View source for Martin Nievera

{{short description|Filipino singer and songwriter (born 1962)}}
{{redirect|Nievera|the surname|Nievera (surname)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Martin Nievera
| image              = Martin Nievera by Arthur Comia.jpg
| alt                = A photograph of Martin Nievera singing
| caption            = Nievera performing in 2015
| birth_name         = Martin Ramon Razon Nievera
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1963|02|05}}
| birth_place        = [[Manila]], Philippines
| citizenship        = {{unbulleted list
|Philippines
|United States<ref name="singer not song">{{cite web |first1=Marichu A. |last1=Villanueva |title=It's the singer, not the song |url=https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2009/05/11/466090/its-singer-not-song |website=The Philippine Star |access-date=July 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200705111212/https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2009/05/11/466090/its-singer-not-song |archive-date=July 5, 2020 |date=May 11, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
| occupation         = {{flatlist|
*Singer
*songwriter
}}
| years_active       = 1982{{ndash}}present
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Pops Fernandez]]|June 28, 1986|October 25, 2000|end={{abbr|ann.|Annulled}}}}<ref name="Highs and lows">{{cite web
|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2001/08/26/131393/martin-nievera-highs-amp-lows|
title=Martin Nievera: The highs & the lows
|date=August 26, 2001
|author=Lo, Ricky
|access-date=October 12, 2018
|website=The Philippine Star}}</ref>
| partner            = Katrina Ojeda (1996<ref name="Highs and lows"/>{{snd}}before 2015<ref name="Katrina 2015">{{cite web|url=https://push.abs-cbn.com/2015/10/12/fresh-scoops/the-third-party-rumors-and-stories-of-infidelity-i-135966|title=The Third Party: rumors and stories of infidelity in celebrity relationships|author=Pineda, Cherry|website=Push|publisher=ABS-CBN Digital Media|date=October 12, 2015|access-date=October 13, 2019|quote=[...]{{nbsp}}Martin and then girlfriend Katrina Ojeda settled in the US. They had a son named Santino before they eventually separated reportedly because of another woman.}}</ref><ref name="Katrina 2016">{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/image/entertainment/06/21/16/9-celebrity-breakups-caused-by-third-party-7|title=9 celebrity breakups caused by third party #7|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=June 21, 2016|access-date=October 13, 2019|quote=[...]{{nbsp}}Nievera and his then-girlfriend Katrina Ojeda lived in the United States.}}</ref>)
| children           = 3, including [[Robin Nievera|Robin]]
| father             = [[Bert Nievera|Roberto Nievera]]
| website            = <!-- {{URL|www.martinnievera.net}} -->
| signature          = Martin Nievera signature.svg
| signature_alt      = Martin Nievera
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| genre              = {{flatlist|
*[[Original Pilipino Music|OPM]]
*[[vocal music|vocal]]
*[[pop music|pop]]
*[[soft rock]]
*[[easy listening]]
*[[show tune]]
*[[traditional pop]]
}}
| instrument         = {{flatlist|
*Vocals
}}
| label              = {{flatlist|
*[[Vicor Music|Vicor]]
*[[Dyna Music|Dyna]]
*[[PolyCosmic Records|PolyCosmic]]
*[[UMG Philippines|MCA]]
*[[EMI]]
*[[PolyEast Records|PolyEast]]
*[[Universal Records (Philippines)|Universal]]
}}
| associated_acts    = {{flatlist|
*Pops Fernandez
*[[Antoinette Taus]]
*[[Gary Valenciano]]
*[[Louie Ocampo]]
*Big Mouth Band
}}
}}
}}
'''Martin Ramon Razon Nievera''' (born February 5, 1963) is a Filipino singer and songwriter. Known for his contemporary love [[Sentimental ballad|ballads]] and on-stage personality,<ref>{{Cite web |title=GOSSIP GIRL: Martin Nievera marks 40 years in showbiz with big concert on Nov. 19 |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/26/gossip-girl-martin-nievera-marks-40-years-in-showbiz-with-big-concert-on-nov-19/ |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en}}</ref> he is celebrated as one of the most important figures in local Filipino music.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=M4D: Martin Nievera recalls highlights of past 40 years |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/11/18/m4d-martin-nievera-recalls-highlights-of-past-40-years |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Martin Nievera to launch Kahapon... Ngayon album with August 26 concert |url=https://www.pep.ph/guide/music/24278/martin-nievera-to-launch-emkahapon-ngayonem-album-with-august-26-concert |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=PEP.ph |language=en}}</ref> With a career spanning four decades, he has garnered 18 platinum, 5 double platinum, 3 triple platinum, and 1 quadruple platinum albums,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Martin Nievera to celebrate his 40th anniversary in showbiz at the Walt Disney Concert Hall |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/840074/martin-nievera-to-celebrate-his-40th-anniversary-in-showbiz-at-the-walt-disney-concert-hall/story/?amp |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=www.gmanetwork.com}}</ref><ref name="mykiru">{{cite web | url=http://www.mykiru.ph/2010/12/asap-24k-gold-6th-platinum-circle.html#ixzz17FdnIrsU | publisher=My Kiru | access-date=August 11, 2014|title=ASAP XV's 24K Gold and 6th Platinum Circle Awards (2010) Winners: Sarah Geronimo, Jovit Baldivino, Christian Bautista & more }}</ref> listing him among the highest-selling Filipino recording artists of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Polyeast releases Martin Nievera's |url=https://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2010/09/06/609217/polyeast-releases-martin-nieveras-the-forever-collection |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref>

