By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle
Many Filipino artists doing well in the international scene serve as encouragement and good example for many aspiring Pinoy performers. One of them is the former child star Billy Crawford.
His fame and fortune in Europe did not, of course, happened in a blink of an eye. The ex “That’s Entertainment’s member worked hard to break through in his chosen field.
“We’re not the most popular race in the world pero when you penetrate it, it’s a relief and it adds that you have to work harder.”
Billy shared that he didn’t initially plan to enter in overseas’ entertainment industry. He left his promising career in the Philippines just to be with his family when he was 11 years old.
“Umalis ako to see my Dad kasama si Mommy, hindi ko naisip na papasok ulit ako sa showbiz kasi nung nawala ako nahirapan din ako. Maiiwan ko ang mga kaibigan ko sa showbiz and I’ll miss performing.”
Boredom was what pushed the young performer to join in a big competition held in Dallas, Texas. Battling with various individuals ranging from six to 40 years old, Billy didn’t only win the overall champion title but also the heart of a judge who was actually a talent manager in New York.
“I joined to be on stage not to have a record deal, hindi naman ako naghahanap ng manager or anything.”
Since then the 25 year-old-lad’s singing career was reactivated. He had many famous singles but his key hit in Europe was the song “Trackin.” It sold 750,000 copies and was certified platinum. The song was a chart-topper in France, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany. His other popular danceable ditties are “Bright Lights” and “Steamy Nights”.
“It (Trackin) was surprising because it wasn’t my favorite. The first time kong narinig sa Europe na nasa radio, wow! Okay I’m performing, it was a great experience.”
In 2003, Billy hailed as International Male Artist of the Year of NRJ Music Awards in Cannes France, beating Robbie Williams, Eminem and Will Smith.
Currently, Billy is back in the country to stage his concert at the Big dome on October 6. He is also hosting M.O.V.E, a reality based dancers search show on GMA 7.
“Ginagawa naming iyong TV Show para isama naming iyong six na mananalo sa concert.”
On the other hand, the singer who starred in “Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist” doesn’t want to give details yet of his upcoming concert as the things is still in progress and to surprise his fans as well.
“I hope you’ll enjoy it. It’s gonna be a lot of fun, that’s one thing.”
Billy is concentrating on his next album “STATUS,” where he collaborated with a new promising artist in America, R&B musician INOJ and Philippines R&B prince Jay-R.
“The album has new songs, more urban with R & B feel and there’s also pop and funk. It’s a high energy album pa rin na full of danceable songs.”
Billy humbly impart that the best trainings he learned came from the Philippines, meaning his excellent dance prowess and singing style.
“If you’re really smart to pursue a career, you’ll take it from the best. Growing up seeing Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Sharon Cuneta, Pops Fernandez, Regine (Velasquez), Jaya and all other performers, you’ll start to learn from them and doon ka matututo.”
“Everybody is on their own in this business so you have to work hard.”
Ecstatic to the his countrymen’s continuous support, Billy feels that despite his long absence the reception of his local audience is getting better and better.
“Every time na bumabalik ako dito, there’s still energy na hindi ko talaga maintindihan pero they’re always there to support me and I really thank God for that.”
With all his success, Billy Crawform never fails to fondly look back at his first home. The former child star who became an international artist is really proud being a Filipino and wants to inspire his kababayan to dream big.
Tags: Billy Crawford, Philippine Music News
About Phoebe Dorothy Estelle: Phoebe Dorothy Estelle believes in the power of dreaming and it's smarter to be lucky than lucky to be smart. She's boyish and jolly outside but feminine inside. Has faith to the Divine Providence and an ambivert gal who loves performing arts, anime, interesting stories or people, music,films and ice cream..
February 26th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
that’s entertainment boy turned big time!
August 10th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
ive heard the song “tracking” in switzerland,it was in radio,id heard it when we go to the pub with my swiss friends..i shout and say”wooh its a filipino singer billy..im so proud of him…
November 26th, 2008 at 11:29 am
i love billy!!! you’re so hot!!!