Rhett Dela Cruz has spent years caring for others as a registered nurse, but at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, he’s stepping into a different kind of spotlight at the People’s Theatre for the Performing Arts in Markham, Ont.
The Toronto-based Filipino-Canadian artist is finally making his dream a reality—his very first solo concert.
After years of balancing patient care and his passion for music, Dela Cruz is ready to share his craft with the world.
“You know, this concert is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time now,” he said, his excitement palpable.
“People have been asking me for years to have my own solo concert, and now it’s finally happening.”
Set to take place in front of an 800-strong audience, the “Rhett Dela Cruz Hits and Heartbeats Concert” promises to be an unforgettable experience.
With a mix of original songs, Filipino classics, and modern hits, Dela Cruz’s setlist ensures that everyone—Filipino and non-Filipino alike—can connect with his music.
“It’s for everybody,” he said. “I want people to know who Rhett Dela Cruz is through my music, my songs, my story.”
The concert’s production is no small feat. Dela Cruz has enlisted the help of experienced writer and director Viviene Dela Cruz to craft a show that blends music, storytelling, and high-energy performances.
From lighting to choreography, every detail has been meticulously planned.
“When I saw the script and the concept, I even thought to myself, ‘Can I just be part of the audience?’” he said.
“This concert is going to elevate the standards of all live shows and concerts in Toronto.”
Beyond entertainment, Dela Cruz hopes to inspire other Filipino-Canadian artists and musicians.
Having immigrated to Canada at 16, he knows firsthand the struggle of balancing responsibilities while pursuing a passion.
“If I can do it, you guys can do it too,” he said.
“Being a nurse is a stressful job, yet I have an outlet where I could still do my craft and my music.”
Dela Cruz’s musical style is a fusion of OPM (Original Pilipino Music), pop, R&B, and alternative rock, all shaped by his experiences growing up in Canada while staying deeply connected to his Filipino roots.
“My Filipino heritage plays a big role in my artistry,” he explained.
“Filipinos really dig into lyrics, so I make sure my songs have a deeper meaning.”
While it’s his solo concert, Dela Cruz won’t be taking the stage alone.
He’s invited a lineup of talented Filipino-Canadian artists to join him, including Alyssa Grace, Emil Albania, and Raygee from FilCan Music, as well as rising stars Pearly Anne and Arielle Perez.
As for the most memorable moment in his career so far?
Dela Cruz points to two: first highlight is performing alongside OPM legends like Jose Mari Chan, Ice Seguerra, Michael Pangilinan, Parokya ni Edgar, Arthur Nery, and recently with BINI, Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion.
The second highlight of his career is the overwhelming success of his original song, “I’ll Choose You,” which hit over 12,000 streams on Spotify and Apple Music in just 30 days.
He said it shocked him to see people from all over the world listening to his song: that his music connects with many people.
With his debut concert just a week away, Dela Cruz is feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, but one thing is certain—this is just the beginning of an amazing career.
