Darren Espanto facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Darren Espanto
Espanto in 2023
Background information
Birth name	Darren Lyndon Espanto
Also known as	D' Total Performer, Asia's Pop Heartthrob
Born	(2001-05-24) May 24, 2001 (age 24) Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Genres	Pop OPM Broadway
Occupation(s)	Singer actor television personality
Instruments	Vocals piano percussions saxophone
Years active	2011 (2011)–present
Labels	Corus (2012 (2012)–13) Sony (2012 (2012)–13) Star Magic (2014 (2014)–present) UMG Philippines (2014 (2014)–present) Republic Records Philippines (2022 (2022)–present) Star Music (2023 (2023)–present)

Darren Lyndon Espanto (born May 24, 2001) is a talented Filipino singer, actor, and TV star.

He first appeared on TV in 2012 on a Canadian show called The Next Star. He became very famous after joining the first season of The Voice Kids Philippines. Later, he joined ABS-CBN's Star Magic and has had a very successful music career in the Philippines.

In 2024, Darren also became one of the hosts for the popular TV show It's Showtime.

About Darren's Life

Darren Lyndon Espanto was born in Calgary, Canada, on May 24, 2001. He is the oldest child of Marinel Gonzales and Lyndon Espanto, who are nurses from Nueva Vizcaya in the Philippines. Darren also has a younger sister named Lynelle.

He can speak Tagalog.

Darren started singing when he was just three years old. As a little kid, he would sing songs like "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King to his parents. When his family saw how much talent he had, they encouraged him to become a singer.

In April 2024, Darren talked about his friendships and special feelings for some people, including Kyline Alcantara, Ylona Garcia, and Cassy Legaspi. He confirmed he had special feelings for Cassy Legaspi. He also said he had a close friendship with AC Bonifacio.

In August 2024, Darren had an emergency surgery for his appendix.

Darren's Schooling

Darren and the other finalists from The Voice Kids received a scholarship from Eton International School. When he moved to the Philippines, he went to Eton International School. Later, he studied at home through The Homeschool of Asia Pacific. He finished high school with honors. In Grade 11, he earned second honors, and in Grade 12, he graduated with first honors. He also received special awards for being an Achiever and for Excellence in Music and Arts.

Darren's Career Journey

When he was 10, Darren won the Pinoy Singing Sensation competition in Edmonton on August 20, 2011.

Early Days: The Next Star

In 2012, ten-year-old Darren tried out for the fifth season of YTV's TV show The Next Star. He sang "Grenade" by Bruno Mars. One of the judges, Keshia Chanté, was very impressed and said his voice was "unbelievable." Another judge, Mark Spicoluk, thought he needed more stage presence. Still, Darren got the "golden ticket" to move forward.

He made it to the Top 6, becoming the youngest finalist ever on the show. He sang songs like "Only Girl (in the World)" by Rihanna and "Payphone" by Maroon 5. He also released his own song and music video called "Gotta Give A Little Extra." He had two other songs, "Now" and "Oh Oh Santa," with the other finalists. In the end, he came in second place to 14-year-old Brooklyn Roebuck.

In 2013, Darren had a small role in the YTV show Life with Boys. This was his first time acting.

Big Break: The Voice Kids

During the auditions for the first season of ABS-CBN's The Voice Kids, Darren sang "Domino" by Jessie J. Both coaches, Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo Mañalac, wanted him on their team. They said he could become a "total package" recording artist. Even though Darren had opened for Bamboo's concerts in Canada, he chose Sarah Geronimo as his coach. He felt she could help him a lot in the music world.

Darren reached the finals after singing "One Moment in Time" by Whitney Houston in the semi-finals. He got the second-highest number of votes. Coach Lea Salonga said Darren was amazing, and his mentor, Sarah Geronimo, called him "a winner and a complete package." He also sang "Somebody To Love" by Justin Bieber with other Star Magic artists.

In the finale, Darren sang "Ngayon" by Basil Valdez and received a standing ovation. Lea Salonga even warned older singers that Darren would "outshine" them someday. Sarah Geronimo praised him for being humble despite his talent. In the final round, Darren played the piano while singing "You Are My Song" as a duet with the original singer, Martin Nievera. He got another standing ovation. He finished as the runner-up, with Lyca Gairanod winning the competition.

The Voice Kids Performances

2014–2016: Music Success

Darren in 2015

In 2014, Darren decided to stay in the Philippines to pursue acting and work with his coach, Sarah Geronimo. In August, he joined Star Magic, ABS-CBN's talent agency. On September 11, his version of "One Moment in Time" topped the Philippine charts on Apple's iTunes store. His version of "Somebody to Love" came in second.

He then held his first solo concert at the Music Museum, with a repeat show on December 19, 2014. On October 25, he performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. On November 18, his song "O Little Town of Bethlehem" topped the iTunes chart, and his cover of "Domino" was second. On November 29, Darren signed a record deal with MCA Music Inc. (Philippines). A week later, he and the other three The Voice Kids finalists had a concert. He also released his first solo album, "Darren," which quickly reached number 1 on iTunes in the Philippines on December 8.

