Lani Misalucha considers 'Still' show a litmus test for her as concert artist

Lani Misalucha

Can someone who used to do the vocal highlights of Whitney Houston songs in a medley, followed with an effortless operatic take on "Nessun Dorma" or "Con Te Partiro," actually reach a point when she asks herself, "Do I still have what it takes to sing?"

In an interview tendered for her concert "Still Lani" happening at The Theatre at Solaire on Aug. 21, the singer admitted she has been doubting herself when it comes to holding a solo concert.

It started when she along with her husband got stricken with bacterial meningitis in 2020 that eventually led to significant and lingering hearing loss and vestibular issues.

"Given my current medical situation at sa ganitong edad, can I still offer the kind of music people expect from me," the 55-year-old Lani said.

Well, when she sang "Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin" flawlessly accompanied by piano just an hour later, everyone at Discovery Suites where the presscon was held knew "Still Lani" is the concert to beat this season.

Someone asked the singer why her guest performers aren't the likes of Gary Valenciano or Martin Nievera as she had done many times before.

Lani Misalucha with members of Ben&Ben

Instead, the list has Ben&Ben, Leanne & Naara, Shaira Opsimar and Paeng Sudayan.

"I want to reach out to Generation Z and the Millennials," she said. "These young artists are so talented---gusto ko ma-belong sa kanila!"
Of course, Lani is being humble. When the guest performers were asked how it feels to be part of "Still Lani," all of them consider it (and rightfully so!) a highlight of their career.

Lani revealed she will release a new song in time for the concert. She is proud to do so when the OPM scene isn't just thriving, but on the cusps of exploding even internationally.

"Lakas ng kabataan ngayon, malaki ang kanilang impluwensya sa music industry," she said. "Sila yung talagang nakikinig ng nusic, nakatambay sa Spotify, nakababad sa YouTube.

"She ended: "There was a time, for a number of years, that it was said OPM is dead. But now, maliwanag na tatakbo pa ito ng mahabang-mahabang panahon."