated
1st Philippine Annual Hip-hop Music Awards Kyla (Herself) First Filipina recipient of the Female R&B Artist of the Year Award by Empire Entertainment Won
Not Your Ordinary Girl R&B Video of the Year Nominated


[edit] 2004

Awards
show
Nomination(s) Categories Results
17th Awit Awards Kyla (Herself) People’s Choice Artist Won
Sana Maulit Muli (with Gary Valenciano) Best Performance by a Duet Won
I Will Find You Best R&B Song Won
Bounce Nominated
Always on Time Best Vocal Arrangement Nominated
Aliw Awards Kyla (Herself) Best Concert Act (Female) Nominated
Best Performer in Hotel, Music Lounges and Bars Nominated
Most Promising Female Entertainer Nominated
National Consumer’s Choice Awards Kyla (Herself) Best Female Artist Won
Tinig Awards Kyla (Herself) NPC’s Tinig 2004 Honorees Won
RX 93.1 Awards Kyla (Herself) OPM Female Artist of the Year Won


[edit] 2003

Awards
show
Nomination(s) Categories Results
16th Awit Awards This Day Best R&B Nominated
Katha Awards This Day Best R&B Song Nominated
Metropop Song Festival Buti Na Lang Close-up Planet Choice Song (Interpreter)(3rd Place) Won

[edit] 2002

Awards
show
Nomination(s) Categories Results
MTV Pilipinas I Feel For You Best Song Won
Kyla (Herself) Best Female Artist Nominated
Gary Valenciano featuring Kyla - Can We Just Stop and Talk a While Favorite Male Video Won
Aliw Awards Kyla (Herself) Best New Female Artist Won
Katha Awards Tara Tena (with Kaya & V3) Best R&B Performance Won
Best R&B Song Won
Song of the Year Won
Laro(with D’Coy) Best Rap Performance Nominated
RX 93.1 Awards I Feel For You OPM Song of the Year Won
Kyla (Herself) OPM Female Artist of the Year Won
Magic 89.9 Awards Kyla (Herself) Female Artist of the Year Won

[edit] 2001

Awards
show
Nomination(s) Categories Results
MTV Video Music Awards Kyla (Herself) MTV Southeast Asia Viewers' Choice Won
MTV Pilipinas Kyla (Herself) Best New Artist Won
Hanggang Ngayon Best Video Won
14th Awit Awards Kyla (Herself) Best New Female Recording Artist Won
Music Video Performance of the Year Won
"Hanggang Ngayon" Music Video of the Year Won
"Bring It On" Best R&B Won
Guillermo Mendoza Foundation Awards Kyla (Herself) Most Promising Female Artist Won
JAM: Himig Handog Sa Makabagong Kabataan Kyla (Herself) Grand Prize Winner: Tara Tena (Interpreter) Won
RX 93.1 Awards Kyla (Herself) OPM Female Artist of the Year Won
KCFM 93.9 Awards Kyla (Herself) Breakthrough Artist of the Year Won

[edit] References


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