From opening act to featured performer!
At David Foster’s latest Manila concert, SB19’s Stell recounted how he came to share the stage with the renowned hitmaker for a performance of Foster’s composition “All By Myself,” originally sung by Celine Dion.
The Canadian composer was in town for his ‘HITMAN: David Foster and Friends Asia Tour 2024’ concert at the Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday night.
Stell detailed that he was just supposed to do a soundcheck for his spot but was shocked to find out that it was already the Mr. Hitman himself on the piano.
“I’m still shocked. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na nabigyan ako ng ganitong opportunity to perform on stage with the hitman, Mr. David Foster. So pag akyat ko ng stage dapat mag soundcheck na ako for my spot, pero nagulat ako Sir David is playing the piano,” he said in a post.
“Then he ask me kung suot ko na inears ko kasi pwede daw namin itry yung song. Nagulat ako sabi ko sa utak ko ‘what song?’
“So na pa ‘huh’ ako then sabi niya all by myself give it a try daw. Bilang lutang ako sa sobrang gulat kinanta ko lang siya kung pano ko siya kinakanta. After iplay yung arrangement nung song sabi niya, ‘Do you want to perform this song tonight?’ Nasabi ko nalang ‘if it’s ok with you sir.’ Biglang BOOOM ayun na ang nangyare,” he recalled.
Looking back on a performance that has since gone viral, Stell said, “Para akong nag audition talaga. Namanifest ko yata. Grabe ‘yung kaba ko. Akala ko pinatry nya lang sa’kin. Syempre sino na naman ako para tumanggi diba? Minsan lang yung ganong pagkakataon kaya binigay ko talaga yung best ko.
“Pagkatapos kong magperform, grabe din sigawan ng team and staff sa likod! Para kaming nanalo sa contest tapos talon kami ng talon. Grabe. Ayun lang. Ang haba ng kwento pero solid ang experience. Thank you sa lahat ng sumuporta. Thank you Sir David Foster and to the whole team. Sana nagustuhan niyo po yung performance ko. Thank you Lord kayo po talaga yung boses ko kagabi Salamat po!”
Stell received the biggest praise from David Foster himself after his rendition of “All By Myself.”
According to The Philippine STAR report, David remarked that Celine had a “hard time” recording the song and took multiple tries to get it right. However, Stell was only given one chance to sing the popular song.
He then sang the song, flawlessly belting out its challenging chorus, and made the whole Araneta Coliseum cheer for him.
“Wow. What a voice,” David reacted to Stell’s rendition.
The video of the SB19 member’s ballad cover quickly went viral online which was lauded by his fans and netizens alike, making his name trending on social media platforms.
Furthermore, online users also recalled another Filipino singer, Jake Zyrus, who rose to fame as Charice Pempengco, as she had also effortlessly sung her rendition of the popular ballad song.
In an exclusive interview with News5, Stell was overwhelmed with joy at his well-received performance, recounting the moments before pulling it off and going up on stage with David.
According to the P-pop artist, performing the song was not initially “planned” but was only brought up by Foster during rehearsal. He was only then able to rehearse the song after sound-checking right before the program began.
“To be honest hindi po sya planado, ‘yung performance na ‘yun with Sir David,” shared Stell, “Bigla nalang pagsampa kanina during rehearsal, tina-try niya po yung song and then sabi niya kung gusto ko ba i-perform tonight hanggang sa natuloy po ‘yung performance.”
“Super happy and until now kabado pa rin and hindi makapaniwala,” the singer described his emotions after his stage moment.
He also took to social media to express his happiness and gratitude to the Lord, writing, “Thank you Lord, the best ka po talaga.”
