Darren Espanto
Darren Espanto | |
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File:Animals by Darren.jpeg | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Darren Lyndon Gonzales Espanto |
Born | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | May 24, 2001
Genres | Pop, Teen Pop, R&B, OPM, Ballad |
Occupation(s) | Singer, Dancer, Endorser, Recording Artist |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano, bass guitar |
Years active | 2012 | –present
Labels | Star Magic (2014 –present) MCA Music (2014 –present) |
Website | Darren Espanto on Instagram Official Website http://www.darrenespanto.net |
Darren Lyndon Gonzales Espanto (born May 24, 2001) is a Filipino-Canadian singer. Born in Calgary, Canada to Filipino parents, at ten years old, he won the Masters Finals of Pinoy Singing Sensation in Edmonton.[1][2] He made his first television appearance at the age of ten when he joined YTV's reality television The Next Star in 2012, he became the youngest finalist in the history of the show to be included in the Top 6.[2][3]
He rose to fame after joining The Voice Kids of the Philippines, and has been since established as "The Total Performer". He is the youngest artist in the world who had a first major solo concert at the age of 13.[4] The youngest artist who had a concert tour. He is also the youngest artist who had 5 single records at the age of 12. The youngest artist to have an all original solo album.[5] The youngest artist in the world whose two songs placed number 1 and 2 in the iTunes Chart Single category[6] less than 10 hours after it has been uploaded. Most of Espanto's shows and concerts are always sold out. In August 2014, Espanto became part of ABS-CBN's Star Magic.[7]
Espanto released his first full-length self-titled studio album, Darren, in December 2014. It debuted number 1 on Philippine charts of Apple's iTunes store and Astro Chart, and is now a certified Gold.
On January 18, 2015, he sang Tell The World of His Love for Pope Francis before thousands of audience during the Inter-Faith meeting and Encounter of Youth at the University of Sto. Tomas. As Espanto sang, Pope Francis held hands with children onstage.[8]
Personal life
Early Life
Espanto was born on May 24, 2001 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is the first child of Filipino nurses Marinel (née Gonzales) and Lyndon Espanto, who emigrated from Nueva Vizcaya.[2] Philippines,[9] He also has a younger sister named Lynelle Anne G. Espanto.[10] Despite living in Canada, his parents taught him Filipino language, particularly Tagalog, and he remains fluent with it. He said, "When I went home from school, when I'm still speaking English they will tell me 'you are not in the school anymore, you're in the house, you should speak Tagalog' so that's how I became fluent in Tagalog."[11][Note 1]
Espanto started singing at the age of two. In a Manila Bulletin interview, Espanto stated that: "When I was little, I would listen to some songs and I'd try to copy the tune to it."[12] As a toddler, Espanto serenaded his parents with the tunes from The Lion King or Sleeping Beauty in their home, which led to his relatives to discover his singing potential and urge him to pursue and hone his raw talent.[11][13][14] His parents were supportive of his dreams and talents, his father taught him the basics of singing, and his mother who was a choreographer during high school days, helped him infused dance into his singing performance.[12][14]
Education
At age 12, Darren Espanto attended Grade 6 at St. Jude Elementary in Calgary,[3] but went to the Philippines in 2014 for The Voice Kids. After getting through the auditions, he returned to Canada to write his advanced test in St. Cyril as he will come back to the Philippines. During this time, his father was with him, while his mother stayed in Canada with his little sister, Lynelle Espanto.[10]
He, along with the other "The Voice Kids" finalists received a ₱350,000 scholarship from Eton International School.[15]
Influences
Espanto cites music inspirations as varied as Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.[12] Espanto stated in an interview with push.com.ph that he is truly being inspired by a lot of Filipino singers, "I idolized Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Jed Madela, Lani Misalucha, coach Sarah Geronimo.[Note 2][16]
Career
At the age of 10 Espanto won during the Masters Finals of Pinoy Singing Sensation on November 19, 2011, singing Alone by Celine Dion.[1][2]
2012–2013: The Next Star
In 2012, ten-year-old Espanto auditioned for YTV's reality television The Next Star Season 5, singing Bruno Mars' "Grenade". One of the judges, Keshia Chanté, got emotional and told him that his voice was 'unbelievable' and 'controlled'. Judge Mark Spicoluk, on the other hand, stated that he 'lacked stage presence'. Nevertheless, after Chante asked him if he was ready, she and Tara Oram said yes, earning him the 'golden ticket'.
