Young singer Darren Espanto’s performance of Sia’s ‘Chandelier’ during a radio interview caught the attention and praise of international recording artist Nicki Minaj.
Espanto’s version, uploaded to You Tube by local radio Wish 107.5 FM, was posted by rapper Minaj on her Facebook page with the comment, “So effortless. Incredible voice!”
The young singer responded to the American rapper-songwriter’s praise with a post on Instagram thanking the recording star, “WOOOOAAAAH! BRUUUUUUUUHHH! THANK YOU SO MUCH QUEEN @NICKIMINAJ!”
The teen star is acknowledged as one of the country’s best performers today.
Espanto first gained the country’s attention when he joined and eventually won second place in the first season of The Voice Kids Philippines.
Darren also holds the record for being the youngest artist to stage a major solo concert at the age of 13, and is the youngest artist to have an all original solo album. He had five singles at the age of 12.
The 14-year old singer is the youngest artist in the world whose two songs topped at 1 and 2 on the iTunes Chart Single category within 10 hours of uploading.
Espanto’s Chandelier performance on You Tube video has gained over 6 million views to date.