KL show helps Krista get over break-up blues

When Krista Kleiner invited Funfare to do an exclusive coverage of the launch of her debut album in Kuala Lumpur two weeks ago, she said that she was going to also make “an important announcement” during the occasion but changed her mind at the last minute.

I’m not in a position to reveal what it was but I’ll give you a clue: After she broke up with Jay-R, the former Bb. Pilipinas-International realized that there’s “a new life” after all — you know, when God closes a door, He opens a window to let the sunshine in. That concert definitely helped Krista overcome break-up blues or mend her heart if Jay-R indeed broke it.

I was in Taipei to interview Will Smith and his son Jaden (for After Earth, check out my Conversation with them on Sunday, June 2 and the telecast on Saturday, June 1, on Startalk) at that time so I begged off. But I was able to do a post-launch e-mail interview with Krista who shared the stage with international artists Craig David (who dated a sexy TV host when he was here a few years ago) and Taboo (of the Black Eyed Peas).

Here are excerpts:

How did you feel a few hours before the event?

“I have to admit I was a bit nervous, hahahaha! I suppose the fact that two big name international artists were performing before and after me made me feel the pressure to be on their level. But it was a good type of nerves and pressure that thankfully had a positive impact on my performance. Craig performed a 30-minute set, followed by myself also with a 30-minute set. Then, I called Taboo and we performed I Gotta Feeling together before he proceeded with his 90-minute performance/DJ set.” 

Did Craig like your performance?

“I spoke with Craig after his performance and he said that he would be going to the VIP section to watch my performance. I asked him to give me feedback afterwards and he was nice enough to agree. Knowing that someone as talented and as experienced as Craig was watching me made this performance feel unlike any other before.”

Were you happy with how your voice turned out?

“I was well-rested thankfully, but because I was entertaining so many guests before the show and many people were smoking inside the venue, I did start feeling pain in my throat before I sang. Luckily, I was able to push my voice out till the end of my set. However, by the end of the whole show after mingling with the crowd, I completely lost my voice, hahahaha.”

What about your performance with Taboo?

“It was so surreal! I am a BEP fan so I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to perform with him. He generously shared the stage and spotlight with me throughout our performance making me feel right at home on stage with him. Taboo has such an amazing energy and ability to work the crowd, getting the whole venue jumping and singing along with us.”

What about Craig?

“Craig’s set had all the women absolutely google-eyed and in love! Hahahaha! His voice technique is amazing and he has a beautiful charm that makes his set a very passionate one. The crowd who started off a bit shy quickly warmed up to him and had everyone swaying and swooning over him. I loved that Craig’s set had a romantic but still upbeat, groovy feel with his R&B style.” 

Were there any promising developments involving Craig and/or Taboo? Any project/collaborations happening soon?

“After my performance, I met with Craig backstage and he was nice enough to not only give me feedback as he promised, but also gave me his celfone number so that we could keep in touch. Since then he has sent me messages saying that he had some ideas for me so I’m excited just at the thought of him having interest. I really hope we’ll be able to work something out.”

What were your post-concert activities?

“Warner Music, which is releasing my album, has been great to get me some radio and TV interviews since the show. I guested on Red FM’s hit morning show Breakfast WTF, another morning TV show called The Breakfast Show and the top-rating afternoon show Bella for NTV7. The hosts were nice and we had a blast! I’m working on schedules for some more TV and radio guestings for early June when I return to Malaysia.” 

(Note: It’s not the first time for Krista to perform with international artists. During her reign as Bb. Pilipinas-International, she guested on Julio Iglesias’ show at the Big Dome and Iglesias was so impressed with her performance that he enlisted Krista as guest performer on the rest of his Asian concert tour.)

 (E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)