KZ once thought of quitting

It was a few weeks ago when Janine Berdin was proclaimed as the grand winner in Tawag ng Tanghalan of It’s Showtime. Many were in favor of her win and, as expected, there were also some quarters who observed that her singing style is very much akin to that of KZ Tandingan.

Asked to comment about it was KZ who guested on Tonight With Boy Abunda last week. The Soul Singer said that watching Janine perform is like looking at herself in the mirror but with nary a thought that Janine was imitating her. “Exciting because you never know what she’s gonna sing next. It’s just so inspiring for me to hear her saying that I am her inspiration. It’s like Janine telling everyone na si KZ nga iba pero tinanggap naman siya, baka ako din. That’s why those artists na medyo kakaiba, they now have the guts to show their thing probably because they are inspired with what I am doing. They are not afraid to try anymore.”

However, KZ believes that Janine has no intention of copying her in any way. She knows that there is something special in Janine’s talent. “When you listen to her, you will notice a special character in her voice na kahit kumanta s’ya ng Narda, naiiyak ka. I didn’t expect the song to have that kind effect on me and for example, Jessie J is a great influence on my music that whenever you hear me sing, you will notice that Jessie J character in me but I am my own artist and Janine is also her own artist. It’s okay for you to have an influence for as long as you use it to find out who you really are as an artist.”

KZ may not have been fortunate enough to become a champ in the China competition Singer 2018 but her star is shining brighter than ever. She is set to release an all-original album in China and everyone is excited about her concert on June 22 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. Looking back at her stint in China, the Cornerstone artist shared that the experience taught her to never set a limit on whatever she does.

“I grew as a person and as a performer because when I was there, I needed to drop and change my system as a performer. I felt that I was put in a place where I needed to do something which I have never done before, at ‘yun nga ang kumanta sa ibang language na never ko pa nasalita. So I have to prove that I am deserving of the spot by putting my best foot forward.”

“That’s what I also learned,” she said. “I thought I needed to conform in order for the industry to accept me but I was not happy and everything was not in sync with what I really wanted as an artist. When I realized that I should embrace what I really am as an artist, my career began to blossom; people noticed what’s special with my music.” No doubt, she deserved the two MYX Music awards and the eight Awit Awards nominations. 

But did you know KZ came to a point when all she wanted was to quit? That’s because she felt her identity as an artist was slowly fading away while trying to conform to other people’s wants. The thought of going back to Mindanao and continue her studies crossed her mind. Thankfully, KZ stayed and said, “Hinawakan ako ni Lord.”

What’s the song of her life?

“Wag Kang Umiyak. Every time I am going through a rough phase, the Lord is singing it to me. That’s why for me, when you feel that everything is falling apart, it is actually falling into place.”

Meanwhile, find out five things you don’t know about KZ as she gamely revealed them in the segment 5 in 45.

• Adrenaline junkie ako.

• Ayaw kong kinakalabit ako ng ganyan (taps her arm vigorously) kasi naiinis ako.

• Takot akong kumausap sa telephone operator. Bigyan mo na ko ng ahas, di ako takot pero wag lang talaga nyo ako ipakausap sa telephone operator.

• I’m somewhere between 4 feet something and 5 feet.

• I auditioned in PGT, PBB and PDA before but I was rejected.