David Foster to Filipinos: 'What's not to love about playing for an audience like you?'
Grammy Award winner David Foster downplays his role in the worldwide success of Filipino singers Gerphil Flores and Jake Zyrus, previously known as Charice Pempengco.
David was instrumental in Jake's success after American television host Oprah Winfrey contacted him. At the time, Jake was still known as Charice" and was making a buzz after performing Whitney Houston's “I Have Nothing” in The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2013.
“Everywhere I go in the world, almost every day, right here in the building where I am, there are Filipino people that work in the building, on the front desk, every day, 'Charice! Charice! Charice!' I get thanked every day,” the 16-time Grammy Award winner explained.
“I shouldn't be thanked. I found a talent, a great talent, and it was my privilege and honor.”
GMA News showbiz reporter Nelson Canlas had a chance to talk to David while promoting his Netflix documentary David Foster: Off the Record, and the 70-year-old Canadian songwriter revealed that Filipinos have a special place in his heart.
“The Philippines is almost unique, if not unique,” he shared.
“You can imagine being on stage, and playing your songs to 10,000 people,” David added before playing the piano.
“'Everybody needs a little time away,'” he sang before saying, “And you stop singing, and the entire 10,000 people are singing every single word in perfect English because the Filipinos love their music.
“You guys are into another level so what's not to love about playing for an audience like that?”
Music mogul David Foster has been instrumental in Jake Zyrus's worldwide success when he produced his first international solo album, 'Charice.' / Source: davidfoster (IG)
David's songs have been sung by superstar singers like Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, and many more.