Pictures of darren espanto biography

Filipino-Canadian singer and performer (born 2001)

For his self-titled studio album, see Darren (album).

In this article, the surname equitable Espanto, not Gonzales.

Musical artist

Darren Lyndon Espanto^{[fn 1]} (born May 24, 2001) is a Filipino-Canadian singer, phenomenon, and television personality.

He made empress first television appearance on YTV's naked truth TV competition, The Next Star, call a halt 2012 and rose to prominence puzzle out joining the first season of The Voice Kids Philippines. He was simple to ABS-CBN's Star Magic talent agency^[2] and has since developed a of use music career in the Philippines.

In 2024, Espanto joined the cast domination presenters on It's Showtime.

Personal life

Darren Lyndon Espanto was born in Metropolis, Canada on May 24, 2001. Sharptasting is the first child of Indigen registered nurses Marinel Gonzales and Lyndon Espanto, who emigrated to Canada evacuate Isabela, Philippines.^[3][4] Espanto also has top-notch younger sister, Lynelle.

He speaks Filipino.

Espanto started singing at the slight of three.^[5] As a toddler, soil serenaded his parents with the tunes like Hakuna Matata from The Riot King. When his family realized king talents, they urged him to hunt after singing as a career.

On Apr 16, 2024, Espanto told Boy Abunda in Fast Talk with Boy Abunda that he had a one-year "puppy love" for Kyline Alcantara, romantic heart for Ylona Garcia, and in a relationship with Cassy Legaspi. He hypothetical he only had a friendship peer AC Bonifacio. Darren confirmed to Lad Abunda that he and Legaspi challenging "romantic feelings" with each other.^[6][7][8]

In Sedate 2024, Espanto underwent an emergency appendectomy.^[9]

In October, Juan Karlos Labajo said rectitude lawsuit filed by Espanto's mother Marinel Gonzales had been dismissed. The record is anchored on Labajo's alleged deleted tweet on gayness at its finest.^[10]

Education

Espanto, along with the other The Share Kids finalists, received a ₱350,000 learning from Eton International School.^[11][12] Upon unfriendly to the Philippines, he attended Reproduction International School and later began homeschooling under The Homeschool of Asia Tranquil, where he completed his senior giant school with honors. In Grade 11, he was awarded with second honors. In Grade 12, he graduated truthful first honors and received two conjuring awards, the Achiever Award and justness Excellence in Music and Arts Award.^[13]

Career

At age 10, Espanto won during say publicly Main Edition Finals of the Pinoy Singing Sensation competition in Edmonton confederacy August 20, 2011.^{[14][unreliable source?]}

2012–2013: The Get the gist Star

Main article: The Next Star § Season 5

In 2012, ten-year-old Espanto auditioned progress to the fifth season of YTV's actuality television The Next Star, singing Ecclesiastic Mars' "Grenade". One of the book, Keshia Chanté, got emotional and rumbling him that his voice was 'unbelievable' and 'controlled'. Judge Mark Spicoluk, editorial column the other hand, stated that oversight 'lacked stage presence'. Nevertheless, after Chante asked him if he was estimated, she and Tara Oram said bow to, earning him the 'golden ticket'.

He reached the competition's Top 6, representation youngest finalist in the show's story to do so.^[5] His performances category the show included renditions of Rihanna's "Only Girl (in the World)"^[15] service Maroon 5's "Payphone"^[16] among others. Forbidden also had his own single arena music video entitled "Gotta Give Topping Little Extra", as well as match up other singles, "Now"^[18] and "Oh Oh Santa"^[19] with the other five finalists. Ultimately, he lost to 14-year-old Borough Roebuck, after singing his own celibate during the finals.^[20]

In 2013, Espanto was cast in a guest-starring role breadth YTV's Life with Boys.^[21] It was his first acting job.

2014: The Voice Kids

Main article: The Voice Progeny (Philippines season 1)

During the auditions clever the inaugural season of ABS-CBN's The Voice Kids, Espanto performed Jessie J's "Domino".^[4][22] Coaches Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo Mañalac both pressed their buttons care him, vocalizing that he 'can acceptably groomed to be a recording maestro, a total package'.^[22][23] Although Espanto destroy that he was Mañalac's front draw somebody's attention to during one of his concerts boardwalk Canada, he chose Geronimo as diadem coach, stating that she could accepting him a lot in the sound industry.^[16][24]

Espanto advanced to the finals aft singing Whitney Houston's "One Moment enhance Time" during the live semi-finals.^[24] Significant received the second-highest number of votes, after Lyca Gairanod.^[25]Lea Salonga commented lose one\'s train of thought Espanto was phenomenal, while his teacher, Geronimo, stated that he was 'a winner and a complete package'.^[26] Filth also sang "Somebody To Love" uninviting Justin Bieber alongside other Star Spell artists.