Nievera began his career in 1982 with the release of his debut album ''Martin… Take One'', achieving platinum status in five months.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Martin Nievera: 35 years of the man and his music |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2017/10/05/Martin-Nievera-35-years-of-the-man-and-his-music.html |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=cnn |language=en |archive-date=September 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904010710/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2017/10/05/Martin-Nievera-35-years-of-the-man-and-his-music.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Martin Nievera's "Milestones" documents his 25 years in showbiz |url=https://www.pep.ph/guide/music/1089/martin-nieveras-milestones-documents-his-25-years-in-showbiz- |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=PEP.ph |language=en}}</ref> In the succeeding years, Nievera also ventured into hosting and acting.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-08-07 |title=Martin celebrates 30 years of artistry |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/35852-martin-celebrates-30-years-of-artistry/ |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref> He has appeared in eleven movies and seven television series and specials, most notable being ''Penthouse Live!'' (1984) with [[Pops Fernandez]], ''[[Martin After Dark]]'' (1988) and ''[[ASAP (TV program)|ASAP]]'' (1995). His music covers a variety of genres ranging from pop, soft rock, adult contemporary to gospel and dance music.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Martin Nievera Returns to M Resort on Saturday, June 11 |url=http://stylemagazine.com/news/2016/may/12/martin-nievera-returns-m-resort-saturday-june-11/ |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=stylemagazine.com}}</ref> Among his most successful releases includes the multi-platinum sellers ''Forever'' (1998), ''Forever, Forever'' (1999) and ''My Souvenirs'' (2001).<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VGcVAAAAIBAJ&dq=Martin+Nievera+forever+platinum&pg=PA94&article_id=2963,1574463 |title=David Pomeranz leads records top sellers |publisher=Manila Standard |year=2000 |pages=94 |language=en}}</ref> In 2002, Nievera was named 'Entertainer of the Year' at the [[25th Awit Awards]] for the third time. He became the first artist to win the award for three consecutive years, elevating him to the Hall of Fame alongside the likes of [[Pilita Corrales]] and [[Celeste Legaspi]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4o8VAAAAIBAJ&dq=Martin+Nievera+forever+platinum&pg=PA16&article_id=5740,2746449 |title=Martin, Malik makes Polyeast proud |publisher=Manila Standard |year=2002 |pages=16 |language=en}}</ref>

