IN PHOTOS: From Elton John to Manilow, musicians who have come out as gay

It's always a big deal whenever a celebrity comes out as gay because, with their stature, they can have a significant impact on the fight for LGBT rights.

Take for example Barry Manilow, who grabbed headlines Wednesday when he revealed his sexuality.

With that in mind, here's a look at other singers have come out as gay.

Barry Manilow, grabbed headlines Wednesday when he revealed his sexuality.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

WATCH: Michael wows as Sam Smith, John Legend

MANILA - For the "Duet Yourself" challenge of the second season of "Your Face Sounds Familiar", Michael Pangilinan had to perform as both John Legend and Sam Smith.

On Saturday's episode, Pangilinan performed "Lay Me Down" from Smith's 2014 album, "In the Lonely Hour" -- a performance judge Gary Valenciano described as the crooner's best in the competition.

"To be frank with you, this is my most favorite performance of yours. Tonight I saw the Michael Pangilinan that's I've always believed was always here," he said.

For his part, Jed Madela added: "Vocally, those two performances were very flawless. Sobrang na-impress ako, you looked and felt like John Legend and Sam Smith onstage kaya job well done."

Hosted by Billy Crawford and Melai Cantiveros, "Your Face Sounds Familiar" airs Saturdays after "Maalala Mo Kaya" and Sundays after "Rated K."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Review: Sincere, soulful, sentimental Sam Smith

Late last year, I bought tickets on the afternoon of the first day of ticket sales, and already failed to get the section I preferred. Anyhow, I got good enough seats for my purposes. If you see the poster, the tickets prices were not too high, so this concert set for May 10, 2015 quickly sold out.

On December 7, 2014 though, there was a surprising announcement of a postponement of this much-awaited concert. Sam Smith posted a message online to explain that he had "serious issues" with his vocal cords that needed to be addressed by an American specialist. He added that this is "horrible" for him and he is truly very sorry. Tickets for the original date will be honored for the new date yet to be announced. By July 15, 2015, the new date was confirmed to be November 21, 2015.

*****

By about 9 p.m., the house lights dimmed and the show was about to begin. There were flashes of light on the stage whenever Sam Smith's distinct tenor voice started to sing. The first three songs he sang were not too familiar to me but they were very catchy just the same: "Life Support," "Together" and "Leave Your Lover."

In his spiel, he mentioned he about his cancellation, which is why this night is a "specially special night" and he intends to sing harder than he does. Since Smith only has one album so far, it was not surprising that some fans knew ALL his songs by heart, singing along with every lyric. Then as the light turned red with designs on the floor, we hear the strains of "I'm Not the Only One," a song that went to No. 3 in the UK and No. 5 in the US. The whole audience was singing along with him the whole time during this well-loved song.

Smith candidly told us a lot of personal stories behind the songs in his debut album "In the Lonely Hour," an album that signified himself being as honest as he could in the language of music. He called this album "a diary of mine." The next song is the first "really honest honest song" he wrote, "I've Told You Now." The next song I have not heard before, but it was really rousing and uplifting, "Nirvana." His signature vocals, head tones, and runs were all so especially on point in these poignant songs.

The next two songs were familiar upbeat songs that Smith had. He does not really dance too much in these songs, just like Rick Astley did back then in his upbeat songs. Everybody was singing along to catchy chorus of "Like I Can" and dancing along to the Sam's dance instructions in the super-groovy "Restart." His next number was a medley of R&B covers including "Tears Dry on Their Own" by Amy Winehouse, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Diana Ross and "Le Freak" by Chic, which featured the strong vocals of his three back-up singers. The lighting effects of the stage were spectacular during this medley.




He then slowed down the pace again, singing two songs that he felt are the heart and soul of his debut album. He talked about falling in love with someone who did not love him back, now that he has moved on from this heartbreak, the resulting songs are now not his songs anymore, but his audience's songs already. The first of these songs is the pensive "Not in That Way," which he mixed with Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" to the audience's delight. The second is the very popular song "Lay Me Down," his first hit as a solo artist, hitting No. 15 in the UK and No. 8 in the US.

Smith upped the tempo again with his infectious next song "La La La," a No. 1 song in the UK, No. 19 in the US, credited as Naughty Boy featuring Sam Smith. He ended his regular set with the only song in his album that was not about love, but about another artist he did not like who sang not for passion but for money. The song is "Money on My Mind," another No. 1 song in the UK. He mixed in a familiar line from Cece Peniston's anthem "Finally" in the final chorus of that song.

The audience clamored for more as the house lights were dimmed. After a while, the keyboardist started to play a slow melody. Sam Smith came out and said that he will sing his 2012 song with Disclosure called "Latch," his first US Top 10 hit that peaked at No. 8. He asked everyone to shine their phone lights as he sang a slowed-down version of this hit song.

The next song was a letter his "first boyfriend" which drew cheers from his fans, "Make It to Me." He saved his biggest hit for last "Stay with Me" (No. 1 UK, No. 2 US). He called the night "amazing" an opinion which I am sure his audience all shared. That last song gained a new meaning as the fans all wanted him to stay on with them.

