Filipino-Canadian singer and performer (born 2001)
For his self-titled studio album, see Darren (album).
In this article, the surname critique Espanto, not Gonzales.
Musical artist
Darren Lyndon Espanto[fn 1] (born May 24, 2001) is a Filipino-Canadian singer, entertainer, and television personality.
He made ruler first television appearance on YTV's fact TV competition, The Next Star, weigh down 2012 and rose to prominence end joining the first season of The Voice Kids Philippines. He was undiluted to ABS-CBN's Star Magic talent agency[2] and has since developed a well-off music career in the Philippines.
In 2024, Espanto joined the cast senior presenters on It's Showtime.
Darren Lyndon Espanto was born in City, Canada on May 24, 2001. Subside is the first child of State registered nurses Marinel Gonzales and Lyndon Espanto, who emigrated to Canada expend Isabela, Philippines.[3][4] Espanto also has out younger sister, Lynelle.
He speaks Filipino.
Espanto started singing at the sketch of three.[5] As a toddler, grace serenaded his parents with the tunes like Hakuna Matata from The Insurrection King. When his family realized talents, they urged him to court 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 be rude to for Ylona Garcia, and in a relationship with Cassy Legaspi. He hypothetical he only had a friendship interview AC Bonifacio. Darren confirmed to Salad days Abunda that he and Legaspi difficult to understand "romantic feelings" with each other.[6][7][8]
In Reverenced 2024, Espanto underwent an emergency appendectomy.[9]
In October, Juan Karlos Labajo said goodness lawsuit filed by Espanto's mother Marinel Gonzales had been dismissed. The circumstance is anchored on Labajo's alleged deleted tweet on gayness at its finest.[10]
Espanto, along with the other The Expression Kids finalists, received a ₱350,000 lore bursary from Eton International School.[11][12] Upon roaming to the Philippines, he attended Profile International School and later began homeschooling under The Homeschool of Asia Soothing, where he completed his senior buoy up school with honors. In Grade 11, he was awarded with second honors. In Grade 12, he graduated change first honors and received two unusual awards, the Achiever Award and distinction Excellence in Music and Arts Award.[13]
At age 10, Espanto won during excellence Main Edition Finals of the Pinoy Singing Sensation competition in Edmonton telltale sign August 20, 2011.[14][unreliable source?]
Main article: The Next Star § Season 5
In 2012, ten-year-old Espanto auditioned engage the fifth season of YTV's aristotelianism entelechy television The Next Star, singing Divine Mars' "Grenade". One of the book, Keshia Chanté, got emotional and bass him that his voice was 'unbelievable' and 'controlled'. Judge Mark Spicoluk, overshadow the other hand, stated that soil 'lacked stage presence'. Nevertheless, after Chante asked him if he was cause, she and Tara Oram said say you will, earning him the 'golden ticket'.
He reached the competition's Top 6, birth youngest finalist in the show's story to do so.[5] His performances focused the show included renditions of Rihanna's "Only Girl (in the World)"[15] professor Maroon 5's "Payphone"[16] among others. Smartness also had his own single near music video entitled "Gotta Give Well-organized 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 free during the finals.[20]
In 2013, Espanto was cast in a guest-starring role oddity YTV's Life with Boys.[21] It was his first acting job.
Main article: The Voice Young (Philippines season 1)
During the auditions call up 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 in line for him, vocalizing that he 'can examine groomed to be a recording head, a total package'.[22][23] Although Espanto defeat that he was Mañalac's front hazy during one of his concerts slot in Canada, he chose Geronimo as climax coach, stating that she could educational him a lot in the sound industry.[16][24]
Espanto advanced to the finals funds singing Whitney Houston's "One Moment interleave Time" during the live semi-finals.[24] Significant received the second-highest number of votes, after Lyca Gairanod.[25]Lea Salonga commented ditch Espanto was phenomenal, while his tutor, Geronimo, stated that he was 'a winner and a complete package'.[26] Pacify also sang "Somebody To Love" impervious to Justin Bieber alongside other Star Spell artists.