In January 2015, Darren sang "Tell The World of His Love" for Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines. On May 29, Darren performed at the Mall of Asia Arena for his birthday concert, becoming the youngest artist to have a solo concert there. In November 2015, he sang at a special dinner for guests from Mexico. He was also chosen to sing the official theme song for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, "This is Only the Beginning."

In 2016, Darren released his second album, "Be With Me," which included two songs he wrote himself. On July 31, 2016, Darren was the opening act for Selena Gomez's Revival tour in the Philippines.

2017–2019: Acting and Collaborations

On May 4, 2017, Darren released a deluxe edition of his "Be With Me" album. It included five extra songs, like "I'll Be There" with Jed Madela and his cover of Sia's "Chandelier."

In 2018, Darren made his acting debut in the movie The Hows of Us. He also joined the teen pop group ASAP G! on the TV show ASAP.

In 2019, Darren performed in "The Aces" concert with singers Lani Misalucha and Jonalyn Viray. They performed in Cebu, Davao, and Manila. Darren and Jonalyn also toured Canada together. On April 12, he was the only Filipino guest performer in the finals of Singer 2019 in China. On May 24, he and Morissette released their version of "A Whole New World" for the movie Aladdin, chosen by Disney. On November 25, he was one of 11 singers from ASEAN countries who sang "Side by Side" for the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit. On November 29, he released his own song, "Sasagipin Kita," which quickly reached number 1 on iTunes.

2020–2023: Online Presence and New Music

On May 24, 2020, Darren celebrated his 19th birthday with an online concert called "D Birthday Concert from Home". It raised over P838,000 for ABS-CBN's charity program. On June 12, 2020, Darren became a Youth Advocate for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines, promoting climate action. He also joined the iWant ASAP Online show as a host. On July 31, 2020, he released "Sana Tayo Na" with Jayda Avanzado. On August 12, 2020, he spoke at the International Youth Day Youth Forum as a UNDP Youth Advocate. On October 23, 2020, he co-hosted the UN75 anniversary celebration in the Philippines. On November 13, 2020, he released his Christmas song, "Believe in Christmas," which hit number 1 on iTunes in just two hours.

On February 13, 2021, Darren released a cover of LANY's "If This Is The Last Time." On February 20, 2021, he and AC Bonifacio became online hosts for Your Face Sounds Familiar (Philippine season 3). On April 18, 2021, he was officially launched as "Asia's Pop Heartthrob" Darren on ASAP Natin 'To. On May 28, 2021, he released his new song "Tama Na," written by Zack Tabudlo. On June 9, 2021, he became the main host for TNT PH's online show, TNT PopShow. On June 19, 2021, Darren had a sold-out digital concert called "Darren: Home Run (The Comeback Concert)". On July 11, 2021, he performed at the Bb. Pilipinas' Coronation Night. On August 27, 2021, he sang the main theme song for the TV series "Marry Me, Marry You" which quickly became popular.

On April 1, 2022, Darren released "Pabalik Sa'yo," which quickly reached high spots on iTunes. On April 26, 2022, he was a special guest at P-pop group Calista's concert. He also joined the EZ Mil: Panalo Homecoming Tour 2022. On June 9, 2022, Darren collaborated with English singer Calum Scott for a version of Scott's song "Heaven." On June 11, 2022, he was a guest artist at Anne Curtis' concert. In July 2022, Darren joined Vice Ganda's Fully VICE-cinated US Tour 2022. On July 8, 2022, Republic Records Philippines was launched, and Darren is one of their artists. The same day, a teaser for Lyric and Beat, a musical series starring Darren, was released. His songs from the series, "Pagbigyang Muli" and "Duyan," also became popular.

In 2023, Darren performed at many events, including New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year celebrations. On February 21, 2023, he became a judge ("Hurado") on "Tawag ng Tanghalan," a segment of It's Showtime.

2024: New TV Home

As of 2024, It's Showtime moved to GMA Network and later expanded to All TV. Darren was introduced as one of the new hosts for the show during the contract signing.

Helping Others

On April 15, 2020, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines named Darren as its first-ever celebrity Youth Advocate. He helps promote goals like climate action and youth empowerment. On September 29, 2021, he was reappointed for a second term. On January 16, 2022, Darren performed in a benefit concert series by ABS-CBN for victims of Typhoon Odette, helping to raise over P464,000.

Darren's TV Shows and Movies

Darren (third from right) with the cast of When I Met You in Tokyo in 2023

Online Shows

Movies

Darren's Music

Studio Albums

Singles

Darren's Concerts

As a Main Performer

As a Guest Performer

Darren's Achievements

Darren performing in 2014

Darren Espanto is known as "Asia's Pop Heartthrob." He was the youngest artist to have a sold-out solo concert at the MOA Arena. He has won over 70 awards, including 15 Wish Music Awards and 8 Awit Awards.

He performed for Pope Francis during the 2015 Papal Visit in UST. He also headlined a show at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York and performed for leaders during the ASEAN Summits and APEC meetings. Recently, he was named the first celebrity Youth Advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Darren is one of the most successful and best-selling artists of the past decade in the Philippines. Billboard reported that his first album, "Darren," sold over 30,000 copies in the Philippines, earning it a 2x Platinum award. His second album, "Be With Me," sold 15,000 copies and was certified Gold.

See also

In Spanish: Darren Espanto para niños