Here’s Why KZ Tandingan Agreed to Join Husband TJ Monterde for a ‘Palagi’ Duet
KZ TANDINGAN – Here’s the reason why KZ Tandingan decided to join husband TJ Monterde for ‘Palagi’ duet.
Filipino singer KZ Tandingan is still overjoyed after learning that her duet version of the song “Palagi” with her husband, fellow artist TJ Monterde, has surpassed 15 million streams across digital platforms.
The track, released less than a month ago, has quickly garnered widespread attention and love from listeners.
KZ Tandingan expressed her surprise at the overwhelming support their collaboration has received. “The fact na it is as big as it is now na wala pa siyang 1 month old is mind blowing, and noong nakita ko sa charts na parang biglang nag-shoot up yung ranking ko somewhere – parang most streamed — ‘paano? Paano raw?’ Parang di pa rin siya masyadong nag si-sink in sa akin and hindi ko rin siya masyado pang iniisip kasi baka ma-pressure lang ako,” the singer said in an interview.
Interestingly, Tandingan was initially hesitant when Monterde suggested the idea of recording a duet version of “Palagi.” The song, already beloved by many, posed a challenge for the singer, as she wanted to ensure that their rendition would be at par with, if not better than, the original. “It has to be at the same level angatan pa ng kahit konti or dapat may ma-offer kang something new ‘di ba?” the singer said, acknowledging the pressure of living up to the high expectations surrounding the song.
One challenge KZ Tandingan faced was the difference in musical styles between her and her husband. However, Monterde was adamant that Tandingan was the only person he could envision doing the duet with.
“Si TJ lang din ang nagsabi sa akin na parang ‘if I were to release a duet version of this song, ikaw lang din ang pwedeng maka-duet ko kasi ikaw si ‘palagi,’ sabi niyang ganon. Syempre marupok tayo, oh napilit tayo, ni-record natin,” she said.
Tandingan ultimately accepted the challenge and worked closely with Monterde to ensure the new version reflected both of their styles. More than anything, Tandingan saw the duet as a symbol of their love.
“Kahit na kinakabahan ako na baka hindi ma-appreciate ng mga tao ‘yung version na sinamahan ko, nandon na rin ako sa kung masaya si TJ sa version, masaya na ako. It doesn’t matter to me kung ano pa yung sasabihin ng ibang tao. Kung masaya siya, masaya na ako,” Tandingan said.