Darren Espanto (born May 24, 2001)[1] is a Filipino Canadian singer. He made his first television appearance at the age of ten when he joined YTVs reality television The Next Star in 2012, and was included among its Top 6.[3] In 2014, he went back to the Philippines and auditioned for ABS-CBNs reality singing competition The Voice Kids,[4] finishing in second place.[5] Early life Darren Espanto was born on May 24, 2001 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His parents were Marinel and Lyndon, who emigrated from Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, and his younger sister Lynelle.[4] At the age of two, he started singing and tried to copy the tunes of the songs that he listened to. In fact, he serenaded his parents with the tunes from The Lion King or Sleeping Beauty when he was young. In return, his parents were supportive to him and his talents.[6] Before joining The Next Star, Espanto first joined a singing contest for young Filipinos in Edmonton,[3] and won during the Masters Finals of Pinoy Singing Sensation on November 19, 2011.[7] 2012-2013: The Next Star[edit] In 2012, ten-year-old Espanto auditioned for YTVs reality television The Next Star Season 5, singing Bruno Mars Grenade. One of the judges, Keshia Chanté, cried 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.[8] He continued to be selected onto its Top 6, singing pop songs such as Nobody Rihannas Only Girl (in the World)[9] and Maroon 5s Payphone[7] among others. He also had his own single and music video entitled Gotta Give A Little Extra,[10] as well as two other singles, Now[2] and Oh Oh Santa,[11] 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.[6][12] In 2013, Espanto had his first series as a guest in YTVs Life with Boys.[13] 2014-present: The Voice Kids During ABS-CBNs The Voice Kids Season 1 auditions aired on June 1, 2014, Espanto performed Jessie Js Domino,[14] which he formerly sang during The Next Star at age 11.[15] 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.[16][17] Although Espanto revealed that he was Manalacs 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. [7] He eventually advanced to the finals after singing Whitney Houstons One Moment in Time during the live semi-finals held on July 19, 2014 in Newport Performing Arts, Theater, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City.[18] He was the second one to receive the highest votes, after Lyca Gairanod.[19] While coach Lea Salonga was at a loss for words during his performance, stating that: [t]he word phenomenal is the only word I can think of for you right now...,[20] his mentor Geronimo stated that he was a winner and a complete package.[20] At the end of the competition, he once again came in second after Gairanod.[5] Personal life and education During an interview with Metro News in early June 2014, Espanto revealed that he wanted to use his talent to help the less fortunate. His father stated: Thats how giving Darren is, he always wants to help others. Hes been like that all along.[21] Later on, he stated that he would be giving the House and Lot prize to his co-competitor, Lyka Gairanod, if he ever won The Voice Kids.[22] At age 11, 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 mother was with him, while his father stayed in Canada.[4] Public image During his The Next Star audition, judge Mark Spicoluk remarked that he was a polite child, which the two other judges agreed. In the same way, the coaches of The Voice Kids also felt his humility as his mentor Sarah Geronimo stated that: I feel that you are a good boy with a pure heart. I know that God blesses a child with both talent and has a good character.[Note 1][20]
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 10:51:41 +0000
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