Billy Crawford on the One Moment His Son Amari Won’t Let Him Live Down
The Voice Kids mentor opens up about fatherhood, growing up in showbiz, and guiding young talent
Billy Crawford recently dropped by Fast Talk with Boy Abunda to promote the new season of The Voice Kids and share updates about his growing family. He and wife Coleen Garcia welcomed their second child, Austin, last August 17 — but as Billy revealed with a mix of humor and guilt, he didn’t make it in time for the birth.
And his son Amari has made sure he doesn’t forget it.
“Masakit Magsalita ang Anak Ko”: On Father Guilt and Amari’s Brutal Honesty
Billy explained that he was mid-flight on his way back to Manila when Coleen’s cousin messaged to say she was going into labor.
“Sobrang bilis ng pangyayari,” he shared. “Yung unang text ng pinsan ni Coleen, sabi niya ‘Ate’s going into labor.’ [Mga] 12, 24 hours pa ‘yan, okay. A few minutes later, ate gave birth. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko pero I’m so happy he’s born. I feel so blessed.”
But his eldest son, Amari has not been shy about bringing it up repeatedly.
“Si Amari, hindi niya ako tinatantanan. Araw-araw niyang sinasabi, ‘You weren’t there when Austin was born.’ Masakit magsalita ang anak ko,” Billy laughed.
He added that there’s a video they haven’t posted online yet, where Amari looks into the camera and pointedly asks where Billy was — using his first name instead of “Daddy.”
Despite that, Billy says Amari has fully embraced the role of big brother.
“He’s so gentle with Austin. And pumupunta pa siya sa alcohol, naghuhugas pa… then he’s gonna touch the hand.”
Growing Up in the Entertainment Industry
Billy also reflected on his early start in showbiz. He began doing commercials at just 3 years old and eventually became part of That’s Entertainment, a defining chapter in many young stars’ lives.
“ Binuo ako early stage pa lang. I was mentally prepared for this job dahil nagsimula ako when I was 3 years old doing commercials.”
But the glamour of early fame also came with harsh lessons — especially when he moved to the U.S. in his teens.
“Yung pagkabasag sa akin is the reality struck was in my teens when I would kind of have to hide what I was doing in school para lang hindi ako malait or hindi ako bigyan ng special treatment.”
Billy revealed he was bullied for being the only Asian in his school at the time, something he tried to navigate on his own, until his dad gave him a lesson in self-respect: “It was my dad who told me, ‘Stand up if you’re correct — and fight for it.’”
Now a father himself, Billy shared what he would tell other parents whose kids want to enter the entertainment industry: “Hindi mo talaga mapipigilan. You can’t force something upon your kid. If my sons want to be artists, or whatever they wanna be, number one is support. The support of the parents comes first. No matter what they want.”
Mentoring Kids on The Voice: “You Can’t Ignore Their Reasons for Being There”
Billy returns this September 14 as a mentor on The Voice Kids. He’s joined by Julie Anne San Jose, Zack Tabudlo, and Ben&Ben twins Paolo and Miguel. Though he hasn’t won a season yet, he says his role as a father gives him a unique edge.
“Alam ko ang advantage ko sa kanila bilang tatay. I get to connect with the kids deeper. If they have issues or problems, I try to help them out.”
Mentoring comes with its own challenges — especially in a high-pressure environment filled with big dreams and even bigger emotions.
“There were instances na may stage parents na pinupuwersa yung mga bata. That happens, hindi natin maiiwasan. That’s the culture. That’s showbiz.”
Billy says he never loses his temper, but he does speak with the parents when necessary. What weighs on him the most, though, are the moments when no one turns for a child.
“It’s tough, especially with kids’ innocence. You don’t want to cloud their thoughts. Hindi mo puwedeng baliwalain yung reasons nila kung bakit sila nandito. All their reasons are valid.”
More about the Crawfords
Iza Calzado and Coleen Garcia Share Thoughts On Mom Guilt and Screen Time
WATCH: Billy Crawford’s New Song Features Wife Coleen Garcia and Son Amari
Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia: Love at First Sight
