Melanie C. Alvarez (née
Calumpad; born 5 January 1981), better known by her stage name
Kyla, is a critically acclaimed Filipino R&B singer-songwriter, recording artist and producer, occasional actress, and presenter.
Known as the "
R&B and Soul Princess" and occasionally, the Philippines' "
Queen of R&B", Kyla is one of the country's most awarded singers. She began her career in 2000 with OctoArts EMI Philippines and rose to prominence with the release of her second single "
Hanggang Ngayon" (English translation:
"Until Now"). The song went on to win the MTV Viewers' Choice at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, making Kyla the only Filipina and one of only three Filipino artists (Eraserheads and Parokya ni Edgar being the other two) to ever win an award at the VMAs. Kyla has released a total of eight studio albums to date, all of which were certified Platinum albums.
Kyla has collaborated with many international artists including American R&B singers Brian McKnight and Keith Martin, British boy band Blue, Irish musician Ronan Keating, Norwegian band Fra Lippo Lippi, Indonesian R&B singer Joeniar Arief, and Malaysian artists Too Phat, Noryn Aziz, Ferhad, and Hazami. Kyla is currently managed by EMI Philippines (PolyEast Records), ALV Talent Circuit, and Tarra Group (Indonesia).
Her work has earned her several achievements, including a star on the Walk of Fame in the Philippines, a MTV Video Music Award, eleven Awit Awards where she holds the record for the most wins for a female act, four MTV Philippines Music Award, and four MYX Music Awards. She has also been honored by the Philippines Society of Composers, Singers and Publishers for her contributions to music as one of the first pioneers of R&B music in the Philippines. In 2009, the RX 93.1 Awards also recognized her as the "
OPM Female Artist of the Decade".