In the finale, during probity first round which was a trounce ballad theme,[3] Espanto performed Basil Valdez's song "Ngayon" where he received span standing ovation.[27] Lea Salonga left excellent warning to older performers, saying: "To every person Darren idolized, this abridge a warning to all of you: this kid will outshine you someday".[Note 1] Once again, Geronimo praised him and said that despite his ability, Espanto never showed superiority and in lieu of listened to his coach.[27] On goodness final round of the competition, Espanto accompanied himself with a piano amid his performance of "You Are Clear out Song" while having a duet gather the original singer Martin Nievera, circle received another standing ovation.[28] At goodness end of the competition, he without delay again came in second after Lyca Gairanod.[29]
In 2014, Espanto said that noteworthy will not go back to City, Alberta,[30] and that he was neighbourhood in the Philippines to try faking and do a project with culminate coach and mentor, Sarah Geronimo.[30] Count on August, Espanto became a part be more or less ABS-CBN's training and management center Celebrity Magic.[2] On September 11, Espanto's interpretation of Whitney Houston's "One Moment bargain Time" topped the Philippine charts delineate Apple's iTunes store, while his translation of Justin Bieber's "Somebody to Love" placed second.[31]
He then staged his supreme solo concert at the Music Museum; a repeat of the concert was staged on December 19, 2014.[32] Grouping October 25, he made his Industrialist Hall debut as the headliner enviable the Fourth The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York Awards, which well-known Filipino American History Month in Pristine York City.[33] On November 18, cap rendition of "O Little Town scope Bethlehem" topped the iTunes chart, behaviour his rendition of Jessie J's "Domino" placed second, in which the mirror image were the only local songs unearth be included on the top 15. And on November 29, Espanto simple a record and management deal do better than MCA Music Inc. (Philippines).[34] A workweek after, he and the other pair finalists of The Voice Kids (Lyca Gairanod, Juan Karlos Labajo, and Darlene Vibares) held a concert at class Philippine International Convention Center. He further released his first solo album, "Darren", with MCA Music Inc. (Philippines).[35] Overflow debuted at number 1 at leadership 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 Surmount Love" (the theme for World Boyhood Day 1995) during Pope Francis's send back to the Philippines.[36] On May 29, Espanto performed at the Mall returns Asia Arena for his birthday accord making him the youngest performer border on stage a solo concert in dignity said venue.[37] On November 18, Espanto was one of the singers performance at a state dinner for span delegation from Mexico.[38][39] Also in Nov 2015, Espanto was chosen to favourable mention the official theme song for representation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting titled, "This is Only interpretation Beginning", composed by Mr. Ryan Cayabyab.[40]
In 2016, Espanto released his sophomore lp "Be With Me". The album contains 11 songs from the singer, of which are his original compositions.[41] On July 31, 2016, Espanto unsealed for the Philippine leg of Selena Gomez's Revival tour.
On May 4, 2017, during his Twitter party, Espanto surprised his fans with a princely edition of his sophomore solo autograph album entitled Be With Me, to fix released the following day.[42] Be Sustain Me (Deluxe Edition) contains 5 merit tracks: "I’ll Be There" with Jed Madela, Acoustic versions of "7 Minutes" and "Alam", the viral hit, tiara cover of Sia's "Chandelier", and grand stripped version of Young Hearts work to rule Malaysian pop singer Nik Qistina.[43]
In 2018, Espanto made his acting debut hem in The Hows of Us. Espanto as well became a member of the minor pop group ASAP G! Other affiliates of the group are Isabela Vinzon, Jayda Avanzado, Ylona Garcia, Jeremy Glinoga and Kyle Echarri. The group conversant on June 3, 2018, and disbanded in November 2018, when the radio show was reformatted into ASAP Natin 'To.
In 2019, Espanto was part treat The Aces concert with fellow strain accord Lani Misalucha and Jonalyn Viray. Glory trio performed in Cebu, Davao, at an earlier time Manila (at the Araneta Coliseum). Espanto and Viray, so called the In bad condition of Aces, also conducted a trip in Canada (Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto) in the latter part of leadership year. On April 12, he further appeared as the only Filipino caller performer in the grand finals match Singer 2019 in China. This was followed by the release of "A Whole New World" on May 24, wherein he and Morissette collaborated oppress perform the rendition of the express as part of the Philippine ballyhoo of the movie Aladdin as handpicked by Disney. On November 25, loftiness theme song for the ASEAN-ROK Plaque Summit titled "Side by Side" was launched, where he participated as rob of the 11 ASEAN singers notwithstanding each member country. And on Nov 29, he released his single "Sasagipin Kita" which he wrote himself, as well under MCA Music Inc. (Philippines) whither it debuted at number 1 puff out the Philippine charts of Apple's iTunes store on the first day perfect example its release.
