Michael Cruz is happy and gay

He has yet to make a name for himself in the local music scene, but Star in a Million finalist Michael Cruz has already created a stir even before he could gain headway as a singer.

On the first day of his performance in the ABS-CBN talent search program, Michael was questioned about his sexuality on nationwide TV. When TV and stage director Firtz Ynfante, one of the judges, asked Michael if he’s gay, it took the latter only three seconds to reply. When Michael said "yes," the audience approvingly cheered for his candidness. He didn’t have to pretend. And even if he is best remembered for doing that, Michael does not really mind.

So if Michael doesn’t get to have screaming girls for his fans, that will not be surprising. After all, he is definitely not one to be pigeonholed sexually. Although he is far from being a screaming faggot, Michael, as the first male celebrity who has openly admitted he’s gay, believes that the local pop scene is ready for gender-bending music idols.

Michael is among the eight finalists of Star in a Million, which will choose its new winner next month after Erik Santos was declared champion last January. Every week proves to be tough for Michael since he has to give his best to avoid being eliminated. He battles it out with the other finalists – OJ Mariano, Eman Omaga, Ralph David, Jasmine Fitzgerald, Frenchie Dy, Shanna Hife and Nyko Maca. The final three will compete in the grand showdown on Aug. 21 at the Folk Arts Theater.

Star in a Million has produced other singing idols like Christian Bautista and Sheryn Regis. The show airs every Saturday and is hosted by Zsa Zsa Padilla, Edu Manzano and Ryan Agoncillo. That he has gone this far in the talent search competition only proves that Michael has impressed the judges. Aside from Fritz Ynfante, Verni Varga and musical director Mel Villena also reveal the weekly verdict for the contestants in the show. From his audition piece until his first taping day for Star in a Million, Michael proved that he is in a class on his own. It was the first time that a contestant sang rock in the audition and the competition proper.

23-year-old Michael is not totally new to the live performance scene. He was discovered by Arnell Ignacio in 1998, when Michael was still a vocalist for a band called Zyncxation, which was campaigning for then Quezon City mayoral candidate Mel Mathay. Before that, Michael tried his luck in ABS-CBN shows like Ang TV, Kaybol and Math-Tinik. He also appeared in a Bionade TV commercial and was working as a sing-along master at The Library in Malate before his Star in a Million exposure. "Singing has always been my dream," Michael says.

When Arnell saw Michael, the former knew he had a promising and versatile talent who cannot only sing, but can also act, host and do comedy. In fact, it was Arnell who prodded Michael to join Star in a Million. The comedian readily offered to support Michael and even agreed to act as his manager.

"I knew right away that Michael would go places," Arnell maintains. "Michael was way ahead of his time. When he joined Star in a Million, nag-stand out siya among the contestant. I cried when he won in the monthly finals last May. Parang nanay niya ang feeling ko. Mahigpit ako sa kanya, but that’s for his own good."

For Michael, Arnell is not just a manager. The latter is also a friend, confidante, a parent or a brother. "Arnell guides me every step of the way," Michael says of his talent manager. "He is strict, but that is understandable, because he wants me to focus on my career so I can achieve my goals. He doesn’t want me to get distracted along the way."

To give Michael a distinct look and image after winning the monthly finals of Star in a Million, Arnell brought his talent to Pin Antonio of Salon de Manila, who created Michael’s hairstyle. But Michael’s unconventional fashion sense is uniquely his.

Michael Valentin Cruz, who hails from General Trias, Cavite, is the youngest of four children, although he doesn’t hesitate to reveal he has many other half brothers and sisters on his father side. His mom manages an eatery in Cavite, where he would often sing before joining a band. He was a second year Communication Arts major at De La Salle University when he was sidetracked from his studies and started singing professionally.

Michael’s sophistication in music stems from his influences during his teenage years. He idolizes Prince, Boy George, Madonna, George Michael and lately, even Robbie Williams, Maroon 5 and Matchbox 20. Michael’s voice complements his penchant for the rock, punk and alternative tunes that he sings.

"I’m very excited about my career," Michael asserts. "I really love show business and I want to make it good here. My family wasn’t really happy when I gave up my studies to prioritize singing. I want to prove to my family and friends that you can also earn respect when you’re in the limelight as a performer."

Michael’s calendar is filled up with nightly stints. On Sundays and Mondays, he performs at Klowns in Angeles, Pampanga. Tuesdays see him at Naughty Strings in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. On Wednesdays, he takes centerstage at Sitcom Live in Las Piñas. He is at The Library in Malate on Thursdays, Klowns at Araneta Coliseum on Fridays and Zirkoh in Timog on Saturdays.

Naturally, Michael is gearing up to become the next Star in a Million champion. You can vote for him by texting STAR <space> 5 and send to 2331 for Globe and Touch Mobile and 231 for Smart and Talk N Text subscribers. But whether or not he wins, Michael is undoubtedly a performer on the rise, en route to becoming the freshest music idol in the local entertainment scene. And a gay one at that.