Darren Espanto is ending 2017 at the top after notching two platinum record awards for his solo albums and also for becoming this year’s most decorated recording artist at the recently-concluded Awit Awards.
At the 30th edition of Awit Awards held on Nov. 26 at the KIA Theater, Darren was the biggest winner among other outstanding OPM artists, composers and producers. He bagged six major awards including Best New Male Artist, Favorite Song, Favorite Album, Favorite Record, and Favorite Male Artist. He also walked home with the Best Selling Album trophy for his solo record, Be With Me.
And just when we thought that all these recognitions already highlighted his music career this year, the teen singer’s 2014 self-titled album has been certified double platinum after it sold over 30,000 copies. At the same time, his multi-awarded 2016 sophomore release, Be With Me, was certified gold and platinum by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) for selling more than 15,000 units.
“I wasn’t expecting to receive all these awards, I’m literally shaking,” the 16-year-old singer told the press shortly after the Awit Awards program ended, “ I’m just so happy and I feel so blessed. I’m just so surprised for all these awards. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Darren dedicated his awards to all of his fans who continuously follow his journey from winning the inaugural season of ABS-CBN’s The Voice Kids in 2014 up to this day when he’s trying to explore other facets of his career.
“My fans are awesome people. They’re solid and I just wouldn’t really be here if not because of their continued support,” he added.
While he proves to be one of the most promising and bankable recording stars of his generation, the young singer’s fandom has also been showing solid support for all of his works.
In May, when he held a Twitter party to announce the release of Be With Me (Deluxe Edition), his fans were in full force and made the announcement a trending topic. As expected, the album went straight to no. 1 on iTunes Philippines album chart. Then on Nov. 10, Darren dropped his holiday record D’s Christmas, and just like the previous record, it debuted at no. 1 on iTunes Philippines eight hours after its release.
Apart from his Christmas record, Darren, who felt privileged after performing alongside other world-class Pinoy artist at the ASEAN Summit gala dinner on Nov. 12, is currently promoting a new single that will be included in All Of You movie soundtrack. Quantum Films has just shared a teaser of Darren’s upcoming music video for the MMFF movie which stars Derek Ramsay and Jennylyn Mercado. According to the teaser, the music video for the single “Dying Inside” will be released on Dec. 5.