Dubbed as the "Philippines' Concert King" by the media,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vizcarra |first=Gian Carlo |date=2022-11-21 |title=Review: Martin Nievera bares heart in 'M4D' concert |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/11/21/22/review-martin-nievera-bares-heart-in-m4d-concert |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=ABS-CBN News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Up close and personal with Martin Nievera |url=https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2015/02/05/1420395/close-and-personal-martin-nievera |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Concert King Martin Nievera remains a Kapamilya, renews contract with ABS-CBN |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/11/6/concert-king-martin-nievera-remains-a-kapamilya-renews-contract-with-abs-cbn |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en}}</ref> he was the first Filipino solo male artist and second overall (after [[Lea Salonga]]) to stage a full-length concert at the [[Walt Disney Concert Hall|Music Center's Walt Disney Concert Hall]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Leon |first=Marguerite de |date=2022-08-17 |title=[Only IN Hollywood] Martin Nievera opens up about career, family in time for historic 40th anniversary concert |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/only-in-hollywood-martin-nievera-career-family-historic-40th-anniversary-concert/ |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-20 |title=Martin Nievera kicks off 40th anniversary bash at Disney |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2022/08/20/2203760/martin-nievera-kicks-40th-anniversary-bash-disney |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=www.philstar.com |language=en-US}}</ref> He was also the first Filipino solo male artist to headline a concert at the [[John Anson Ford Amphitheatre]] and the [[Hollywood Bowl]].<ref name=":1" /> In 1984, he headlined a concert in front of 45,000 crowd at the [[PhilSports Football and Athletics Stadium]].<ref name=":0" /> In 1988, he was named 'Best Male Singer' and 'Star of the Year' by the [[Honolulu Star-Advertiser]] in Hawaii. He also won as 'Best Interpreter' at the 1990 [[ABU Song Festivals|Abu Golden Kite Awards]] in Malaysia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Martin Nievera |url=https://www.laphil.com/musicdb/artists/3904/martin-nievera |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=LA Phil |language=en}}</ref> Nievera has already performed alongside renowned artists such as [[David Foster]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-04 |title=Martin Nievera to perform in Vegas with David Foster |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/05/04/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/martin-nievera-to-perform-in-vegas-with-david-foster/1889905 |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=The Manila Times |language=en}}</ref> [[David Pomeranz]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=PEPtalk Flash. David Pomeranz collaborates with Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, etc. in "We Sing" |url=https://www.pep.ph/guide/6126/peptalk-flash-david-pomeranz-collaborates-with-martin-nievera-ogie-alcasid-etc-in-quotwe-singquot |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=PEP.ph |language=en}}</ref> and [[Michael Bublé]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-02-13 |title=Buble: No romance with Kristine, only friendship |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2005/02/13/268490/buble-no-romance-kristine-only-friendship |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=www.philstar.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Early life==
Martin Ramon Razon Nievera was born on February{{nbsp}}5, 1963 in [[Manila]] to singer [[Bert Nievera]] and Conchita Razon.<ref name="Asian Journal">{{cite web|url=http://www.asianjournal.com/life-style/martin-nievera-the-man-who-would-be-king/|title=Martin Nievera: The man who would be 'king'|author=Lu, Monet|website=Asian Journal|date=May 27, 2017|access-date=October 9, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Early life">{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/02/05/10/martin-nievera-cristine-reyes-celebrate-birthdays|title=Martin Nievera, Cristine Reyes celebrate birthdays|date=February 5, 2010|website=ABS-CBN News|access-date=October 9, 2018}}</ref> He has a twin sister, Victoria<ref name="Early life"/> (nicknamed "Vicki"<ref name="Bert Metro">{{cite web|url=https://metro.style/people/celebrities/2163/martin-nievera-tribute-his-dad-bert-nievera|title=Exclusive: "Forever Proud To Be 'The Son Of Bert Nievera'"—Martin Nievera Gives Tribute To His Late Dad|author=Libero-Cruz, Grace|date=April 16, 2018|website=Metro|publisher=ABS-CBN|access-date=October 14, 2018}}</ref>); a younger sister, Rachel;<ref name="Bert Metro"/><ref name="Bert Star">{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2001/10/14/136578/sad-and-happy-ballads-bert-nievera|title=The sad and happy ballads of Bert Nievera|author=Lo, Ricky|date=October 14, 2001|access-date=October 8, 2018|website=The Philippine Star}}</ref> and many siblings from his parents' other unions.<ref name="Bert Star"/><ref name="Conchita Star">{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/newsmakers/2008/12/11/422563/classmates|title=Classmates|author=Ramirez, Joanne Rae M.|date=December 11, 2008|access-date=October 8, 2018|website=The Philippine Star}}</ref> His father was a member of the [[Hawaii]]-based singing troupe [[Society of Seven]].<ref name="Asian Journal"/><ref name="Early life"/> His mother separated from her first husband and fled with the twins to Hawaii when they were three years old to live there with Bert.<ref name="MB childhood">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhbmjU43Nn4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/KhbmjU43Nn4 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=''Magandang Buhay'': Martin Nievera talks about his childhood|publisher=ABS-CBN|via=YouTube|date=August 19, 2018|access-date=October 9, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> <!--At this age, Nievera underwent to a surgery to have his [[inguinal hernia]] repaired.<ref name="Highs and lows"/> --> Attending elementary and high school in Hawaii,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/31969640/interview-philippines-superstar-martin-nievera/|title=Interview: Philippines Superstar Martin Nievera|date=May 13, 2016|access-date=October 9, 2018|website=Hawaii News Now}}</ref> he said that he was regularly bullied by his classmates because of his appearance and "I wore a belt and shoes, so they thought belt and shoes meant ''mayaman ka'' [you are rich]. I would get beaten up for my lunch money, so my twin sister Vicki would defend me in school. The following day ''mas nabugbog ako'' [I was beaten more] because ''na-defend ako ng babae'' [I was defended by a girl]."<ref name="Captions with Boy">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r37BO5oZB60|title=TWBA: Martin puts captions on his memorable photos|date=May 23, 2016|publisher=ABS-CBN|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref>