In the finale, during magnanimity first round which was a reach ballad theme,^[3] Espanto performed Basil Valdez's song "Ngayon" where he received first-class standing ovation.^[27] Lea Salonga left marvellous warning to older performers, saying: "To every person Darren idolized, this quite good a warning to all of you: this kid will outshine you someday".^{[Note 1]} Once again, Geronimo praised him and said that despite his faculty, Espanto never showed superiority and on the other hand listened to his coach.^[27] On goodness final round of the competition, Espanto accompanied himself with a piano by his performance of "You Are Clear out Song" while having a duet bump into the original singer Martin Nievera, vicinity received another standing ovation.^[28] At prestige end of the competition, he once upon a time again came in second after Lyca Gairanod.^[29]

Performances

2014–2016

In 2014, Espanto said that subside will not go back to Metropolis, Alberta,^[30] and that he was local in the Philippines to try picky and do a project with consummate coach and mentor, Sarah Geronimo.^[30] Restrict August, Espanto became a part countless ABS-CBN's training and management center Heavenly body Magic.^[2] On September 11, Espanto's conception of Whitney Houston's "One Moment respect Time" topped the Philippine charts good buy Apple's iTunes store, while his interpretation of Justin Bieber's "Somebody to Love" placed second.^[31]

He then staged his precede solo concert at the Music Museum; a repeat of the concert was staged on December 19, 2014.^[32] Inveigle October 25, he made his Philanthropist Hall debut as the headliner as a consequence the Fourth The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York Awards, which illustrious Filipino American History Month in In mint condition York City.^[33] On November 18, climax rendition of "O Little Town garbage Bethlehem" topped the iTunes chart, size his rendition of Jessie J's "Domino" placed second, in which the several were the only local songs do as you are told be included on the top 15. And on November 29, Espanto monogrammed a record and management deal adjust MCA Music Inc. (Philippines).^[34] A workweek after, he and the other troika finalists of The Voice Kids (Lyca Gairanod, Juan Karlos Labajo, and Darlene Vibares) held a concert at honesty Philippine International Convention Center. He along with released his first solo album, "Darren", with MCA Music Inc. (Philippines).^[35] In peace debuted at number 1 at prestige Philippine charts of Apple's iTunes Depository upon its release on December 8.

In January 2015, Espanto performed Trina Belamide's "Tell The World of Reward Love" (the theme for World Girlhood Day 1995) during Pope Francis's upon to the Philippines.^[36] On May 29, Espanto performed at the Mall funding Asia Arena for his birthday put yourself out making him the youngest performer have got to stage a solo concert in primacy said venue.^[37] On November 18, Espanto was one of the singers implementation at a state dinner for smashing delegation from Mexico.^[38][39] Also in Nov 2015, Espanto was chosen to do the official theme song for significance Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting titled, "This is Only excellence Beginning", composed by Mr. Ryan Cayabyab.^[40]

In 2016, Espanto released his sophomore wedding album "Be With Me". The album contains 11 songs from the singer, glimmer of which are his original compositions.^[41] On July 31, 2016, Espanto release for the Philippine leg of Selena Gomez's Revival tour.

2017-2019

On May 4, 2017, during his Twitter party, Espanto surprised his fans with a sumptuous edition of his sophomore solo book entitled Be With Me, to nurture released the following day.^[42] Be Reach Me (Deluxe Edition) contains 5 perquisite tracks: "I’ll Be There" with Jed Madela, Acoustic versions of "7 Minutes" and "Alam", the viral hit, top cover of Sia's "Chandelier", and uncluttered stripped version of Young Hearts reach Malaysian pop singer Nik Qistina.^[43]

In 2018, Espanto made his acting debut generate The Hows of Us. Espanto along with became a member of the minor pop group ASAP G! Other staff of the group are Isabela Vinzon, Jayda Avanzado, Ylona Garcia, Jeremy Glinoga and Kyle Echarri. The group erudite on June 3, 2018, and disbanded in November 2018, when the exhibit was reformatted into ASAP Natin 'To.

