From impressing the coaches of “The Voice Kids” Season One to headlining local and international concerts, Darren Espanto has earned the title of “Asia’s Pop Heartthrob” with his powerful voice that has captivated many audiences.
Darren’s journey began with a twist of fate as he finished as a strong runner-up in 2014. He staged his first solo concert and released his debut album Darren, which went double platinum in the same year. He looks back on his journey as a way of the universe working to give the right opportunities at the perfect time.
“Starting off with ‘The Voice Kids’ hindi naman ako yung nanalo. So I thought that was going to be a low point not just in my career but in my life. Pero kahit hindi ako yung naging grand champion that season, it opened so many opportunities for me and nagtuloy-tuloy siya until sa umabot ako ng 10 years,” he said. “It’s a part of life, rejection, all the ups and down, at darating din yung timing para sa’yo na sinasabi nila. If it’s destined for you, it will happen.”
What could have been a low point in his career instead became the foundation for a flourishing decade in the spotlight. His amazing talent and resilience propelled him forward. Though his journey has its highs and lows, Darren is grateful for his fans unwavering support and love throughout his career.
“It’s really been a pretty long journey pero hindi mo maramdaman ‘yon kapag nandito ka sa industriya. Nakikita lang ng mga tao is all the happy moments pero it’s a bittersweet journey sa industriya. I’m so glad na I’ve been blessed with amazing supporters — yung Darrenatics and also the people around me who have been supportive since ‘The Voice Kids,’” recalling the overwhelming support he has received since he started.
Darren is now preparing for his 10th anniversary concert “D10,” which will take place at the Araneta Coliseum on June 1. Darren will be joined by special guests Erik Santos, Gary Valenciano, Lyca Gairanod, Ogie Alcasid, Sarah Geronimo, and Vice Ganda.
“It means a lot kasi all of the guests in my concert are related to my journey in the showbiz industry, whether it be sa career or personal life kasi connected na yung dalawa. Once you find the right people, they become your friends sa totoong buhay,” Darren shared.
In 2023, Darren released the single Bibitaw Na, marking his new beginning with ABS-CBN’s Star Music label. The pop track speaks about moving forward from a toxic relationship and the relief of enduring the rough patch in life. Darren chose the song as his first single emphasizing that it captured the best of his abilities as a performer.
“Bibitaw Na is a song I wrote last 2023, so gusto ko magkaroon ng upbeat song na masakit yung lyrics. Feeling ko marami tayong nakaka-relate sa mga hugot songs, so iyon yung naging inspiration niya. I also want to showcase, aside from my vocals, yung pagsayaw ko po sa music video and live performances,” said Darren.
Recently, he recorded Can’t Buy Me Love’s official soundtrack Iyo, a song that reflects a declaration of love.
“Gusto ko talaga magkaroon ng kanta na pwede mong kantahin sa kasal, I wrote it for Bingo and Caroline kasi binase ko siya sa characters nina Donny at Belle. Yung unang line pa lang na ‘minsan kung kailan ‘di hinahanap saka darating’ it really describes BingLing and nakakatuwa kasi nagagamit na rin siya sa story nina Snoop at Irene. Totoo talaga na you never know when true love is gonna find you,” he shared.
As Darren reflects on his numerous accomplishments and undertakings, Darren recalls the lesson imparted to him by his parents that has enabled him to attain longevity and overcome the challenges that came his way.
“Always stay humble. Iyon yung laging in-instill sa akin ng mga magulang ko na always have humility and to look back where you came from,” he disclosed. “Looking back now I always felt that I didn’t get to enjoy my childhood the way I wanted to and siguro yung teen years din kasi iyon yung pagpasok ko sa industriya pero it was all worth it kasi I have achieved stuff in my life that I never thought I would’ve been able to achieve before.”