SB19’s Stell on ‘All By Myself’ performance with David Foster: ‘I’m still shocked’

STELL Ajero, the main vocalist of P-pop powerhouse SB19, is still on cloud nine after his jaw-dropping performance at renowned global producer-songwriter David Foster’s concert in the country.

Videos of Ajero belting out the hit song “All By Myself,” popularized by the Queen of Power Ballads Celine Dion, at the “Hitman: David Foster and Friends” show in Quezon City have gone viral, as netizens showered the P-pop idol with praises for his immaculate vocal prowess.

In an Instagram post, the “GENTO” hitmaker said he is still somewhat in disbelief after sharing the stage with the Canadian record producer.

“I’m still shocked. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na nabigyan ako ng ganitong opportunity to perform on stage with the hitman, Mr. David Foster,” said Ajero.

He also shared how his “All By Myself” performance came about, saying that it felt like he underwent an “audition” with Foster.

According to Ajero, he went up the stage for his soundcheck session when he saw Foster playing the piano. 

The Canadian record producer then asked him if he was already wearing his in-ears so they could try performing a song, which Ajero was not aware of.

“Nagulat ako sabi ko sa utak ko ‘what song?’ So na pa ‘huh’ ako then sabi niya, ‘All by Myself give it a try’ daw. Bilang lutang ako sa sobrang gulat kinanta ko lang siya kung pano ko siya kinakanta,” he recalled.

After showing his version of the song, Ajero said Foster asked him if he wanted to perform “All By Myself” at the concert, to which the P-pop idol wholeheartedly agreed.

“Namanifest ko yata. Grabe ‘yung kaba ko. Akala ko pinatry nya lang sa’kin. Syempre sino na naman ako para tumanggi ‘di ba? Minsan lang yung ganong pagkakataon kaya binigay ko talaga yung best ko,” said Ajero.

The 29-year-old Filipino singer also shared how his team and staff jumped for joy after his performance, likening it to the feeling of winning in a contest.

Ajero went on to thank those who supported him in his performance, particularly Foster. 

“Sana nagustuhan niyo po yung performance ko. Thank you Lord kayo po talaga yung boses ko kagabi, Salamat po!” he said.

Aside from “All By Myself,” Ajero also performed Adele’s “All I Ask” to open Foster’s Manila show. He also serenaded the crowd with “Defying Gravity” and his solo debut single “Room.”

Released on June 14, “Room” is a pulsating dance anthem that talks about celebration of “one’s authenticity” and “dance to the rhythm of your own heartbeat.”

Ajero is the last SB19 member to debut as a solo recording artist, following Justin who released his debut single “Surreal” in February 2024.

Praises from celebs, netizens

The SB19 member also left several celebrities in awe with his “All By Myself” performance. They sent their congratulatory messages and praises to Ajero in the comment section of his post.

Among those who commented were OPM icons Jessa Zaragoza and Chito Miranda, fellow P-pop artists Joker of boy group 1st One and Charlotte of girl group KAIA, Andrew de Pano of folk-pop band Ben&Ben, and actors Dingdong Dantes, Sanya Lopez, and Betong Sumaya.

Miranda and Ajero, who were fellow coaches in “The Voice Generations,” had a funny exchange in the comment section, with the former joking that he could have also performed the song but chose not to.

“Joke lang coach! I’m so happy for you! Congrats!!!” said Miranda.

Ajero replied, “Alam ko naman kaya mo yan coach Chito.”

OPM singer Christian Bautista also praised Ajero on X (formerly Twitter).

Ajero is set to perform in OPM singer Erik Santos’ concert tour in the United States, beginning on June 22 in San Francisco California.

The P-pop idol will then hold a two-night concert with his “The Voice Generations” fellow coach Julie Ann San Jose in the country. Titled “JulieXStell: Ang Ating Tinig,” the musical event will be held on July 27 to 28 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.