“Darren Espanto’s BTS Cover Sparks Outrage: Can He Really Not Sing?”

Darren Espanto’s BTS Cover Sparks Outrage: Can He Really Not Sing?

The world of entertainment is no stranger to controversy, but when a rising star like Darren Espanto gets dragged into an unexpected storm, fans and critics alike pay attention. Recently, Espanto found himself at the center of an online firestorm after a cover he posted of a popular BTS song went viral—for all the wrong reasons.

What started as a simple tribute to the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS quickly turned into a wave of criticism that questioned the very core of Espanto’s talent: his voice.

The Viral Video That Sparked It All

Darren Espanto uploaded a cover of BTS’s emotionally charged ballad, “Spring Day,” on his social media accounts, intending to honor the song’s message of longing and connection. But within hours, the video began to attract negative attention. While many fans praised his effort and vocal control, others were less than impressed.

Some netizens claimed that Darren’s rendition lacked the emotional depth of the original, while a particularly vocal minority outright accused him of being “unable to sing,” citing moments in the video where they felt he was off-key or lacked power.

A Flood of Opinions: “Can’t Sing”? Really?

The hashtag #DarrenEspanto started trending, not because of admiration—but because of doubt. Dozens of comments flooded the post:

“He butchered the song! BTS deserves better.”

“I never thought I’d say this, but Darren can’t sing.”

“Why is he trying so hard to sound like Jungkook?”

However, loyal fans came to Darren’s defense, pointing out that the song is incredibly difficult to perform and praising him for taking the risk. Many highlighted how the performance showcased his unique vocal interpretation rather than attempting to mimic BTS.

Darren Responds: “I Know My Worth”

In response to the mounting criticism, Darren Espanto took to Instagram Live with a calm but firm message. “I know my worth,” he said. “I’ve trained for years, performed on global stages, and represented the Philippines internationally. One cover doesn’t define my career—or my talent.”

He also reminded viewers that no artist is immune to off days and that the intention behind the cover was rooted in love and admiration for BTS, not competition.

Industry Reactions: Artists Stand with Darren

Several fellow Filipino artists, including Sarah Geronimo and Morissette Amon, voiced their support. Sarah posted, “Darren is one of the most talented vocalists of this generation. Let’s lift each other up, not tear each other down.”

Morissette echoed the sentiment, saying, “Singers should be allowed to express themselves without fear of being torn apart. Darren did his best and that’s all that matters.”

What This Says About Online Criticism

This incident sheds light on a much larger issue: the pressure celebrities face in today’s social media-driven world. With every post, tweet, and upload, artists open themselves up to both praise and vitriol. The case of Darren Espanto serves as a harsh reminder of the double-edged sword that is virality.

Moving Forward: What’s Next for Darren?

Despite the backlash, Darren remains undeterred. He’s reportedly working on a new album and is planning a major concert tour later this year. “You can’t let one moment define you,” he said. “You learn, you grow, and you sing louder.”

As for the BTS cover, it remains online—unapologetically—and continues to garner mixed reactions. But for Darren, it’s all part of the journey.