SB19’s Stell ‘still shocked’ after scene-stealing ‘All By Myself’ performance
SB19’s Stell Ajero with David Foster. Images: Screengrabs from X/@stellajero_, Instagram/@smartaranetacoliseum
Stell Ajero of SB19 admitted that he’s still in disbelief after bringing the audience to its feet with his rendition of “All By Myself” at David Foster’s show in Quezon City.
Ajero earned Foster’s praise at the “Hit Man: David Foster and Friends” show, which took place at the Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, June 18, after performing “All By Myself” — a song known for its varying runs and high notes, especially at the final chorus.
FULL CIRCLE MOMENT FOR STELL 💙
WATCH: Stell Ajero of SB19 did a rendition of the hit song “All By Myself” at David Foster’s “Hitman” show in Quezon City on June 18.
The hit song was originally sung by Eric Carmen in 1975. Dion’s rendition was produced by Foster, and is… pic.twitter.com/5lMID0DtiB
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) June 19, 2024
According to Ajero, Foster — who was present at his soundcheck session — asked him if he wanted to give the song “a try.”
Days and hours after his “try,” Ajero was savoring the accolades thrown his way after wowing the Canadian music mogul, and the crowd at the latter’s concert. He shared on Instagram that despite the hours that passed after his performance, he’s “still shocked” by what happened.
“Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na nabigyan ako ng ganitong opportunity to perform on stage with the hitman, Mr. David Foster,” he said. “So pag akyat ko ng stage dapat mag soundcheck na ako for my spot, pero nagulat ako Sir David is playing the piano. Then he asked me kung suot ko na in-ears (ear monitor) ko kasi pwede daw namin i-try yung song.”
(I still can’t believe I was given the opportunity to perform on stage with the hitman, Mr. David Foster. So when I went onstage, I was supposed to do a soundcheck for my spot. But I was surprised when I saw Sir David playing the piano. He asked me, since I was wearing my in-ear if I could try doing the song.)
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The SB19 member, whose mind initially went blank, kept his composure while rehearsing with Foster. He was then asked if he wanted to perform the song while referring to “All Myself,” while likening their interaction to an audition.
“Namanifest ko yata… Akala ko pinatry nya lang sa’kin. Syempre sino ba naman ako para tumanggi diba? Minsan lang yung ganong pagkakataon kaya binigay ko talaga yung best ko. Pagkatapos kong magperform, grabe din sigawan ng team and staff sa likod! Para kaming nanalo sa contest tapos talon kami ng talon,” he said.
(I guess I manifested this. I thought he wanted me to try out the song. Of course, who am I to reject his offer? Not everyone gets these kinds of opportunities so I did my best. After performing, my team and staff couldn’t help but scream backstage. We felt like we won a contest since we kept on jumping with joy.)
Praised by celebs, netizens
Ajero’s performance caught the attention of celebrities and netizens on social media, with many praising the “Room” singer for his singing prowess.
Among the celebrities who praised the SB19 member include Christian Bautista, Jessa Zaragoza, Betong Sumaya, Aiko Melendez, Sanya Lopez, and Dingdong Dantes, as well as celebrity photographer BJ Pascual.
BRAVO STELL! @stellajero_ #davidfoster pic.twitter.com/YiEqzXmeXD
— Christian Bautista (@xtianbautista) June 18, 2024
Screenshots from Stell Ajero’s Instagram
Fellow P-pop stars, including Ajero’s bandmates Pablo and Justin, KAIA’s Angela Hermoso, and 1st.One’s Joker Balicad also praised the “Room” singer.
lamog. Hahaha https://t.co/fmPISp2eQt
— PABLO (@imszmc) June 19, 2024
🍳🪺
— justin (@justintdedios) June 18, 2024
Screenshots from Instagram/@stell16_
Aside from Ajero’s fans, netizens were also wowed by the SB19 member’s performance.
when people here say filipino throat chakra this is what they mean btw https://t.co/hf1dEuhOiJ
— tom nook 🦝 (inactive but still alive!) (@tomnook555) June 18, 2024
HOYYYYYYY??? hindi ako PPOP fan nor sb19 but i do really appreciate stell’s voice siguro sa lahat ng PPOP male group si stell lang yung betsung ko kase yung voice niya talaga it’s giving Ms. Regine or Ms. Morissette 💅🏼 lol but @stellajero_ i’m proud of you so much. https://t.co/UfHomlYJVg
— 𓇼 (@itsrainbowie) June 18, 2024
not a fan of sb19 pero sobrang naappreciate ko talaga vocals ni stell sobrang amazed ako lalo na kapag nahihit niya yung high notes ng song🥹 galing galing mo talaga @stellajero_ https://t.co/iOtudjysSR
— zoe ୭ৎ (@kylerology) June 18, 2024
bruh i didn’t know stell was this good https://t.co/0Gd1Ar1Y2b
— N (RIIZE is 7) 🫧 (@darthseunghan) June 18, 2024
Ajero debuted as the main vocalist and lead dancer of SB19 in October 2018. He made his debut as a solo artist with the single “Room” earlier this month.
