It’s hard to forget Erik Santos’ soulful rendition of his winning piece This is the Moment from the Broadway musical Jekyll and Hyde when he won grand champion on ABS-CBN’s Star in a Million in 2004.
Erik has come a long way since then. Today, he is a certified star with chart-topping record albums, hit songs, and sold-out concerts both here and abroad with top artists Kuh Ledesma, Pops Fernandez, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Lea Salonga, Ogie Alcasid, among others.
Known as the Prince of Pop, Erik is one of most successful and most gifted young singers of his generation. He still has the hunger and the determination to achieve more and do better. He recently added another feather to his cap as a music artist when he was invited as the Philippine representative in the Asian Night of the five-day Closing Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics Cultural Festival by the China Performing Arts Agency through the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China. The prestigious event was held at the Beijing Exhibition Center Theater, one of the biggest concert venues in Beijing. Erik performed alongside other Asian superstars. Erik wowed the crowd with his amazing vocal prowess and puerile charm when he sang the songs, This Is the Moment and I Believe I Can Fly. Erik showed the Chinese that he was having his moment and that he too can fly.
But Erik is not someone who rests on his laurels and puts fame on his head. With all his achievements, Erik remains kind and humble — qualities that make him more endearing to his fans and fellow artists.
He attributes all his blessings to God. “I always thank God for His unconditional love. Without Him, I am nothing. I am grateful for all the great opportunities that come my way. I work hard because I want to inspire and touch other people’s lives through my music,” he enthuses.
Last Dec. 14, Erik successfully staged a free Christmas concert titled Christmas is Erik Santos at the Marikina Riverbanks Amphitheater. Sitti, Mariel Rodriguez, K Brosas, and newcomer Angellie Urquico joined him onstage as special guests.
“The concert was a good way of ending the year and giving back all the love and support to all my supporters. It has been a wonderful year for me and my family. I am thankful for all the blessings. I am grateful to all my fans who continuously support me. Christmas for me is giving more than taking. I pray for more projects next year and good health not only for myself but for my family, too.”
Erik serenaded the crowd with some of his greatest hits like Your Love, I’ll Never Go, Next In Line, Here I Am, This Is the Moment, I Believe I Can Fly, and his two Christmas songs Ngayong Pasko and Christmas Is from his album All I Want This Christmas. Erik also sang a medley of his favorite Eraserheads songs like With A Smile, Ligaya, Pare Ko, Toyang, Huling El Bimbo, and Magasin. The crowd went wild when Erik went down to the audience to sing for his fans and friends.
His hilarious duet with K Brosas of the Tagalog versions of some popular foreign pop songs and the romantic ballad Basta’t Tayo’y Magkasama with bossa nova queen Sitti were well-applauded. Mariel delighted the audience with her rendition of the infectious melody of Umbrella. The charming Angellie was a revelation that night with her powerful performance of Beyoncé Knowles’ Listen.
“I really enjoyed the concert. Erik was at his best. I have been a fan of Erik since he started in showbiz. I go to his gigs whenever I can to support him,” enthuses Arvin who is a member of Erik’s fan club eriksantosfriendsonline.
“The concert was fun. Erik is guwapo, approachable, and good-hearted. He knows the name of his fans,” says Cel who has been Erik’s fan for five years now.
Ria, a member of eriksantosfriendsonline, has only good words for Erik. “Erik is an excellent performer. He is very kind. He loves all his fans. During his mall shows, Erik smiles even if he is already dead tired.”
Seen among the crowd during the concert were Erik’s friends Piolo Pascual and KC Concepcion.