Kyla (Filipino singer)

Melanie Hernandez Calumpad (born January 5, 1981), known professionally as Kyla, is a Filipino singer-songwriter, actress, and television personality. Known for her vocal range and melismatic singing style, she has been credited with helping to redefine R&B and soul music in the Philippines. Her sound became a catalyst in the growth and popularity of the music genres, making her a prominent pop culture figure. She has been cited by media outlets as the country's "Queen of R&B". Kyla started performing in singing competitions as a child, and first gained recognition as a runner-up in the talent competition show Metropop Star Search in 1997. She signed with EMI Philippines and released her debut album Way to Your Heart (2000), supported by the single "Hanggang Ngayon", which won the International Viewer's Choice Award for Southeast Asia at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards. Kyla began songwriting for her eponymous second album, which contained elements of soul and R&B. Kyla's I Will Be There (2003) featured English boy band Blue, and Not Your Ordinary Girl (2004) and Beautiful Days (2006) included tracks written by American singer-songwriter Keith Martin. Her succeeding releases were the cover albums Heartfelt (2007), and Heart 2 Heart (2009). Her next album, Private Affair (2010), featured the lead single "Don't Tie Me Down". After signing a new contract with Star Music in 2015, she released her ninth album The Queen of R&B (2018). Kyla's first seven records are all platinum-certified by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry. Kyla made her acting debut with a guest appearance in the drama series Narito ang Puso Ko (2003). She followed this with parts in the television anthology series Magpakailanman (2003) and Dear Friend (2009). Her first major role was as the antagonist in the daytime soap opera Villa Quintana (2013). Kyla expanded her career into reality television as a presenter of the talent competition show Popstar Kids (20052007) and as a judge in the variety show singing contest Tawag ng Tanghalan (2016).