He continued to be selected onto its Top 6, singing pop songs such as Rihanna's "Only Girl (in the World)"[17] and Maroon 5's "Payphone"[1] among others. He also had his own single and music video entitled "Gotta Give A Little Extra",[18] as well as two other singles, "Now"[19] and "Oh Oh Santa"[20] with the other five finalists. Ultimately, he lost to the 14-year-old Brooklyn Roebuck, after singing his own single during the finals. He was the youngest finalist in the history of the show to be included in the Top 6.[12][13]
In 2013, Espanto had his first series as a guest in YTV's Life with Boys.[21]
2014: The Voice Kids
During ABS-CBN's The Voice Kids Season 1 auditions aired on June 1, 2014, Espanto performed Jessie J's "Domino", which he formerly sang during The Next Star at age 11.[9][22] Coaches Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo Mañalac both pressed their buttons for him, vocalizing that he 'can be groomed to be a recording artist, a total package'.[22][23] Although Espanto revealed that he was Manalac's front act during one of his concerts in Canada, he still picked Geronimo stating that she could help him a lot in the music industry.[1][24]
Espanto eventually advanced to the finals after singing Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time" during the live semi-finals held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila.[24] He was the second one to receive the highest votes, after Lyca Gairanod.[25] Salonga, one of the coaches commented that Espanto is a phenomenal while his mentor Geronimo stated that he was 'a winner and a complete package'.[26]
In the finale during the first round which was a power ballad theme,[2] Espanto performed Basil Valdez's song "Ngayon" which received a standing ovation including the three coaches.[27] Salonga left a warning to older performers; "To every person Darren idolized, this is a warning to all of you: this kid will outshine you someday".[Note 3] Once again, Geronimo praised him and said that despite his talent, Espanto never showed superiority and instead, listened to his coach.[27] On the final round of the competition, Espanto accompanied himself with a piano during his performance of "You Are My Song" while having a duet with the original singer Martin Nievera, which received a standing ovation.[28] At the end of the competition, he once again came in second after Lyca Gairanod.[29]
The Voice Kids Philippines season 1 performances and results | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Week | Theme | Song | Original Artist | Date | Result |
Blind Audition | — | "Domino" | Jessie J | June 1, 2014 | Sarah and Bamboo turned Joined Team Sarah |
Battle Rounds | — | "What Makes You Beautiful"
(vs. JM and JC Urquico vs. Sam Shoaf) |
One Direction | July 12, 2014 | Saved by Coach |
Sing-offs | — | "Listen" | Beyoncé | July 13, 2014 | Saved by Coach |
Semi-finals | — | "One Moment in Time" | Whitney Houston | July 19, 2014 | Saved by Public Votes (2nd Highest Votes) |
Finals | Round One: Power Ballad | "Ngayon" | Basil Valdez | July 26, 2014 | 1st Runner-up |
Round Two: Upbeat | "Somebody To Love" | Justin Bieber | July 26, 2014 | ||
Round Three: Duet with a celebrity | "You Are My Song" (with Martin Nievera) | Martin Nievera | July 27, 2014 |
2014 – present: After The Voice Kids
On July 31, 2014, in an interview with ABS-CBN News' MJ Felipe, Espanto said that he will not go back to Canada, Alberta to pursue his showbiz career in the Philippines, while his parents will go back to Canada temporarily due to work.[30] In a separate interview with entertainment site Push, Espanto said he also wants to try acting and do a project with his coach and mentor, Sarah Geronimo.[30] In August, Espanto officially became a part of ABS-CBN's training and management center Star Magic.[7]
On September 11, 2014, Espanto's rendition of Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time topped the Philippine charts of Apple's iTunes store, while his rendition of Justin Bieber's Somebody To Love placed second. His two covers surpassed foreign acts in the chart such as Taylor Swift, John Legend, The Script and Adam Levine.[31] In his past interviews, Espanto said it is his dream to make it big in the music industry and he is grateful that a lot of doors have opened for him after "The Voice Kids".[31]
On October 4, 2014, Espanto staged his first solo concert at the Music Museum entitled: "Darren Espanto: The Total Performance Concert". In this concert he did not only show off his vocal chops but also his dancing skills. A repeat of the concert will be staged on December 19, 2014.[32] And a concert tour.