The concert was finished in little over an hour only. I was a bit disappointed that he did not sing "Writing's on the Wall" from the latest James Bond film "Spectre." Nevertheless, with Sam Smith's candor, friendliness and his soaring vocals, this is surely one of the best, most sincere concerts I have attended ever.

This review was originally published in the author's blog, "Fred Said."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sam Smith cancels Manila concert. Here's why

 

'Stay With Me' singer looking to reschedule shows

MANILA - British crooner Sam Smith announced on Monday the cancellation of his first Philippine concert, six days before it was set to be staged at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 10.



In a statement on his Facebook page addressed to "Manila," Smith said he feels "horrible" to have to reschedule the Manila stop of his "In The Lonely Hour" tour, citing persistent problems in his vocal chords.

The "Latch" hitmaker said, unedited: "I have some bad news, I've been to the doctors today and although my four days vocal rest has definitely helped, I still have some serious issues with my vocal cords which need to be addressed.

"I am having to fly to the USA to see a specialist there and as a result need to re-schedule the shows to later this year. This is horrible for me and I'm truly very sorry that I cannot come and see you guys. I hope you understand and cannot wait to see you in the near future."

Smith, however, has yet to announced the new schedule of the show.

Late last month, the multiple Grammy winner also had to cancel the remainder of his Australian tour, similarly due to a hemorrhage on his vocal chords.

"In The Lonely Hour" (also the name of his album) kicked off in January 2015 and is scheduled to have several more stops in North America, Europe and South America with a closing show to be held in Rio de Janeiro on September 26.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Fresh from 'Voice' win, Jason Dy covers Sam Smith

Fresh from his "The Voice of the Philippines" win, Jason Dy took the "It's Showtime" stage on Monday with a rendition of the Sam Smith hit "I'm Not the Only One."

In his blind audition, which turned three chairs, Dy similarly took on a tune from the English singer, "Stay With Me."

source:  www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sam Smith triumphs with 4 Grammy wins

LOS ANGELES -- Heartbreak paid off handsomely for British soul singer Sam Smith, a newcomer who won four Grammy awards on Sunday including record and song of the year for his anthem "Stay With Me."

The 22-year-old was also anointed best new artist and his debut album "In The Lonely Hour" won best pop vocal album. But rocker Beck robbed Smith of a sweep in the top three Grammy categories by winning album of the year for "Morning Phase."

"I want to thank the man who this record is about, who I fell in love with last year," Smith said as he accepted his gramophone-shaped trophy for record of the year. "Thank you so much for breaking my heart because you got me four Grammys."

The music industry's biggest night took on a somber note with a powerful message against domestic abuse delivered by President Barack Obama by video, by a survivor's testimony and by a Katy Perry performance.

While Smith was favored to win big, Beck pulled off the surprise of the night in album of the year, beating out Smith, Pharrell Williams, Beyonce and Ed Sheeran. "Morning Phase," an album with a laid-back vibe, won three Grammys on the night, including best rock album.

"We made this record at my house for the most part, so I would like to thank my kids for letting me keep them awake a little bit longer," Beck said as he accepted his trophy from R&B star Prince.

Other notable winners were Pharrell and Beyonce, who won three Grammys each and delivered some of the most popular performances of the night.

Smith's win echoes that of fellow British soul singer Adele, who swept the Grammys with six wins in 2012 with her heartbreak album "21" and song "Someone Like You," also about a failed relationship.

Smith has found his audience by being himself and encouraging people to discover his music through social media and online streaming, one of the few growth segments in an industry of declining record sales.

"Before I made this record, I was doing everything to try and get my music heard," Smith said. "I tried to lose weight and I was making awful music and it was only until that I started to be myself that the music started to flow and people started to listen."

Domestic abuse spotlight

Obama delivered a pointed speech in a video message urging artists at the Grammys to help end domestic violence, saying "It's not OK and it has to stop" and urging artists to tell their fans to make a pledge to help stop it.

Survivor Brooke Axtell shared her own story of domestic abuse in an emotional speech on stage, before introducing Perry on a white stage. Perry sang her inspirational survival anthem "By the Grace of God," dressed in a simple white caped dress as shadows of dancers were projected behind her.

Backstage, Axtell said she teared up during Perry's song.

The performance was a study in contrasts with Perry's vibrant, lively and prop-filled spectacular at the Super Bowl a week ago.

On the other end of the spectrum was Pharrell's eclectic rendition of "Happy" on the Grammys stage, teaming up with film composer Hans Zimmer to channel a "Grand Budapest Hotel" vibe dressed as a bellhop and accompanied by pianist Lang Lang and gospel singers.

Australian singer-songwriter Sia recreated her "Chandelier" video with comedienne Kristen Wiig and teen dancer Maddie Ziegler in a contemporary dance-off on a set designed like a decrepit apartment.

Madonna delivered an energetic performance of "Living For Love," accompanied by male dancers in elaborate horned face masks and singers dressed in mariachi costumes. She ended the high-octane set by being suspended above stage in a harness.

Duets for all decades

But numerous artists opted to strip down their performances to showcase their music.

