Singer Erik Santos has been in showbiz for almost 10 years.
Establishing himself as the Prince of Pop, he has numerous hits, multi-platinum record awards, and staged sold-out concerts.
When asked what else he wants to achieve in his career, he quips, "Puwede ko bang i-try maging Martin Nievera?"
Erik's connection with the Concert King dates back to when he was still a contestant in Star In A Million, where he emerged the Grand Winner.
Erik's winning song, "This is the Moment" was in Martin's album, Martin Live at the CCP with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
He eventually found his niche as one of the most reliable interpreters of themes of Star Cinema movies and ABS-CBN teleseryes.
He recorded songs for projects like Miss You Like Crazy, It Might Be You, Maging Sino Ka Man, May Minamahal, Now That I Have You, Say You'll Never Go, May Bukas Pa, Lupa, Diyos Ay Pag-ibig, I Will Never Leave You, and the latest Star Cinema movie, Unofficially Yours.
Erik's hit singles include Pagbigyang Muli, I'll Never Go, Kung Akin Ang Mundo, My Love Is Here, and his current single, Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka.
He has staged successful concerts at the Araneta Coliseum.
He has also dabbled in acting (Maalaala Mo Kaya), hosting (Star Power, Star In A Million 2, Search for a Star In A Million), and musical theater (as Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid).
"This year, I am working to establish myself as a concert performer-balladeer like Martin," says Erik. "I really look up to him and I really want to work on being a concert performer."
Late last year, he topbilled a three-night, sold-out Music Museum show billed powERIKons, which received favorable reviews.
He admits the show's success convinced him to focus on concerts.
"I am so far from being a Martin Nievera, but this year, I really want to work hard on becoming a respected concert artist," he says.
"This [stage] in my career is all about new challenges, risks, and hopefully, new victories."
The singer, who signed with Erickson Raymundo's Cornerstone Talent Management Group and Star Magic late last year, is excited about his new projects which include new albums, concerts, and TV shows.
"This year is all about gearing up for my 10th anniversary," Erik says.
"This is my gift to my fans who have selflessly supported me throughout the years, through ups and downs, victories and heartbreaks. I want to present a new Erik Santos to all of them."