On October 25, 2014, Espanto, at age 13, made his Carnegie Hall debut as the headliner at the Fourth The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York Awards, which celebrate Filipino American History Month in New York City. During the finale, he sang Whitney Houstons "One Moment in Time" and Beyonce Knowles, "Listen". Espanto received a rousing double standing ovation.[33]
On November 18, 2014, Espanto once again ruled the Philippine charts of Apple's iTunes store, His rendition of O Little Town of Bethlehem topped the chart, while his rendition of Jessie J's Domino place 2nd. The only 2 local songs to be included on the top 15.
On a report by the Manila Standard Today on November 29, 2014, Espanto signed a record and management deal with MCA Music Inc.[34]
On December 6, 2014, during The Voice Kid's All In Concert at the Philippine International Convention Center, Espanto released his first solo album " Darren" under MCA Music Inc..[35] Another launch was held on December 10, 2014 at the Fisher Mall in Quezon City. [36] His album has also debuted at number 1 at the Philippine charts of Apple's iTunes store upon its release on December 8, 2014.
On January 13, 2015, it was announced that Espanto will be singing during Pope Francis's visit to the Philippines. He will be singing Trina Belamide's "Tell The World of His Love" during the Encounter with the Youth in the University of Santo Tomas. In the interview, he said that he is very happy to sing for the Pope as he is a symbol of kindness, spreading the message of mercy and compassion.[37] On January 18, 2015, he sang for the Pope before thousands of audience during the Inter-Faith meeting and Encounter of Youth at the University of Sto. Tomas. As Darren sang, Pope Francis held hands with children onstage, spending extra time with the little ones.[38]
Filmography
Television Series
TELEVISION | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Date Aired | Network | Title | Character/Role |
2013 | July 23 | YTV | Life with Boys[39] | Himself |
TV shows
TELEVISION | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Date Aired | Network | Show | Notes |
2012 | July 16 – December 18 | YTV | The Next Star | Himself |
August 26 | TFC | Balitang Canada | Himself | |
September 30 | TFC | Balitang Canada | Himself | |
2014 | June 1 – July27 | ABS-CBN | The Voice Kids | Himself |
July 22 | It's Showtime | Himself / (Guest with TVK Top 4) | ||
August 3 - December 28 | ASAP '19 | Himself | ||
August 3 | The Buzz | Himself / (Guest with TVK Top 4) | ||
August 4 | Kris TV | Himself / (Guest with TVK Top 4) | ||
August 10 | Gandang Gabi Vice | Himself / (Guest with TVK Top 4) | ||
August 14 | Tapatan ni Tunying | Himself | ||
August 15 | Aquino & Abunda Tonight | Himself | ||
August 16 | It's Showtime | Himself / (Guest with TVK Top 4) | ||
September 1 | Kris TV | Himself | ||
September 2 | Kris TV | Himself | ||
September 3 | Umagang Kay Ganda | Himself | ||
October 7 | Kris TV | Himself | ||
October 8 | Kris TV | Himself | ||
November 5 | CTV | CTV News | Himself | |
November 19 | Global TV | Global News | Himself | |
November 28 | ABS-CBN | Umagang Kay Ganda | Himself | |
ANC | Mornings at ANC | Himself | ||
November 29 | ABS-CBN | The Bottomline with Boy Abunda | Himself | |
December 25 | ABS-CBN | The Singing Bee | Himself | |
December 29 | ABS-CBN | The Voice of the Philippines (season 2) | Himself | |
2015 | January 4 - present | ABS-CBN | ASAP '20 | Himself |
January 21 | Kris TV | Himself | ||
January 22 | Kris TV | Himself | ||
