Former "Pinoy Big Brother" housemate and rising singer Carmelle Collado admitted feeling both pressure and excitement as she released her first solo single, a revival of the classic OPM ballad “Stay.”
Originally recorded by Carol Banawa, the emotional song has long been considered one of the most beloved ballads in Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
For Collado, taking on such a well-known track came with a lot of expectations.
“Aaminin ko po, talagang grabe 'yung pressure sa akin,” she shared. “Yung ‘Stay’ po kasi isa sa mga kilalang kanta ni Ms. Carol Banawa, at sobrang idol ko po talaga siya.”
Former "PBB" housemate Carmelle Collado
The young singer said the pressure intensified knowing that several respected artists have also performed their own versions of the song, including Daryl Ong.
Because of this, Collado said she focused on finding her own identity in the song.
“Ang pressure ko po talaga noon ay kung paano ko siya kakantahin na magtutunog Carmelle na magiging sarili kong interpretation,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she expressed deep gratitude to the team behind the project, who helped bring her version to life.
Collado also shared her surprise after learning that her rendition of “Stay” gained traction not only in the Philippines but also abroad.
“Talagang hindi ko po in-expect,” she said. “Sobrang saya ko po na lumabas siya ng Pilipinas at umabot sa apat na countries Philippines, UAE, Qatar, at Singapore. Maraming maraming salamat po.”
When asked why she chose to record “Stay” despite the many renditions already released, Collado explained that the song’s message deeply resonated with her.
“Yung ‘Stay’ po kasi talagang makaka-relate 'yung maraming tao. Ako nga po mismo nakaka-relate sa kanta dahil sa mga challenges na pinagdaanan ko. 'Yung lyrics po parang para talaga sa akin,” shen said.
Following the release of her first single, Collado also revealed that fans can expect more music from her soon.
“Maglalabas na rin po ako ng album,” she said, adding that preparations for the project are currently underway.
Interestingly, the singer also discovered her passion for songwriting during her time inside the Pinoy Big Brother house.
“Natuto po akong magsulat sa loob ng bahay ni Kuya,” she recalled. “May mga tasks po kasi kami noon na kailangan gumawa ng sarili naming kanta dahil hindi kami puwedeng kumanta ng copyrighted songs.”
She shared that the experience allowed her to create several original compositions.
Looking back, Collado admitted she initially felt anxious about releasing her version of “Stay,” especially since the recording had been completed even before she entered the Pinoy Big Brother house.
“Fun fact po, na-record na po namin yung ‘Stay’ bago pa po ako pumasok sa bahay ni Kuya,” she revealed.
But seeing how listeners from different countries embraced the song made the experience even more meaningful.
“Talagang hindi ko po inaasahan na hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas kundi pati sa ibang bansa ay may makikinig at magugustuhan po yung kanta. Sobrang grateful po talaga ako.”
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