|
By Ricky T. Gallardo
Billy Crawford is back in town and he has
definitely switched channels. After so much talk about him being
wooed by ABS-CBN, it is now official that Crawford has agreed to
host the second season of Pinoy Dream Academy.
“This is work, and artists like me have to
seize the opportunity and decide when the situation calls for me to
make a decision, “ he says.
Most people in the industry are aware that
Crawford is a Kapuso. His mentor and discoverer is the legendary
German Moreno. His last big dance concert was given full support by
GMA Entertainment Network. “There are times in a person’s life
when he has to make a decision, not because he want to hurt others
but because he has to consider himself and how he can grow more and
how he can become a better person,” he intones.
Crawford continues, “Loyalty is a nice virtue
to have. I’m all for it. But who truly sets the standards for
loyalty anyway? Especially in this business, a slightly different
move or decision can attract unnecessary emotions, even nasty talks.
Artists need jobs, and when one nice one comes along, we need to
grab it or else we might lose the opportunity. Besides, I think the
people this industry need to learn how to be happy for others.”
Crawford hit the big time in 2001 when his debut
single Trackin’ was catapulted to the top of the French music
charts. The single proved to be such a big hit as it was certified
platinum on its first week after 750,000 copies were sold in France
alone. His success conquered most of Europe particularly in Holland,
Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany.
By the spring of 2002, Crawford was back in the
European music scene with the release of his second album Ride. The
album achieved platinum status in France. Singles from the sophomore
album, “When You Think About Me” and “You Didn’t Expect
That,” boast of a combined sales of half a million copies.
2003 was a big year for the Filipino artist as
he bagged NRJ Music Awards’ International Artist of the Year
recognition, besting music heavyweights Will Smith, Eminem, and
Robbie Williams.
He moved to Los Angeles where he opened his own
production company and went on to produce and write for other
artists. He is also currently busy working on a new album for
worldwide release.
He then had a Big City Tour Live in 2005 which
was a live release of his DVD, which was already released in 2005 in
France and directed by UMG and produced by Yves El-Baze. His hit
single “Steamy Nights” is also included in the Big City album.
In 2006, Billy began recording a new album and
toured over the summer with the L5 in France. The year after, he
decided to go back to the Philippines for new projects offered to
him. Crawford recently produced his fourth studio album called
It’s Time.
It was his international agent who sealed the
deal with Endemol for his newest project in Pinoy Dream Academy,
which will air on June 14. Crawford also signed to be a mainstay
host of ASAP ’08, the Sunday musical variety show of ABS-CBN.
“I look forward to that day when there will be
no network war or ratings war, the word war is just so negative.
It’s such a small industry, maybe we should learn to be sincerely
happy for each other, maybe we should not try to own people, maybe
we should respect freedom of choice and decision, “ he ends.
|