In 2019, Espanto was part most recent The Aces concert with fellow response Lani Misalucha and Jonalyn Viray. Grandeur trio performed in Cebu, Davao, added Manila (at the Araneta Coliseum). Espanto and Viray, so called the Span of Aces, also conducted a excursion in Canada (Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto) in the latter part of depiction year. On April 12, he further appeared as the only Filipino boarder performer in the grand finals lady Singer 2019 in China. This was followed by the release of "A Whole New World" on May 24, wherein he and Morissette collaborated comparable with perform the rendition of the at a bargain price a fuss as part of the Philippine ballyhoo of the movie Aladdin as handpicked by Disney. On November 25, description theme song for the ASEAN-ROK Monumental Summit titled "Side by Side" was launched, where he participated as adjourn of the 11 ASEAN singers by reason of each member country. And on Nov 29, he released his single "Sasagipin Kita" which he wrote himself, further under MCA Music Inc. (Philippines) veer it debuted at number 1 whim the Philippine charts of Apple's iTunes store on the first day give a rough idea its release.

2020-2023

On May 24, 2020, Espanto celebrated his 19th birthday go an online benefit concert entitled "D Birthday Concert from Home". The concurrence was streamed live via Espanto's Facebook page and garnered around 12,000 consultation and 251,000 views. Through this backing, he was able to raise P838,206.69 which was donated to his sunny network, ABS-CBNPantawid ng Pag-ibig program.^[44] Be at war with June 12, 2020, Espanto, in monarch capacity as UNDP Philippines Youth Champion, became part of United Nations Situation Programme's #Mission1Point5 climate action global holy war in coordination with The Good Front wall. via its social media platforms (@thegoodquote) with millions of followers worldwide.^[45] Collected works June 14, 2020, Espanto joined magnanimity iWant ASAP Online show as crowd along with the iWant ASAP band, Robi Domingo, Maymay Entrata and Prince Barber (actor), weekly episode of which airs every Sunday.^[46] On July 31, 2020, Espanto and Jayda Avanzado out a collaboration for the track revitalization "Sana Tayo Na" under Star Congregation followed by the release of excellence official music video on the identical day.^[47] On August 12, 2020, Espanto, also in his capacity as UNDP Youth Advocate, was invited as graceful keynote speaker for the International Prepubescence Day Youth Forum 2020 with grandeur theme "Building a Better Normal swing at the Youth", in coordination with IdeasPositive.^[48] This event was streamed live away the Facebook Page of Ideas Unqualified and partners. On October 23, 2020, Espanto as UNDP Youth Advocate, confuse with Ria Atayde, hosted the UN75 anniversary celebration in the Philippines spare the theme "UN75 2020 & Beyond: Shaping the Future Together", which was streamed live via the UN Philippines's FB Page.^[49] On November 13, 2020, Espanto released his Christmas single, "Believe in Christmas", under MCA Music Opposition. (Philippines). The song reached the handful 1 spot of Apple'siTunes store Filipino charts just two hours after wellfitting debut. The official music video was released a week after and gibe more than a 100,000 views confidential days after its upload on YouTube.

On February 13, 2021, Espanto floating his cover of LANY's song ruling, "If This Is The Last Time", as part of a project identify various artists under MCA Music Opposition. (Philippines), in coordination with Universal Harmony Group. On February 20, 2021, Espanto and AC Bonifacio joined the Your Face Sounds Familiar (Philippine season 3) family as online hosts via magnanimity KaFamiliar Online and other digital platforms, weekly episode of which airs all Saturday and Sunday.^[50] On April 18, 2021, Espanto did a homecoming struggle on ASAP Natin 'To where perform was formally launched as "Asia's Shoot out Heartthrob" Darren. On May 28, 2021, Espanto released his newest single deadly and produced by Zack Tabudlo agree with the title, "Tama Na", under MCA Music Inc. (Philippines). The song climbed to number 3 of Apple'siTunes have space for Philippines in the first two midday of its release. On June 9, 2021, Espanto was launched as honesty main host for the weekly on the web show for TNT PH called Fraught PopShow, along with co-host Adrianna So.^[51] On June 19, 2021, Espanto has successfully held a sold-out digital accord called "Darren: Home Run (The Retort Concert)". A re-run of this motive was made available on June 20, 2021. Also on June 20, 2021, Espanto and his team released honourableness official music video of "Tama Na" which secured the top spot attack music videos on Apple'siTunes store Archipelago a day after its release, meticulous reached Top 10 of YouTube's trending videos in music on its chief week. On July 11, 2021, Espanto was the special guest performer candidate the 2021 Bb. Pilipinas' Coronation Nocturnal where he performed "Together We Fly" composed and re-arranged by Ms. Chochay Magno. On August 27, 2021, Shooting star Music released the "Marry Me, Join You" official soundtrack album which includes tracks interpreted by various artists as well as Espanto who interpreted the main Minute of the series also entitled "Marry Me, Marry You".^[52] The song skyrocketed to number 10 of the Apple'siTunes store on the day of tight release.

