Singer-actor Darren Espanto didn’t hold back after being told he “can’t sing” following his performance of BTS member J-Hope’s ‘Mona Lisa’ on the May 11 episode of ‘ASAP Natin ‘To’.
Espanto, alongside fellow artists Kyle Echarri and Iñigo Pascual, covered the K-pop idol’s track in a special number.
While many fans praised the trio’s performance, one X (formerly Twitter) user threw shade, writing: “Dare I say… people who can’t sing need to stop covering his songs. Seriously.”
Darren promptly responded, rejecting the claim and backing up his artistry.
“Please consider watching my other vocal performances cuz one thing I won’t take is someone telling me I ‘CAN’T SING,’” he posted, attaching clips of three acclaimed live numbers:
- His ASAP birthday prod medley of ‘This Is Me,’ ‘Con Te Partirò,’ and ‘Phantom of the Opera’
- His viral cover of Sia’s “Chandelier” on Wish 107.5 Bus
- His award-winning performance of “Bibitaw Na” during ASAP Milan
The original post has since been locked behind a private account, but the clapback ignited support from Espanto’s fans and fellow netizens, who flooded social media with praise.
Not a fan of Darren pero real talk, wala ni isa sa member ng BTS ang kayang makipagsabayan sa kanya vocally. Even Jungkook. https://t.co/Mc3Po7Trx1
— Pisces King (@PiscesKinggg) May 16, 2025
Darren Espanto is not the one who is known for having bad vocals whether it’s live or not like you can put all your faves against him and he’d still outsing them with ease so stop embarrassing yourself pic.twitter.com/f8oBfS1Vng https://t.co/I6tQ3EHzRG
— (@renlinghe) May 16, 2025
Imagine dragging darren espanto, saying he can’t sing?? meanwhile this is the main vocal of that group pic.twitter.com/IV2fIWv8UN
— wren (@rge_canlas) May 17, 2025
I love how SEA is ganging up on ratmys because they called Darren Espanto, a very talented Filipino singer, as someone who can’t sing. SEA, heck the world, knows you don’t insult Filipinos when it comes to singing. https://t.co/ZbNgadulaT
— Choi Sooyoung (@PakSooyoung_) May 17, 2025
Every Filipino would rally behind Darren Espanto when someone says he can’t sing. Maybe get your ears checked.
Darren Espanto and cant sing in one sentence? Nah. Stay out of your delusional world. The man is a Filipino pride and one of the best singers. https://t.co/IG7Dt8Ylp2
— kira (@quinkarasu) May 16, 2025
The audacity to say that Darren Espanto can’t sing??? Not a fan of him but girl, Darren now and even Darren at 13 can outsing everyone in your idol’s group. Stay humble. https://t.co/VUCL4QFAR1 pic.twitter.com/VEPqPLGfP6
— o’brien (@deeplyfrost) May 15, 2025
Darren, a runner-up from the first season of ‘The Voice Kids Philippines’, has long been recognized for his powerhouse vocals and stage presence. Before his Philippine breakthrough, he was already turning heads in Canada, becoming the youngest finalist in ‘The Next Star’ at age 10.
He recently won Best Engineered Recording at the Awit Awards 2024 for his self-penned track ‘Bibitaw Na,’ and continues to earn praise not only for his musical performances but also for his professionalism and character.