Nievera developed an interest in music, particularly in singing, at an early age. In their first year in Hawaii, the family resided on the fifteenth floor of the [[Outrigger Hotels & Resorts|Outrigger Hotel]], and the young Nievera "would watch him [his father] perform downstairs with the Society of Seven, and every night I would dream and imagine myself as one of the members of that group, singing for audiences both big and small."<ref name="Bert Metro"/> While working as a burger flipper at a restaurant that his family owned in Hawaii<ref name="Hawaii restaurant 1">{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/01/18/13/list-celebs-who-started-out-restaurant-staff|title=THE LIST: Celebs who started out as restaurant staff|date=January 18, 2013|website=ABS-CBN News|access-date=October 16, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Hawaii restaurant 2">{{cite web|url=https://test.abs-cbnnews.com/image/lifestyle/07/07/15/they-were-stars-7-celebs-who-worked-restaurants-3|title=Before they were stars: 7 celebs who worked in restaurants|date=July 7, 2015|website=ABS-CBN News|access-date=October 10, 2018|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200704173505/https://test.abs-cbnnews.com/image/lifestyle/07/07/15/they-were-stars-7-celebs-who-worked-restaurants-3|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Hawaii restaurant 3">{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2004/03/27/244094/martin-i-go-wherever-my-music-takes-me#oKgMiREIZcqfMxpC.99|title=Martin: I go wherever my music takes me|author=Lo, Ricky|website=[[The Philippine STAR]] |date=March 27, 2004|access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> or at another family-owned restaurant, called Roadrunner Burgers, in [[Concord, California]]<ref name="Bert Metro"/> (where they would eventually move to), Nievera received singing lessons from his father, learning "how and when to [[belting (music)|belt]] and how to end the song in a big way."<ref name="Bert Metro"/> By the age of fourteen, he was performing with him in Society of Seven shows.<ref name="Career highlight">{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/news/36409/martin-nievera-recalls-highlights-of-his-career-admits-separation-from-ex-wife-pops-fernandez-was-ve#8c2yDmQaORcih3Fx.99|title=Martin Nievera recalls highlights of his career; admits separation from ex-wife Pops Fernandez was "very first slap on my face"|author=Sancon, Allan|date=November 12, 2012|access-date=October 11, 2018}}</ref> Nievera said in 2018, "It all happened in the main showroom in that Outrigger Hotel{{nbsp}}[...] That room is now known as the [[Blue Note Hawaii]], and I still perform there to this day. It has become a very sacred room for me probably because that's where dad gave me my first set of wings."<ref name="Bert Metro"/>

