Raquel Pempengco, mother of Jake Zyrus (formerly known as Charice), has addressed the public regarding recent comparisons between her child and SB19’s lead vocalist Stell Ajero.
This reaction follows Stell’s well-received performance of ‘All By Myself’ at David Foster’s concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, which garnered significant attention online.
Netizens have drawn parallels between Stell’s rendition and Charice’s iconic performance of the same song.
@stellajero16 Story time! 😭 I’m still shocked. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na nabigyan ako ng ganitong opportunity to perform on stage with the hitman, Mr. @davidfoster So pag akyat ko ng stage dapat mag soundcheck na ako for my spot, pero nagulat ako Sir David is playing the piano. Then he ask me kung suot ko na inears ko kasi pwede daw namin itry yung song. 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. After iplay yung arrangement nung song sabi niya “do you want to perform this song tonight?” nasabi ko nalang “if it’s ok with you sir” biglang BOOOM ayun na ang nangyare 😭 Para akong nag audition talaga. Namanifest ko yata. Grabe ‘yung kaba ko. Akala ko pinatry nya lang sa’kin. Syempre sino na naman ako para tumanggi diba? Minsan lang yung ganong pagkakataon kaya Binigay ko talaga yung best ko. Pagkatapos kong magperform, grabe din sigawan ng team and staff sa likod! Para kaming nanalo sa contest tapos talon kami ng talon. Grabe. Ayun lang. Ang haba ng kwento pero solid ang experience. Thank you sa lahat ng sumuporta. Thank you Sir David Foster and to the whole team. Sana nagustuhan niyo po yung performance ko. Thank you Lord kayo po talaga yung boses ko kagabi, Salamat po! #Stell #StellAtDavidandFriendsTour
In response, Raquel took to social media, stating, “Gulatin mo din mga tao…mag-Charice Pempengco ka ulit…hahaha joke lang pero in fairness magaling si Stell Ajero…mala-Jed Madela din but still don’t compare with Charice.”
In a subsequent Facebook post, Raquel clarified her admiration for Stell, expressing pride when ABS-CBN News featured her picture alongside his. She emphasized that both Jake and Stell are exceptionally talented and should not be compared due to their different musical styles.
“Proud na proud ako kasi napadikit ang picture ko kay Stell Ajero… I’m an avid fan ng Gento SB19 since narelease yan… at di ko alam na member xa ng SB19… actually mula ng nawala ang idol ko di na ako nanonood ng mga local music… ipinasa lang sa akin kaya ko nakikita then I was so surprised when I heard him singing the money note ‘All By Myself’ that David Foster wanted too to Charice Pempengco now Jake Zyrus before… no comparison for both of them, they’re both amazing in their genre,” Raquel posted.
As of this article’s publication, Jake Zyrus has not commented on the renewed comparisons to Charice on social media.
Jake Zyrus, who gained international fame as Charice, publicly transitioned and continues his music career under his new identity. Stell Ajero and SB19 have emerged as prominent figures in the Philippine music industry, amassing a substantial following with their popular hits.
