Billy Crawford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Billy Crawford
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Billy Crawford, in 2018
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Billy Joe Ledesma Crawford
May 16, 1982 Manila, Philippines
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| Years active | 1986–present |
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| Children | 2 |
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Billy Joe Ledesma Crawford (born May 16, 1982) is a famous Filipino actor, singer, and television host. He is known for his talents in music and dance, which have won him awards like the NRJ Music Award in France.
Crawford started his career as a child star in the Philippines on the variety show That's Entertainment. He also acted in movies and TV shows, earning praise for his skills. At age 12, he moved to the U.S. to study at the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City. A year later, he got a huge opportunity to be a backup dancer for the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson, at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards.
After finishing school, he returned to the Philippines and continued his successful career. In 2022, he won the French dance competition Danse avec les Stars, which means 'Dance with the Stars'. With over 2 million records sold worldwide, Crawford is one of the most successful Filipino artists.
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Early Life and First Steps in Showbiz
Billy Joe Ledesma Crawford was born in Manila, Philippines. His mother, Mayette Ledesma, is Filipino, and his father, Jack Crawford, was American.
He was discovered when he was only three years old while singing at a bowling alley. Soon after, he became a regular on the TV show That's Entertainment, using the name Billy Joe. He also appeared in several movies and TV dramas, where critics called him a very natural child actor.
At age 12, Crawford moved to the U.S. to focus on his education and performing arts. He studied at the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City alongside other future stars like Mandy Moore. It was during this time that he got his big break dancing for Michael Jackson in 1995.
A Global Music Career
Crawford's music became very popular, especially in Europe. He released several albums and had major hit songs in countries like France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
First Albums
When he was 15, Crawford recorded his first album, Billy Crawford. It included popular songs like "Urgently in Love" and "Mary Lopez."
His second album, Ride (2002), was a huge success. It sold so many copies in France that it was certified "Platinum," and it earned a "Gold" certification in Switzerland. The album featured his most famous single, "Trackin'", which became a number-one hit in the Netherlands and a top-five hit in France. The song was so popular in France that it sold over 500,000 copies.
Other hit singles from the Ride album included "When You Think About Me" and "You Didn't Expect That". These songs also climbed the music charts across Europe.
Later Music Projects
Crawford continued to release music over the years. His 2004 album, Big City, featured the song "Steamy Nights." The music video for this song included actress Jenna Dewan, who later starred in the movie Step Up.
In 2019, he released the album Work in Progress. He said this album was dedicated to his wife, Coleen Garcia, who encouraged him to return to making music.
Return to the Philippines and TV Hosting
After his international success, Crawford returned to the Philippines and became a major television personality. In 2007, he hosted a dance competition show on the GMA Network to find his own backup dancers for a concert.
In 2008, he joined the ABS-CBN network and became a regular host on the popular Sunday show ASAP. He also hosted many popular talent shows, including:
- Pinoy Dream Academy
- Pilipinas Got Talent (with Luis Manzano)
- It's Showtime
- Your Face Sounds Familiar
- The Masked Singer (Philippine version)
In 2022, Crawford returned to the GMA Network. He became a coach on the singing competitions The Voice Generations in 2023 and The Voice Kids in 2024, where he helps guide young singers.
Personal Life
In 2014, Crawford started dating his It's Showtime co-host, Coleen Garcia. They got engaged in 2016 and were married on April 20, 2018.
The couple welcomed their first son, Amari, on September 10, 2020. In April 2025, they announced that they were expecting their second child.
Selected Work
Crawford has starred in many movies and television shows throughout his long career.
Movies
- Lost Command (1988)
- Pahiram ng Isang Umaga (1989)
- Eh, Kasi Bata (1991)
- Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005)
- ... 5 and the Crying Lady (2012)
- Momzillas (2013)
- A Second Chance (2015)
Television Shows
- That's Entertainment (1986–1994)
- ASAP (2008–2020)
- Pilipinas Got Talent (2010–2018)
- It's Showtime (2011–2023)
- The Wall Philippines (2021–2022)
- The Voice Generations (2023)
- The Voice Kids (2024)
Awards and Recognition
Crawford's talent has been recognized with several awards.
- NRJ Music Award (2003) - International Male Artist of the Year
- PMPC Star Awards for TV (2010) - Best Talent Search Program Host (for Pilipinas Got Talent)
- Eastwood City Walk of Fame (2007) - Inducted as a celebrity