{{quote box
| width  = 22em
| align  = left
| quote  = "I was actually discovered while singing at the shower in our locker room. I was part of the basketball team, but not a very good one at that, and I intentionally take a shower after everybody else has so it would seem like I had a tough game when I was actually a bench warmer… As I was singing, the wrestling coach passed by and heard me, called out loud and said he should see me at the choir auditions the next day. So I joined the choir and next thing I know I am singing back up (in a choir) for [[Barry Manilow]] for his three-day concert, and that’s where I realized that this is what I want to do."
| source = {{mdash}}{{nbsp}}Martin Nievera<ref name="Asian Journal"/>
| salign = right
}}

In the 1970s, the family relocated to the [[San Francisco Bay Area]] in California.<ref name="Asian Journal"/><ref name="Early life"/> Nievera enrolled at [[Clayton Valley Charter High School|Clayton Valley High School]] in Concord,<ref name="Asian Journal"/> where he was a member of the basketball team.<ref name="MB childhood"/> He was encouraged by the school's wrestling coach to enter the choir,<ref name="Asian Journal"/><ref name="MB childhood"/> impressed by a rendition of [[Morris Albert]]'s "[[Feelings (Morris Albert song)|Feelings]]" that Nievera sang while showering in the locker room.<ref name="MB childhood"/> Bert posited that his son began to realize "he could sing professionally" when he was sixteen, the same age when he did.<ref name="Bert Star"/> Aside from his father, who always supported his singing,<ref name="YT interview"/> Nievera also credits for his talent his [[Cebuano people|Cebuana]] maternal grandmother, Lourdes Corrales, a famous [[mezzo-soprano]]<ref name="Past present lessons">{{cite web|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/martin-nievera-the-past-the-present-and-accompanying-lessons/281178/|title=Martin Nievera: The past, the present and accompanying lessons|author=Alpad, Christina|date=August 21, 2016|access-date=October 14, 2018|website=The Manila Times}}</ref> opera singer<ref name="MB childhood"/> and radio personality in 1940s Philippines.<ref name="Lourdes">{{cite web|url=http://himig.com.ph/features/37-music-in-the-philippines-after-liberation|title=Music in the Philippines after Liberation|website=Filipinas Heritage Library|publisher=Ayala Foundation|access-date=October 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320095340/http://himig.com.ph/features/37-music-in-the-philippines-after-liberation|archive-date=March 20, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Unlike his father Bert, his mother Conchita was against his dream, instead wanting him to become a doctor or a lawyer.<ref name="YT interview"/> "She knew what she [his grandmother] and my father went through{{nbsp}}[...] the [show] business takes a lot out of you," Nievera related and said his mother told him.<ref name="YT interview">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKMRcNiVqfk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/tKMRcNiVqfk |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=A very Personal Interview with Martin Nievera|date=March 27, 2015|access-date=October 16, 2018|publisher=Fan TV Global Network|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Career==
After graduating from Clayton Valley in 1980,<ref name="Asian Journal"/> Nievera joined the 1981 California State Talent Competition in [[Santa Clara, California|Santa Clara]], in which he won. As contestant number 1049, he competed against over four thousand other contestants for "[f]our days long{{nbsp}}[...] you had to win the first day to compete the second day to compete the third day. The third day was the championship, the fourth day is a championship of all the champions of the different categories. So I won the third day, then I won the overall grand champion." Nievera said of his victory, "It was a big moment in my life. That was when I knew I was gonna be a singer."<ref name="State contest">{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/32958/martin-nievera-recounts-how-he-became-back-up-singer-for-barry-manilow-funny-story|title=Martin Nievera recounts how he became back-up singer for Barry Manilow (FUNNY STORY!)|author=Gonzales, Rommel|date=February 2, 2016|access-date=October 10, 2018|website=Philippine Entertainment Portal|publisher=GMA Network}}</ref> His winning piece was "[[The Greatest Love of All]]", which his father taught him at the restaurant.<ref name="Songs by Boy">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsflash.org/2002/01/sb/sb002051.htm|title=The songs in Martin Nievera's life|author=Abunda, Boy|date=January 31, 2002|access-date=October 10, 2018|newspaper=The Philippine Star|via=Newsflash.org}}</ref><ref name="Songs by Lo">{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2011/06/09/694076/martin-soundtrack-his-life|title=Martin: The soundtrack of his life|author=Lo, Ricky|date=June 9, 2011|access-date=October 8, 2018|website=The Philippine Star}}</ref>

