‘The Voice Kids’ finalist feels victorious

DARREN Espanto “just feels the music” so he could express love songs convincingly.

MANILA, Philippines—Teen singer Darren Espanto, first runner-up in the first season of “The Voice Kids,” is starting to realize that he can have an exceptional career despite not winning the talent search.

“My coach, Sarah Geronimo, used to remind me that I didn’t need to win just to prove myself,” he told the Inquirer in an interview. “She told me to stay humble and keep singing my heart out.”

After “The Voice Kids,” the Filipino-Canadian teen has been consistently doing shows, the biggest of which was his first solo concert at the Music Museum last October. He sang for Pope Francis at the University of Santo Tomas youth encounter in January.

He just struck yet another item off his bucket list, having released his debut solo record. Titled “Darren” (MCA Music), the eight-track album features four compositions by Vehnee Saturno whom, Darren said, is one of his discoverers. Carrier single is the “bubble-gum” song “In Love Ako Sa’yo.”

“I didn’t know how the listeners would receive the album. I’m glad that my fans supported it,” said Darren, 13, also a capable dancer. “In a recent mall show, I asked the people if they already had the album. One person held up a box-full!”

Different types

Darren said, adding that the album’s genre is right in his wheelhouse—pop, R&B and ballads. “But I’d like to try musical theater someday, just for a change.”

Some tracks in the album tackle romance—still alien territory to him, Darren admitted. “I’m too young. I try to understand every song’s meaning; otherwise, I just feel the music so I can express it better.”

Not a few avid “The Voice Kids” viewers thought Darren should’ve won, instead of 10-year-old Lyca Gairanod. This album isn’t a vindication for the fans, certainly not for Darren.

Like siblings

“We were like brothers and sisters, all four finalists; we would have been happy, whoever won,” stressed Darren.

Darren is known for his belting ability. He even takes on with ease songs intended for women. While diminished range in male singers is inevitable with puberty, Darren is not too worried about it. “I can adjust,” he said confidently. “I just have to find the right songs.”