Move over, Anne Curtis: Lani Misalucha lures paying crowd back to real singers
In the not-so-distant past, fans didn’t mind paying as much as P5,000 to hear Anne Curtis—“The Noise of the Philippines” as she proudly declared during her Araneta concert in May—perform her favorite songs before the audience of at least 10,000.
Critics lamented that Anne’s invasion of the music scene was a mockery of true talent, especially at the time when some local singers are performing in almost-empty venues.
But if Lani Misalucha’s return concert on December 6 is any indication, there’s still hope that real singers can bring the concert ball back to their home court.
Jampacked
La Nightingale (her new title) filled Araneta Coliseum to the brim even if the seats closest to the stage commanded P6000 each.
The 45-year-old diva made sure her 2-hour, 15-minute concert was worth the audience’s time and money.
“No one in this world can sing like Lani Misalucha,” said Martin Nievera, one of the only three guests she had at the La Nightingale concert. "You are the singer’s singer.”
No stunts needed
No death-defying stunts, visual spectacle needed. Just pure vocal perfection her Las Vegas patrons must be missing these days.
Lani opened the night with upbeat songs from the present: “Wings” by British girl group Little Mix, "Bang Bang” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, and “Chandelier” by Sia.
She followed them up with OPM songs, including her classic "Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin” and "Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin.”
From OPM to comedy
Lani also sang “Anak," “Maging Sino Ka Man” with Arnel Pineda, and “Bulag, Pipi at Bingi"—all of which were part of her 12-track album under Star Records.
She also brought her Las Vegas gimmick to Manila, impersonating Celine Dion and Mommy Dionisia.
The Nightingale went on singing those included in her album: “Sirena,” “Saan Darating ang Umaga” and “Starting over Again.”
Covering fellow divas
Accompanied by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, Lani shifted to opera when she sang “Ave Maria,” the first classical piece her dad taught her at age 8. “Bohemian Rhapsody” came next.
Martin Nievera then emerged to duet with Lani Misalucha a Celine Dion hit, “I’m Your Angel."
Lani wrapped up the concert with Whitney Houston songs: “I Have Nothing,” “I Look to You” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Scenes from the concert
