A night to hold on to

MANILA, Philippines - Young singer/songwriter Greyson Chance had the final concert of his Asian Tour at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday night, in front of his very enthusiastic Filipino fans. Last April 23, MCA Music presented Greyson with a Gold certification, and then surprised him with a Platinum certification.

The night started off with 12-year-old front act Camryn. She confidently strutted the stage as she sang her fun, upbeat songs, including her debut single Wait And See. For such a young girl, she looks, sounds and acts older than she is. She impressed the crowd with her big voice and strong stage presence. This natural performer was a great way to kick off the night and get the crowd pumped up.

Once Greyson appeared on stage with the Philippine flag pinned to the back of his jacket, the crowd went wild, jumping to their feet and screaming their heads off. The first song was his second single Unfriend You. He really got into it and we knew he meant business. Throughout the concert, the Araneta Coliseum was lit up by the hundreds of glow sticks waving in time to the beat. Greyson sang a great variety of songs. From the slow and sweet Home Is In Your Eyes which everyone swayed and sang along to, to the more upbeat Little London Girl which everyone had fun with. He also sang a few covers which he prepared especially for his Asian Tour, like Rolling In The Deep by Adele, and Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People. Greyson sang all but one of his songs on his debut album Hold On ‘Till The Night, as well as a few others like Purple Skies, his song against bullying, and his famous rendition of Paparazzi by Lady Gaga. One could tell he really felt at home on stage, as he ran from left to right, took his turn at the drums, and charmed everyone with a bit of dancing. He was so alive and energetic, and he really connected with the audience, having them sing back a few of his notes. For a number of his songs, he played the piano, and he played it with such ease. Before he sang his first single Waiting Outside The Lines, he addressed his fans: “This last song is dedicated to you, thank you so much for all the love and support you’ve given me.”

Greyson told The STAR that his favorite song to perform throughout the tour has been Running Away despite it being a sad song, which he had written for his friend. The song only came out internationally and so he did not get to perform it in the United States, as it never came out there. It was one of the standout numbers of the night even though he sang all of his songs very well. We believe that Greyson has improved, and really grown as a singer. He is a good live performer, as he really feels his songs, and sings them in perfect tune. As regular concertgoers, we think that he is at the same level as any older artist. He is truly talented and has really learned to control his voice, from belting out big notes, to switching to a gentle falsetto. In short, Greyson is one to watch, as we feel he will go farther yet.

Right: Greyson with (from left) MCA Music’s Wilson Cruz, marketing director; Grace Foronda, marketing and events manager; and Ricky Ilacad, president. Below: With teen fans at the meet and greet session.

(Thank you to Willbros Live for bringing Greyson Chance to the Philippines. Like them on facebook.com/willbroslive and follow them on twitter.com/willbroslive for more exciting concerts.)