Emin amazed by Pinoy fans

MANILA, Philippines - Russian pop star Emin will serenade the 40 Bb. Pilipinas contestants in tonight’s show to be aired live on ABS-CBN.

The singer-songwriter will perform his hit Amor, from his international album under Warner International, which was released in Russia, US and UK last Feb. 11.

Amor, which has five million views on YouTube, has topped the charts in Russia and countries in Latin America.

The song’s MTV features 2012 Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and our very own Ariella Arida, who placed fourth in the 2013 Miss Universe pageant.

“After releasing my album in the US with my carrier single Amor, it was well-received and I was asked to perform in different venues, at the Winter Olympics which was broadcast live over the US network MBC, Telemundo and Russian TV networks and the Miss Universe pageant last year, which has 90 billion viewers all over the world. Thanks to the song, we got a lot of exposure and invitations from other countries like the Philippines,” he said.

“It’s my first time here and I’m already liking it here,” Emin told The STAR during an interview Friday at the Sofitel Hotel.

Emin said he got a taste of the famous Filipino hospitality at last year’s Miss Universe pageant in Moscow.

“At the Miss Universe in Moscow, there was a huge Filipino contingent who was rooting for Ariella Arida and while I was singing, I noticed that they were receptive to my songs and true enough, on my social media accounts — Twitter, Instagram, Facebook — they flooded me with comments like ‘Come here to the Philippines, we like your songs. Come visit us please.’ So I thought, wow, they must like my music, so when the opportunity came for me to sing in the local pageant here, I didn’t have second thoughts,” he said.

For tonight’s performance, Emin has prepared a special repertoire, including a nice ballad during the evening gown competition.

“I feel very excited to be around these beautiful women. I find Filipinas very beautiful. At last year’s Miss Universe, they picked Ariella as the fourth most beautiful woman in the world, so I guess it means something. When I sing and I’m surrounded by all these beautiful women, I feel very excited not distracted,” he said.

He also expressed his desire to spread his music here, possibly do a concert, record an album or collaborate with local musicians.

Emin said part of his musical career’s thrust is to expand the borders of his music, particularly in countries that like his musical style. His songs are currently being played in the US, Brazil, Britain and Australia.

He knows that his songs, which ranged from pop, jazz to rock, will appeal to Filipinos, especially since they are written in English.

At the interview, he expressed admiration for Journey frontman Arnel Pineda — how he started and persevered to join one of America’s iconic bands.

Right now, he plans to continue singing in local Miss Universe beauty pageants in other countries.

Emin first gained attention for his debut album Still which sold over 100,000 copies worldwide. Emin’s first single from his 2012 album After The Thunder was written by David Sneddon. It was added to the BBC Radio 2 A-List in April 2012.

The singer, who is Emin Agalarov in real life, is the son of Russian billionaire Aras Agalarov, a real estate magnate.

When not performing, Emin works as vice president of Crocus Group, the holding company owned by his father, who, according to Forbes magazine, is worth $1.8B.

Emin courted a few controversies in the past, having been accused of using his family’s ties to further his career.

But Emin simply shrugs them off, saying he will continue to make music for people who appreciate him.