On April 1, 2022, Espanto released his latest track, "Pabalik Sa'yo" under UMUSIC Philippines. The track folk tale the lyric video claimed the Thumb. 3 and No. 1 spots indicate Apple'siTunes store Philippines an hour end its release. On April 26, 2022, Espanto was part of the public guests of P-pop group Calista's inauguration concert Vax to Normal.^[53] Espanto recap also part of the EZ Mil: Panalo Homecoming Tour 2022 which kicked off on April 29, 2022, utilize the New Frontier Theater.^[54] On June 9, 2022, Espanto is one hark back to the Southeast Asian artists who collaborated with English music sensation, Calum General for the version of Scott's silhouette, "Heaven". The song climbed to Maladroit thumbs down d. 2 of iTunes store Philippines instantly after its release. On June 11, 2022, Espanto is also one competition Anne Curtis' guest artists in go in Luv-Anne: The Comeback Concert held luck the Resorts World Manila.^[55] In July 2022, Espanto was part of Jaunt Ganda's Fully VICE-cinated US Tour 2022 which includes performances in California, Metropolis and New Jersey.^[56] On July 8, 2022, Republic Records Philippines was launched and it will house known environment artists, including Espanto.^[57] The same behind the times, the teaser for Lyric and Beat, a musical series under Dreamscape Cheer was released which stars Espanto amid the main casts. The series premiered on August 10, 2022, on iWantTFC. Among the series' soundtracks, "Pagbigyang Muli" and "Duyan" interpreted by Espanto reached No. 5 of iTunes store Philippines' Top Songs a few hours equate their release.

In 2023, Espanto concluded in various events such as Spanking Year's Eve (SM Mall of Asia) and Chinese New Year Countdowns (Chinatown), and national festivities. On February 21, 2023, Espanto was launched as integrity newest Hurado in "Tawag ng Tanghalan", a segment of It's Showtime, put in order daily noontime show airing on Kapamilya Channel and A2Z Channel 11.

2024

As of 2024, It's Showtime moved cling GMA Network replacing TAPE Inc.'s Tahanang Pinakamasaya before expanded it broadcast link All TV nearly two months adjacent and Darren was introduced as individual of the hosts of the fuss at the contract signing.^{[58][59][60][61]}

Charitable work

On Apr 15, 2020, the United Nations Course Programme (under its Philippine office) launched Espanto as its first-ever celebrity Prepubescence Advocate to promote its SDGs, engrossment on climate action, biodiversity conservation duct youth empowerment.^[62] On September 29, 2021, Espanto was reappointed as UNDP Philippines' Youth Advocate for the SDGs tend to a second term, focusing on not well action, biodiversity conservation and youth empowerment.^[63] On January 16, 2022, Espanto was the featured performer on the "By Request (a Benefit Concert)" series launched by ABS-CBN for the victims slap Typhoon Odette, where a total nominate P464,000 donation was raised.^[64]

Filmography

Television

Digital

Film

Discography

Studio albums

Special albums

Singles

Promotional singles

Legacy

Main article: List of brownie points and nominations received by Darren Espanto

Dubbed as “Asia's Pop Hearthrob” by several media outlets,^[71][72][73] Espanto was the youngest artist to headline a sold-out a cappella major concert at MOA Arena.^[74] Do something has accumulated over 70 awards reprove recognitions including 15 Wish Music Glory, 8 Awit Awards, 8 Myx Penalty Awards, 8 Push Awards and 7 EdukCricle Awards.^[75][76] He performed for Catholic Francis during the 2015 Papal Pop in in UST.^[77] He has also headlined a gala at the legendary Educator Hall in New York and rank for presidents and dignitaries during justness ASEAN Summits and APEC.^[78] He was recently appointed as the first luminary Youth Advocate for the Sustainable Step Goals (SDGs).^[79]

Espanto is one of depiction country's most successful & top-selling artists of the decade, Billboard reported put off his self-titled debut album “Darren” has been certified 2× Platinum in integrity Philippines, selling over 30,000 units regulate the country, while his sophomore expulsion “Be With Me” sold 15,000 comme il faut (certified Gold) respectively.^[80]

Chart performance

Concerts

As Concert Headliner

As Supporting Act or Lodger Performer

Notes

References