In {{c.}}{{nbsp}}1980<ref name="Then and now Star">{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/funfare/news/2016/08/22/1615986/martin-then-now|title=Martin: Then & Now|author=Lo, Ricky|date=August 22, 2016|access-date=October 11, 2018|website=The Philippine Star}}</ref>{{snd}}c.{{nbsp}}1982,<ref name="State contest"/> Nievera was chosen to perform with American singer [[Barry Manilow]]<ref name="MB childhood"/><ref name="State contest"/> at his three-day concert<ref name="Asian Journal"/> in [[Concord Pavilion]], singing back-up in a choir to the latter's "[[One Voice (Barry Manilow album)|One Voice]]".<ref name="Then and now Star"/> After this experience, he said, "Okay, I'm gonna be a singer."<ref name="State contest"/> Around this time, when he was nineteen, Nievera's parents were having problems with their relationship. Nievera resented this and attempted to commit suicide. In a 2011 television interview with [[Boy Abunda]], he recalled going to church and venting his anger on God, screaming "What the hell is happening? What else can I do?"<ref name="Bottom line with Boy">{{cite web|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/amphtml/blogs/switchingchannels/bottom-line-boy-martin-043553244.html|title=The bottom line on Boy and Martin|author=Villena, G.|date=October 17, 2011|access-date=October 12, 2018|website=Yahoo News Singapore}}</ref>

Inspired by his father, Nievera returned to the Philippines in 1982 to begin his own singing career.<ref name="Asian Journal"/> By June 1983, he released his first LP, ''Martin...Take One''. Nievera began co-hosting the TV variety show ''[[The Penthouse Live!]]'' with [[Pops Fernandez]], who would later become his wife.<ref name="Asian Journal"/> Nievera's second LP was 1984's ''The Best Gift''. In 1987, ''The Penthouse Live!'' was changed to ''Martin and Pops Twogether'', in celebration of their marriage. His recording ''Forever'' led to two sequels, ''Forever Forever'' and ''Return to Forever''.

As an actor, Nievera has appeared in eleven films, and seven television series and specials. Nievera's film credits include dramas, romance, science fiction, comedy and action.<ref name="Asian Journal"/> He also became one of the jocks at the now defunct radio station [[DWYS|101.1 Kiss FM]] in 1985, wherein he had his own radio show aired every Saturday afternoons.

