MANILA, Philippines — It has been three years since British singing sensation Calum Scott captivated the world with his phenomenal voice after placing sixth in the 9th season of “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2015.
After what he recalls as a “life changing” experience, Scott was snatched by Capitol Records/Virgin EMI and started appearing in different television shows, touring the UK, and even got to perform alongside other international British acts such as Leona Lewis.
Related video: Calum Scott as a singer
Since then, a lot has changed, not only has Scott’s album smashed into the UK Top 10 at number 4, but his breakout single ‘Dancing on My Own’ has garnered over a million sales, peaked at number two on the official chart, and has more than 300 million streams on YouTube.
Scott, 30, is visibly more confident and relaxed on the stage now compared to his early years in BGT, and Philstar.com has witnessed first-hand how he delivered each song with such passion and precision during his “Only Human” Asia tour recently held on October 30 at New Frontier Theater (formerly KIA Theater), where his Filipino fans gathered to hear him belt out his debut album of the same title.
Opening for Scott was homegrown talent and “The Voice Teen” finalist Isabela Vinzon, who wowed the audience with her energy and enthusiasm as soon as she hits the stage singing a few renditions. But it was her performance of her single “Right Now” that got everyone on their feet.
“The Voice Teen” finalist Isabela Vinzon opened for Calum Scott's Manila concert. Philstar.com/RP Ocampo
“The Voice Teen” finalist Isabela Vinzon opened for Calum Scott's Manila concert. Philstar.com/RP Ocampo
As soon as Scott entered the stage, fans roared in excitement as he kicked off the show with an upbeat song “Come Back Home,” followed by “Only Human” and ‘Rhythm Inside.”
Calum Scott live in Manila concert. Philstar.com/RP Ocampo
Calum Scott live in Manila concert. Philstar.com/RP Ocampo
Calum Scott live in Manila concert. Philstar.com/RP Ocampo
Scott did not disappoint as his much-awaited sophomore concert filled the night with messages of love and empowerment, which were also the two main reasons that inspired his “Only Human” album.
Calum Scott live in Manila concert. Philstar.com/RP Ocampo
Calum Scott live in Manila concert. Philstar.com/RP Ocampo
Calum Scott live in Manila concert. Philstar.com/RP Ocampo
In a press interview held in Maco Polo Ortigas a day before his concert, the British crooner shared with Philstar.com the process he had gone through to complete his first album.
“When I was developing my album, I started to get a better feel for where I should be pulling inspiration from,” said Scott.
Related video: Calum Scott's inspiration behind his music
“I’ve been a huge fan of Adele, Sam Smith, and Ed Sheeran, and those amazing artists draw inspiration from their present and past experiences; they write songs from their heart.”
Related video: Calum Scott wants to collaborate with Cardi B
Following that realization, Scott started to step back and re-imagined how he was living his life before stardom. It was not hard to imagine, really. He struggled pretty much his whole adulthood, most especially with his sexual identity. He was terrified to come out as gay as his career was just starting out and “Dancing on My Own” was already getting the attention.
“Most of my songs are inspired by both falling in love and heartache,” he asserted. “And it was a turning point for me as a singer and songwriter as it dawned on me that I wasn’t being honest enough about what I truly feel. Being honest to who I am led me to write ‘If Our Love Is Wrong,’ and that allowed me to fully realize the direction I should be heading to — human nature, real emotions and issues about LGBT,” he explained.
Honesty, self love, and empowerment have enabled Scott to complete his “Only Human” album, where 13 songs were written wholeheartedly based on real life experiences — both good and bad. The said album was released early this year, just in time for his American debut.
It took him a year to release his album, but the wait was worthwhile. Scott needed to grow as a person and as an artist, and he needed that time to really dig deeper right into his very core.
“You Are the Reason” may be his most famous song out of the 13 tracks (14, including a Tïesto remix of his cover of Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own”), but all of his songs exude vulnerability, rawness, and honesty, amplified by his stunningly pure voice that has captured the hearts of millions.
Coming full circle from his short but successful phase as an artist, Scott also explained why he remains humble despite global fame.
“I used to work full time in an office, hiding away in my desk. Now, I have the opportunity to do something I love. And every day is a dream come true for me. I’m just generally grateful for all the love and support, and I will continue to give my 101 percent,” said Scott.
To show his appreciation to his fans, the singer is scheduled to release a special edition of his “Only Human” album where he will be dropping new tracks.
“My ‘Only Human’ special edition will come out on the 13th of November, with brand new songs in there to look forward to,” he announced.
Related video: Calum Scott shares his plans
His fans can all agree that Calum has indeed come a long way from being timid on stage, to be an evolving artist with a maturing sound that resonates a wonderful story of someone who has outgrown his struggles and used them to inspire others to always have faith and never stop believing in love. And if there was a song that best shows this feeling, it is his heartfelt “No Matter What.”
Before singing this song during his concert, Scott shared with the audience how personal this song is for him. The lyrics talk about self-love and acceptance.
Calum Scott’s “Only Human” Asia tour was brought to Manila by AEG and Ovation Productions. — Videos by Kat Leandicho