January 25 | The Voice of the Philippines (season 2) | Himself | ||
January 26 | Umagang Kay Ganda | Himself |
Discography
Studio Album
ALBUM | |||
---|---|---|---|
Year | Album Title | Recording Label | Certification |
2014 | The Voice Kids The Album | MCA Music Inc. | Gold |
Darren | MCA Music Inc. | Gold |
Singles
SINGLES | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Title/Track | Studio/Album | Details | Ref. |
2014 | In Love Ako Sayo | Darren |
|
- |
SINGLES AS FEATURED ARTIST | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Title/Track | Studio/Album | Details | Ref. |
2011 | Gotta Give A Little Extra | YTV's the Next Star – Season 5 |
|
[40] |
Now |
|
[41] | ||
Oh Oh Santa | ||||
Build A Girl | [42] | |||
2014 | Somebody To Love | The Voice Kids The Album |
|
[43] |
One Moment in Time |
|
[43] | ||
Domino | ||||
O Little Town of Bethlehem | My Christmas Album All Stars |
|
Music Videos
MUSIC VIDEOS | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Track | Studio / Album | Notes | Ref. |
2011 | Now |
|
||
Oh Oh Santa | [19] | |||
Gotta Give A Little Extra | [20] | |||
2014 | Thank You, Ang Babait Ninyo | ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2014 | TVK Top 4 | [44] |
Concerts
SOLO CONCERTS | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Title | Details | Notes | Ref. |
2014 | Darren Espanto: The Total Performance Concert |
|
First Major Solo Concert | [32] |
Darren Espanto Live in Butuan |
|
Concert Tour | [45] | |
Darren Espanto: The Homecoming Concert |
|
[46] | ||
Darren Espanto The Total Performer: Thank You Canada 2014 |
|
[47] | ||
Darren Espanto: The Total Performance Concert 2 |
|
Repeat Concert | [4] | |
Holiday Rocks with Darren Espanto |
|
|||
2015 | Darren Espanto Live in Ottawa |
|
Concert Tour | |
The Voice of Darren Espanto |
|
[48] | ||
Darren Espanto: The Total Performance Concert 3 |
|
Repeat Concert | ||
Darren Espanto: D Birthday Concert |
|
Birthday Concert |
CONCERTS AS FEATURED ARTIST | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Title | Details | Notes | Ref. |
2014 | Boses ng Bulilit... Kami Ulit! |
|
The Voice Kids | [49] |
Lani Misalucha's Concert, the Philippine Tour |
|
Guest (with Lyca Gairanod) | [50][51][52] | |
| ||||
Jed Madela All Requests 2 |
|
Guest | [53] | |
The Voice of Mitoy, Klarrise, Darren |
|
Concert (with Mitoy Yonting and Klarisse De Guzman) |
||
The Voice of Mitoy, Klarrise, Darren |
|
|||
The Voice Kids ALL IN: THE CONCERT |
|
The Voice Kids | [54] | |
2015 | The Voice Kids All In Sinulog The Concert |
|
||
Bamboo World Tour |
|
|||
Little Voices: Live In Brisbane |
|
Concert (with Lyca Gairanod) | [55] | |
Little Voices: Live In Melbourne |
|
Concert (with Lyca Gairanod) | [56] |
Awards and Nominations
AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Award | Category | Notable Work | Result | Ref. |
2014 | ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Male Cutie | Himself | Won | [57] |
Star Cinema Awards | Newsmaker Of The Year | Himself | Won | ||
Star Cinema Awards | Most Promising Child Star | Himself | Won | ||
Star Cinema Awards | Best Fandom | Darrenatics | Won | ||
2015 | Myx Music Awards 2015 | Best New Artist | Himself | Won | [58] |
Myx Music Awards 2015 | Favorite Remake | Somebody To Love | Nominated |
Notes
- ^ Translated from the Filipino language: "Pagkarating ko po galing sa school, kung nag-e-English pa rin po ako, sasabihin ho nila na 'Uy, nasa bahay ka na, wala ka na sa school, mag-Tagalog ka naman' so parang dun po ako nasanay sa Tagalog po".