Known to be a stage where veterans and current music stars come together, British singers Jessie J and Tom Jones sang The Righteous Brothers' classic 1964 song "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," and Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga channeled New York-style romance with their jazz tune "Cheek to Cheek."

Rihanna joined Kanye West and Paul McCartney against a white stage backdrop to perform the jaunty "FourFiveSeconds," while No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, both judges on NBC's "The Voice" singing competition, teamed up for a heartfelt rendition of "My Heart is Open."

The night ended on civil rights with Beyonce and gospel singers belting out a rendition of the hymn "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," before artists Common and John Legend took the stage to perform their Oscar-nominated "Glory," from the Martin Luther King Jr. biopic "Selma."

Following is a list of winners in key categories.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
"Morning Phase," Beck

RECORD OF THE YEAR
"Stay with Me," (Darkchild Version) Sam Smith

SONG OF THE YEAR (Songwriters award)
"Stay with Me," (Darkchild Version) James Napier, William
Phillips and Sam Smith

BEST NEW ARTIST
Sam Smith

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM
"In the Lonely Hour," Sam Smith

BEST ROCK ALBUM
"Morning Phase," Beck

BEST URBAN CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
"Girl," Pharrell Williams

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
"Platinum," Miranda Lambert

BEST DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM
"Syro," Aphex Twin

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM
"St. Vincent," St. Vincent

BEST RAP ALBUM
"The Marshall Mathers LP 2," Eminem

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL
Max Martin

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sam Smith, Beyonce, Pharrell top Grammy nominations

NEW YORK - Newcomer Sam Smith joined Beyonce and Pharrell Williams on Friday to lead in nominations for the Grammy Awards, with the music industry's annual picks weighted toward R&B-influenced artists.

Smith -- the British blue-eyed soul singer who emerged in force this year with "Stay With Me," a ballad about a one-night stand -- was tied with Beyonce and Williams for nominations in six categories at music's most-watched awards.

"What is going on! 6 Grammy nominations. Dear Lord," Smith wrote on Instagram as he posted a picture of his face somewhere between tears and a grimace.

Smith's debut album "In the Lonely Hour" was nominated for the most prestigious Album of the Year along with the prolific Williams' "Girl," which features the globally viral anthem "Happy."

Beyonce, who won six Grammys in 2010 in one of the awards' biggest-ever hauls, was also tapped for Album of the Year with her latest, self-titled album, which includes her tune of marital bliss "Drunk in Love" sung with husband Jay Z.

One Grammy surprise was Beck, whose collage-like and sometimes ironic songs have won him a passionate following over two decades but who has often been considered outside the mainstream.

Beck was nominated in four categories including Album of the Year for his introspective "Morning Phase."

British songwriter Ed Sheeran, who has collaborated with superstar pop acts such as One Direction, was also nominated for Album of the Year for his second studio album "X."

- Nods to new artists -
The Grammy winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Los Angeles on February 8.

The nominations, announced throughout the day on US television and Twitter, showed a shift in direction after French electronic duo Daft Punk won last year’s top Grammys. All but one of the nods for Record of the Year, which recognizes songs, went to a white artist heavily influenced by R&B or hip hop.

Smith was the only male artist tapped for Record of the Year. Other nominees included fellow new artists Meghan Trainor for "All About That Bass" and Australian rapper Iggy Azalea for "Fancy," which features British singer Charli XCX.

Sia, another Australian influenced by R&B, was in contention for "Chandelier" in the biggest nomination of her two-decade career.

Country-turned-pop superstar Taylor Swift got a nod for Record of the Year with "Shake It Off" from her chart-topping album "1989." The album as a whole, which last month enjoyed the biggest single-week sales for a US album in 12 years, came out too late for Grammy eligibility.

- One for U2 -
U2, the most nominated group in Grammy history, received a nod for Best Rock Album for "Songs of Innocence" but the Irish superstars were passed over for Album of the Year.

The album was controversially released for free on iTunes in September but U2 rushed out a limited-edition vinyl in time to be Grammy eligible.

Women took three of the five nominations for Country Album, despite the prevalence of male-dominated "bro-country" on the radio.

Brandy Clark was nominated for "12 Stories," which was released on a Dallas label after Nashville would not touch it, with established stars Miranda Lambert and Lee Ann Womack also in the running.

- Major electronic, reggae artists -

Clark was separately nominated in the closely watched Best New Artist category, along with Azalea and Smith. Also in the category were Haim, the Fleetwood Mac-inspired California band featuring three sisters, and British rockers Bastille.

Azalea was nominated as well for Best Rap Album along with veteran Eminem, who recently threatened her in a song. Others in the category are the successful actor and poet Common, marijuana-loving soloist Wiz Khalifa and television star Childish Gambino, as well as Schoolboy Q, who released his major label debut.

The cutting-edge British artist Aphex Twin was nominated for Best/Dance Electronic Album with "Syro," his first album in 13 years. Also in the category was "Do It Again," a mini-album collaboration between soon-to-be-defunct Norwegian electronic duo Royksopp and Swedish singer Robyn.

The reggae category was dominated by veteran acts with dub pioneer Lee "Scratch" Perry receiving his latest nomination at age 78.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com