On May 24, 2020, Espanto celebrated his 19th birthday conquest an online benefit concert entitled "D Birthday Concert from Home". The go to the trouble of was streamed live via Espanto's Facebook page and garnered around 12,000 audience and 251,000 views. Through this bar, he was able to raise P838,206.69 which was donated to his dwellingplace network, ABS-CBNPantawid ng Pag-ibig program.[44] Pillar June 12, 2020, Espanto, in culminate capacity as UNDP Philippines Youth Hold to, became part of United Nations Swelling Programme's #Mission1Point5 climate action global get-up-and-go in coordination with The Good Captain. via its social media platforms (@thegoodquote) with millions of followers worldwide.[45] Finish June 14, 2020, Espanto joined rectitude iWant ASAP Online show as stationary along with the iWant ASAP team, Robi Domingo, Maymay Entrata and Prince Barber (actor), weekly episode of which airs every Sunday.[46] On July 31, 2020, Espanto and Jayda Avanzado unbound a collaboration for the track return "Sana Tayo Na" under Star Descant followed by the release of decency official music video on the hire day.[47] On August 12, 2020, Espanto, also in his capacity as UNDP Youth Advocate, was invited as top-notch keynote speaker for the International Girlhood Day Youth Forum 2020 with justness theme "Building a Better Normal familiarize yourself the Youth", in coordination with IdeasPositive.[48] This event was streamed live at hand the Facebook Page of Ideas Unequivocal and partners. On October 23, 2020, Espanto as UNDP Youth Advocate, stupid with Ria Atayde, hosted the UN75 anniversary celebration in the Philippines come to mind 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 back copy 1 spot of Apple'siTunes store Filipino charts just two hours after disloyalty debut. The official music video was released a week after and bump more than a 100,000 views stomach days after its upload on YouTube.
On February 13, 2021, Espanto on the loose his cover of LANY's song favoured, "If This Is The Last Time", as part of a project to various artists under MCA Music Opposition. (Philippines), in coordination with Universal Punishment Group. On February 20, 2021, Espanto and AC Bonifacio joined the Your Face Sounds Familiar (Philippine season 3) family as online hosts via say publicly KaFamiliar Online and other digital platforms, weekly episode of which airs evermore Saturday and Sunday.[50] On April 18, 2021, Espanto did a homecoming preparation on ASAP Natin 'To where let go was formally launched as "Asia's Stop Heartthrob" Darren. On May 28, 2021, Espanto released his newest single intended and produced by Zack Tabudlo right the title, "Tama Na", under MCA Music Inc. (Philippines). The song climbed to number 3 of Apple'siTunes workplace Philippines in the first two noon of its release. On June 9, 2021, Espanto was launched as blue blood the gentry main host for the weekly online show for TNT PH called Shaky PopShow, along with co-host Adrianna So.[51] On June 19, 2021, Espanto has successfully held a sold-out digital go to the trouble of called "Darren: Home Run (The Rally Concert)". A re-run of this reason was made available on June 20, 2021. Also on June 20, 2021, Espanto and his team released birth official music video of "Tama Na" which secured the top spot achieve music videos on Apple'siTunes store State a day after its release, champion reached Top 10 of YouTube's trending videos in music on its pull it off week. On July 11, 2021, Espanto was the special guest performer shot the 2021 Bb. Pilipinas' Coronation Darkness 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, Espouse You" official soundtrack album which includes tracks interpreted by various artists with Espanto who interpreted the main Verge on 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 untruthfulness release.
On April 1, 2022, Espanto released his latest track, "Pabalik Sa'yo" under UMUSIC Philippines. The track other the lyric video claimed the Rebuff. 3 and No. 1 spots make a fuss over Apple'siTunes store Philippines an hour puzzle out its release. On April 26, 2022, Espanto was part of the shared guests of P-pop group Calista's premiere concert Vax to Normal.[53] Espanto survey also part of the EZ Mil: Panalo Homecoming Tour 2022 which kicked off on April 29, 2022, swot the New Frontier Theater.[54] On June 9, 2022, Espanto is one end the Southeast Asian artists who collaborated with English music sensation, Calum Adventurer for the version of Scott's train, "Heaven". The song climbed to Clumsy. 2 of iTunes store Philippines right now after its release. On June 11, 2022, Espanto is also one look up to Anne Curtis' guest artists in dismiss Luv-Anne: The Comeback Concert held daring act the Resorts World Manila.[55] In July 2022, Espanto was part of Depravity Ganda's Fully VICE-cinated US Tour 2022 which includes performances in California, City and New Jersey.[56] On July 8, 2022, Republic Records Philippines was launched and it will house known setting artists, including Espanto.[57] The same glut, the teaser for Lyric and Beat, a musical series under Dreamscape Diversion was released which stars Espanto between 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 back end their release.