- ^ Translated from the Filipino language: "Idol ko po sila Martin Nievera, Gary V., Jed Madela, Lani Misalucha, coach Sarah Geronimo.
- ^ Translated from the Filipino language: "...Sa lahat ng iniidolo ngayon ni Darren, ito ay isang babala sa inyo: ilalampaso kayo ng batang ito balang araw".
References
- ^ a b c d "WATCH: Team Sarah's Darren before 'Voice Kids'". abs-cbnnews.com. July 23, 2014. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e Tan, Erlinda Dolly (August 14, 2014). "Darren Espanto: "The Voice Kids" 2nd placer". filipinojournal.com. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
- ^ a b Volmers, Eric (July 17, 2012). "Young Calgary crooner Darren Espanto could be The Next Star". calgaryherald.com. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
- ^ a b Belmonte, Maureen Marie (October 5, 2014) "The Voice Kids' Darren Espanto to stage repeat of sold-out solo concert". ABS-CBN Interactive Inc.
- ^ "The Voice Kid Runner-up Darren Espanto Gears Up For Debut Album". The Digital Spy. September 16, 2014
- ^ "Darren Espanto tops iTunes PH". chisms.net. September 11, 2014
- ^ a b "The Voice Kids Top 4 Joins Star Magic". entertainment.abs-cbn.com. August 19, 2014. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
- ^ [1]
- ^ a b "Darren Espanto From Team Sarah Geronimo Before "The Voice Kids!"". philsense.com. July 24, 2014. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ a b Nolais, Jeremy (July 14, 2014). "Video: Calgary kid Darren Espanto trends worldwide after audition on The Voice Kids". metronews.ca. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
- ^ a b Taberna, Anthony (August 15, 2014). "Darren Espanto reveals how his parents taught him to speak Tagalog". push.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
- ^ a b c d "Pinoys Waves Canada". manilabulletin. August 31, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
- ^ a b Evano, Quay (August 30, 2012). "Pinoy kid vies for Canada's ' The Next Star'". abs-cbnnews.com. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
- ^ a b Garcia, Vincent (August 15, 2014). "What keeps 'homesick' Darren inspired". www.abs-cbnnews.com. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
- ^ 'Voice Kids' finalists get scholarships. ABS-CBNnews.com. September 17, 2014
- ^ Cagape, Kristhoff (July 25, 2014). "Darren Espanto says he will give the house to Lyca Gairanod if he wins 'The Voice Kids Ph'". push.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ Lopez, Boy. "Darren Espanto in Canada's "The Next Star"". getitfromboy.net. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
- ^ Gotta Give A Little Extra on YouTube
- ^ a b Now on YouTube
- ^ a b Oh Oh Santa on YouTube
- ^ "YTV rolls out Life with Boys Season 2 during March Break celebration". corusent.com. February 25, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
- ^ a b "Video: Darren Espanto sings 'Domino' on 'The Voice Kids' Philippines". thesummitexpress.com. January 6, 2014. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
- ^ "Bamboo, Sarah fight over Pinoy kid from Canada". abs-cbnnews.com. June 1, 2014. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
- ^ a b Dumaual, Miguel (July 18, 2014). "Meet 'The Voice Kids' semi-finalists". abs-cbnnews.com. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ "'Voice Kids' reveals top 4 finalists". abs-cbnnews.com. July 20, 2014. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
