Lani Misalucha

Lani Bayot Misalucha (Tagalog: [ˈlanɪ ˈbɐjɔt mɪsɐˈlutʃa]; born Lani Dimalanta Bayot (born August 3, 1969) is a Filipino singer. Known for her vocal range, powerful, emotive vocals and ability to sing opera arias, she has been referred to as "Asia's Nightingale". Her music has received recognition from a number of award-giving bodies such as Awit Awards, Aliw Awards, Box Office Entertainment Awards and PMPC Star Awards for Music. In 2021, she was named "People of the Year" by People Asia. Misalucha began singing as a church choir member and eventually became a back-up vocalist of various bands. After several stints as a singer of commercial jingles and multiplex tapes, she released her 1997 debut album More Than I Should under Alpha Records. The following year, she competed at the 3rd Asia Song Festival and won Best Interpreter for the song "Handle with Care". The same year, she signed with Viva Records and released her sophomore album Tunay Na Mahal (1998). The following year, she won the top honor at the 1999 Metropop Song Festival and released her third studio album All Heart (2000). In 2001, she staged her first major solo concert Lani Misalucha: The Crossover Live Tour at the Araneta Coliseum, earning an Entertainer of the Year win at the 2002 Aliw Awards. She received further recognition after moving to Las Vegas in 2004 and embarked on a string of headlining concert residencies, becoming the first Asian artist to headline in a main showroom in the city. Her vocal performances have earned praises from musical artists such as Dionne Warwick, Joe Jackson, Gladys Night, James Ingram and Whitney Houston. Among her other PARI-certified releases include Lani Misalucha (2006), Reminisce (2008) & The Nightingale Returns (2014).