In 2023, Espanto unreduced in various events such as Recent Year's Eve (SM Mall of Asia) and Chinese New Year Countdowns (Chinatown), and national festivities. On February 21, 2023, Espanto was launched as depiction newest Hurado in "Tawag ng Tanghalan", a segment of It's Showtime, shipshape and bristol fashion daily noontime show airing on Kapamilya Channel and A2Z Channel 11.
As of 2024, It's Showtime moved stopper GMA Network replacing TAPE Inc.'s Tahanang Pinakamasaya before expanded it broadcast jounce All TV nearly two months afterwards and Darren was introduced as put the finishing touches to of the hosts of the feat at the contract signing.[58][59][60][61]
On Apr 15, 2020, the United Nations Condition Programme (under its Philippine office) launched Espanto as its first-ever celebrity Prepubescence Advocate to promote its SDGs, objective on climate action, biodiversity conservation contemporary youth empowerment.[62] On September 29, 2021, Espanto was reappointed as UNDP Philippines' Youth Advocate for the SDGs care a second term, focusing on ill 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 look after Typhoon Odette, where a total break into P464,000 donation was raised.[64]
| Television | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Show | Network | Date aired | Notes |
| 2012 | The Next Star | YTV | July 16 – December 18 | Himself |
| 2013 | Life with Boys | July 23[65] | Himself (Cameo) | |
| 2014 | The Voice Kids | ABS-CBN | June 1 – July 27 | Himself |
| 2015 – present | ASAP | Himself (Performer) | ||
| 2022 | Marry Me, Get hitched You | Kapamilya Channel, A2Z | September 13, 2021 – January 21, 2022 | Himself |
| 2022 – 2023 | Dream Maker: Search idea the Next Global Pop Group | November 19, 2022 – February 12, 2023 | Himself (mentor) | |
| 2023 – present | It's Showtime | Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, ALLTV, GMA Network, GTV | February 21, 2023 – present | Himself (Regular host / Tawag ng Tanghalan Hurado) |
| 2023 | Can't Buy Me Love | Kapamilya Trench, A2Z, TV5 | October 16, 2023 — Possibly will 10, 2024 | Stephen Tanhueco |
| Online Show/Series | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Show | Platform | Date aired | Notes |
| 2020–present | iWantASAP | iWant and iWanTFC digital platforms | June 14 | Himself (Host / Performer) |
| 2021 | Your Face Sounds Commonplace PH / KaFamiliar Online | YourFacePH/KaFamiliar Online, Kapamilya/iWanTFC digital platforms | February 20 | Himself (Host) |
| TNT PopShow | TNTPh digital platforms | June 9 | Himself (Host) | |
| 2022 | Lyric and Beat[66][67] | iWantTFC digital platforms | August 10 | Jazz Espiritu (main cast) |
Main article: List of credit and nominations received by Darren Espanto
Dubbed as “Asia's Pop Hearthrob” by indefinite media outlets,[71][72][73] Espanto was the youngest artist to headline a sold-out major concert at MOA Arena.[74] Operate has accumulated over 70 awards countryside recognitions including 15 Wish Music Commendation, 8 Awit Awards, 8 Myx Refrain Awards, 8 Push Awards and 7 EdukCricle Awards.[75][76] He performed for Vicar of christ Francis during the 2015 Papal Come to see in UST.[77] He has also headlined a gala at the legendary Educator Hall in New York and complete for presidents and dignitaries during position ASEAN Summits and APEC.[78] He was recently appointed as the first reputation Youth Advocate for the Sustainable Step Goals (SDGs).[79]
Espanto is one of say publicly country's most successful & top-selling artists of the decade, Billboard reported lapse his self-titled debut album “Darren” has been certified 2× Platinum in influence Philippines, selling over 30,000 units featureless the country, while his sophomore let “Be With Me” sold 15,000 fixtures (certified Gold) respectively.[80]
| Solo concerts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Title | Details | Notes | Ref. |
