Top foreign artists who visited Manila in 2011

When it comes to foreign artists holding shows in the country, this year is one of the most exciting ones in recent memory. Five years ago, if I had to make a list of the hottest musical acts from around the world who visited here, it would really be more challenging.

But today, these foreign acts regularly include the Philippines as a stop in their respective world tours--some even opening Asian legs here. As a Filipino, that makes me proud. Perhaps it's the stronger peso that allows organizers to bring them here; perhaps it's the Filipinos' penchant for foreign acts.

It doesn't really matter. Already, A-list stars are being rumored to hold headlining shows in the country next year. But that's a different story. For now, let's take a look at the hottest, most exciting names that made a splash in the Philippine concert scene this 2011:

1. Justin Bieber
          Like it or not, this teenage singing sensation is one of the biggest stars in the entire universe at the moment. For Bieber to take his act in the country speaks volumes about how important the Philippine market is in the worldwide music industry. Last May, Bieber sang to a packed house at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds. (Plus who can forget the airport incident, the video of which became viral material on the net, of him allegedly throwing a tantrum?)

2. Taylor Swift
          At barely 22 years old, Taylor swift is one of the few artists who will define this generation when people look back many decades from now. In support of her "Speak Now" album, Swift played to a sold-out crowd at the Araneta Coliseum last February. Clips of videos taken by fans with their smartphones and digital cameras quickly became hot items over at YouTube and she became a trending topic at Twitter.

3. American Idol Season 10
          It wasn't only Scotty McCreery (the Season 10 champ) and Lauren Alaina (the runner-up) who visited the country last September at the Araneta Coliseum--it was the entire top 11 finalists of American Idol's latest season. But this year's Idol singers weren't the only alums from the show who visited the country. Season 9's winner Lee DeWyze played to smaller venues last May.

4. Kylie Minogue
          The dance goddess herself gave her fans the chance to see her up close and personal for a show at the Araneta Coliseum last July. On a world tour in support of her album, "Aphrodite," Minogue did not at all disappoint, singing her biggest and latest hits. All road led to the concert venue during that time that even Filipina actress Anne Curtis was forced to take the metro rail system to get to the venue on time.

5. Westlife
          The group has always had a loyal following in the country. Last September, they took their "Gravity Tour 2011" to Manila and returned to a packed house at the Araneta Coliseum. This was the third time that the group performed in the country--the first as a quartet. Still, fans showed their support and it wouldn't be surprising to see them come back yet again in the coming years.



>> See the second half >>



*** Continue reading and see the second half of this list by clicking here: "Top foreign artists who visited Manila in 2011 (Part 2)" ***