Brian McKnight, Carrie Underwood and Leann Rimes at Grammy Music Preservation Project

Guess who is Brian McKnight's favorite Filipino singer... Read on.

Amee Enriquez/Asianjournal.com

LOS ANGELES - Seventeen-time Grammy nominee Brian McKnight is definite about who his favorite Filipino singer is. Grammy nominee and American Idol 5 winner Carrie Underwood was genuinely flattered when told about her Filipino fan base. Two-time Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes, who hit the charts big in the Philippines with "Can't Stop the Moonlight" from the movie "Coyote Ugly," said she might do an Asian tour. These were but a few things we learned during one-on-one interviews with the artists during the Grammy Foundation's 9th Annual Music Preservation Project at the Wilshire Ebell Theater last February 8.

Preserving music

"They're the reason we get to do what we do," Underwood told the Asian Journal, on the importance of "The Soul of Country," the Grammy Foundation's musical preservation project this year.

"It's important to keep the audio and video footage intact so future generations can look upon it because it is another form of history," she added.

Rimes said that the music preservation project is "incredibly important to preserve the music."

For his part, McKnight said that he always makes it a point to support the cause of the Grammy's because it's his way of giving back to the community. "You have to give back. You have to. It's so important because the people give so much to you that it's only right that you give it back."

On their Filipino fans

Carrie Underwood was every inch the American Idol and now major country star during the press interviews. When told of her fan base in the Filipino community, she looked genuinely pleased and said a sweet thank you to her fans.

"Thank you for supporting me and I hope you guys like our next album," said Underwood.

"How wonderful," LeAnn Rimes said in reaction to her music enjoying airplay in the Philippines. "Thank you so much for being fans for all of these years and supporting my music. Hopefully I'll be able to come over very soon and say hello and meet all of you in person."

Though Rimes has not done any concerts in Asia, she might visit soon as part of her comeback bid. "I know that we have been very much talking about going this year so I can't wait to go," she said.

The most familiar with the Filipino audience was R&B singer and songwriter Brian McKnight. Aside from his shows in the Philippines, McKnight has also done collaborations with the best Filipino singers like Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez and Gary Valenciano.

"I love the Philippines. I love coming there. It's one of my favorite places to play because the Filipino people are so passionate about love songs and I sing love songs so it's great to come there," McKnight said, his pleasure evident.

"We're working on a tour now. We're going to Europe and Australia in March. We're doing the States 'til July. I think in the fall. Maybe with Regine (Velasquez) or Martin (Nievera). I know that Martin's going to be in Vegas for a year...Gary V. I'm definitely coming back to the Araneta (Coliseum)."

When asked who his favorite Filipino artist is, McKnight answers without skipping a beat. "My favorite's Regine. Regine must be one of the greatest singers that I've heard anywhere. She can hold her own next to anyone. I doubt that anybody would want to come behind her after she sings."

Aside from the three artists, there were others who showed up to support the event. These included Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard and Kenny Loggins, among others.

Posted by Mao on RVML