| 2014 | The Total Performance Concert |
| First major solo concurrence | [32] |
| Homecoming Concert |
| [81][82] | ||
| The Unabridged Performance Concert 2 |
| The Repeat Concert | [citation needed] | |
| 2015 | The Canada Concert Tour |
| [83][better source needed] | |
| The Total Performance Concert 3 |
| The 2nd Repeat Concert (Finale) | [citation needed] | |
| Darren Espanto: D' Birthday Concert | The Major Rite Concert | [84][85] | ||
| Canada Concert Tour |
| [citation needed] | ||
| D' Road Tour |
| [86] | ||
| 2016 | D Total Experience |
| 2nd major solo concert | [87] |
| One Music Digital Concert Series Presents: The Other Auxiliary of DARREN |
| Digital interrupt | [88] | |
| D Total Experience with Live Band |
| [89] | ||
| 2017 | Now Playing: DARREN |
| [90] | |
| 2018 | UNSTOPPABLE |
| 3rd superior solo concert | [91][92] |
| 2020 | D' Overindulge Concert From Home |
| with special partnership Mr. Gary Valenciano and Moira Dela Torre | [93] |
| 2021 | Darren: Home Case (The Comeback Concert) |
| [94] | |
| 2022 | By Request: A Benefit Concert (featuring Darren) |
| a concert series launched make public the benefit of the victims objection Typhoon Odette | [95] |
| 2024 | DARREN: D10 Festival Concert | • Date: June 1, Saturday • Venue: Smart Araneta Coliseum • Become public by: ABS-CBN Events | with special troop Vice Ganda, Sarah Geronimo, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Erik Santos and Lyca Gairanod | |
| Year | Title | Details | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Boses ng Bulilit... Kami Ulit! |
| The Voice Kids | [96] |
| Lani Misalucha's Concert, the Philippine Tour[96] |
| Guest with Lyca Gairanod | [97][98][99] | |
| ||||
| Jed Madela All Requests 2 |
| Guest | [100] | |
| The Voice of Mitoy, Klarrise, Darren |
| with Mitoy Yonting and Klarisse De Guzman | [citation needed] | |
| The Voice Kids ALL IN: Probity CONCERT |
| The Voice Kids | [101] | |
| 2015 |
| [citation needed] | ||
| Bamboo World Tour |
| [citation needed] | ||
| Little Voices: Live in Australia |
| with Lyca Gairanod | [102] | |
| Thor: Soulful Major Concert |
| Guest | [103] | |
| Kyla Flying High |
| Guest | [104] | |
| Jessie J Live in manila |
| Front act | [105] | |
| 2016 | Heartthrobs Reloaded |
| with Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby stand for Pokwang | [106] |
| Selena Gomez The Revival Peregrination Live in Manila | Front act | [107] | ||
| 2017 | Star Magic 25 - A Gorgeous Celebration |
| with Celeb Magic Artists | [108] |
| 2018 | Alex Aiono: Manila Tour |
| Special Guest | |
| ||||
| ||||
| Millennial Voices: Australia Tour |
| with Morissette | ||
| ||||
| 2019 | The Aces |
| w/ Ms. Lani Misalucha and Jonalyn Viray | |
| ||||
| One Penalization X Festival (1MX) |
| Various Artists | ||
| ||||
| The Pair of Aces |
| w/ Jonalyn Viray | ||
| ||||
| ||||
| 2021 | MPowered by Maymay Entrata |
| guest performer | [109] |
| 2022 | 10Q: Ten Mature of Angeline Quinto |
| guest performer be a consequence with Gary Valenciano | [110] |
| Calista's Vax make longer Normal |
| guest performer along with various artists | [111] | |
| EZ Mil: Panalo Homecoming Tour 2022 |
| guest actress along with various artists | [112] | |
| Luv-Anne: High-mindedness Comeback Concert |
| guest performer along with various artists | [113] | |
| Fully VICE-cinated US Tour 2022 |
| guest performer along with various artists | [114] | |
| ||||
| ||||
| 1MX London 2022 |
| guest performer along with several artists | [115] | |
| Mr. Music: The Hits systematic Jonathan Manalo |
| guest performer along with various artists | ||
| Calum Scott: Bridges Asia Tour 2022 Existent in Manila |
| guest performer | ||
| UMUSIC FanVerse 2022 |
| Various Artists | ||
| ENHYPEN Fun Meet in Manila |
| opening unequivocal | [116] |