- ^ Garcia, Vincent (July 20, 2014). "Team Sarah's Darren wows with Whitney Houston hit". abs-cbnnews.com. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
- ^ a b Lacuata, Rose Carmelle (July 26, 2014). "Darren wows judges with his finals performance". push.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ "Lyca, kampeon ng 'The Voice Kids'" (in Tagalog). dzmm.abs-cbnnews.com. August 27, 2014. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
- ^ "Lyca is 'The Voice Kids' champion". abs-cbnnews.com. July 27, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
- ^ a b "Team Sarah's Darren to stay in PH for good". abs-cbnnews.com. July 31, 2014. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
- ^ a b "Darren tops iTunes PH charts". abs-cbnnews.com. September 11, 2014. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
- ^ a b "IN PHOTOS: Darren Espanto in ‘The Total Performance solo show". Rappler. October 4, 2014
- ^ Rocky Christopher Fajardo. "Behind-The-Scenes: How Coach Lea Salonga Saves the Day; Big D's Standing O at Carnegie Hall". BroadwayWorld.com.
- ^ http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/11/29/darren-espanto-signs-up-with-mca-music/
- ^ http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/concerts/77304-voice-kids-concert-darren-espanto-lyca-gairanod
- ^ http://www.wazzup.ph/2014/12/darren-espanto-solo-album-launch-fisher-mall/
- ^ http://www.rappler.com/specials/pope-francis-ph/80797-stars-perform-pope-francis-darren-espanto-angeline-quinto
- ^ http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/news/81200-darren-espanto-sings-pope-francis-ust
- ^ "YTV rolls out Life with Boys Season 2 during March Break celebration: New season premieres on Tuesday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m.". TVLoon.ca. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpqPtM9VL8g
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMWi2X7t4Ec
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qoDU11cF4A
- ^ a b [2]
- ^ "ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2014 "Thank You, Ang Babait Ninyo" Lyric Video". YouTube.
- ^ "Darren Espanto in Butuan Part 4". YouTube.
- ^ Nolais, Jeremy (November 4, 2014) "Calgary singing prodigy Darren Espanto to star in homecoming concert". Metro.
- ^ "Darren’s homecoming concert, a big hit in Edmonton". Pinoy Edmonton News. November 9, 2014
- ^ "The Voice of DARREN ESPANTO Live in Toronto – Video Plug". YouTube.
- ^ "“BOSES NG BULILIT... KAMI ULIT” CONCERT FEATURING “THE VOICE KIDS” ARTISTS AIRS THIS SATURDAY". abscbnpr.com. July 31, 2014
- ^ Darren, Lyca to join Lani Misalucha in concert. ABS-CBNnews.com. August 19, 2014
- ^ "Darren Espanto and Lyca Gairanod To Join Lani Misalucha’s Concert On August 22 – Videos". philsense.com. August 19, 2014
- ^ "Lyca Gairanod and Darren Espanto Join Lani Misalucha in Concert (Video)". Philippine News. August 19, 2014
- ^ "Jed Madela – All Requests 2". philippineconcerts.com
- ^ "The Voice Kids All In: The Concert ~ MANILA CONCERT SCENE". October 4, 2014
- ^ http://117.55.231.113/85-concerts/711-little-voice-live-in-australia-2015-melbourne-show.html
- ^ http://117.55.231.113/85-concerts/711-little-voice-live-in-australia-2015-melbourne-show.html
- ^ Umbao, Ed (October 6, 2014). "ASAP Pop Viewers Choice 2014 List of Nominees Announced". Philippine News.
- ^ http://myxph.com/features/22960/darren-espanto-is-the-favorite-new-artist-this-myxmusicawards-2015/