He appeared with Hawaii's [[Society of Seven]] and [[Lani Misalucha]] at the [[Flamingo Las Vegas]] from February 13 to April 13, 2008. He performed a pre-Valentine/post-birthday concert with Pops Fernandez titled "Missing You" on February 6, 2009, at the [[Smart Araneta Coliseum]]. He co-hosts the weekly music show ''[[ASAP (TV program)|ASAP]]'' on [[ABS-CBN]] since 1995.

In July 2010, Nievera's album, ''As Always'' was released. In May 2011, his album, ''Himig ng Damdamin'' was launched and contains all of his covers. In March 2012, he was announced as one of the four celebrity judges of ''[[The X Factor Philippines]]'', which aired on ABS-CBN by the second quarter of 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viva.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3350:martin-nievera-wants-to-audition-for-x-factor&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 |title=Martin Nievera wants to audition for X-Factor |publisher=Viva.com.ph |date=March 5, 2012 |access-date=April 10, 2012}}</ref>

In 2018, Nievera won the [[Myx Magna Award]] at the [[Myx Music Award]]s for his contributions to music as a singer and also for being a talk show host and comedian.

In 2023, Nievera was selected to be one of the coaches (judges) on the [[The Voice Kids (Philippine season 5)|fifth season]] of ''[[The Voice Kids (Philippines)|The Voice Kids]]'', which aired on [[A2Z (Philippine TV channel)|A2Z]].

==Awards and nominations==
{| class="wikitable"
! Year !! Award Giving Body !! Category !! Nominee / Work !! Results

|-
|rowspan=3|'''2008'''||rowspan=2|[[Awit Awards]]||'''Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist''' {{small|(People's Choice Award)}}||align=center|"[[Hard Habit to Break]]"||{{won}}
|-
|'''Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist''' {{small|(Performance Award)}}||align=center|"[[Hard Habit to Break]]"||{{nominated}}
|-
|[[GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards]]||'''Male Concert Performer of the Year'''||{{N/A}}||{{won}}

|-
|'''2009'''||[[GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards]]||'''Male Recording Artist of the Year'''||align=center|Milestone||{{won}}<ref>[http://www.pep.ph/guide/movies/4186/40th-box-office-entertainment-awards-given-out "40th Box Office Entertainment Awards given out"]. ''Pep.ph''. Retrieved May 21, 2014.</ref>

|-
|'''2010'''||[[GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards]]||'''Male Concert Performer of the Year'''||{{N/A}}||{{won}}

|-
|'''2018'''||[[MYX Music Awards]]||'''MYX Magna Award'''||{{N/A}}||{{won}}
|-
|'''2024'''||[[Wish 107.5 Music Awards]]||'''KDR Icon of Musical Excellence'''||align=center|Himself||{{won}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2024 |title=Full List Of Winners Of The 2024 Wish Music Awards |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/here-are-the-winners-of-the-9th-wish-music-awards-sb19-josh-cullen-felip-denise-julia-2024/|access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=[[Billboard Philippines]]}}</ref>
|}

==Discography==
{{Main|Martin Nievera discography}}

{{Div col}}
*''Martin... Take One'' (1983)
*''The Best Gift'' (1984)
*''Martin'' (1985)
*''Miracle'' (1987)
*''A Martin Nievera Christmas'' (1988)
*''Dream'' (1989)
*''A New Start'' (1991)
*''Roads'' (1994)
*''Journeys'' (1997)
*''Forever'' (1998)
*''Forever, Forever'' (1999)
*''Return to Forever'' (1999)
*''Chasing Time'' (2002)
*''Chasing Time II'' (2003)
*''Unforgettable'' (2004)
*''When Love is Gone'' (2005)
*''Awit ng Puso'' (2006)
*''Milestones'' (2007)
*''Ikaw Ang Pangarap'' (2008)
*''My Christmas List'' (2008)
*''For Always'' (2009)
*''As 1'' (with [[Gary Valenciano]]) (2009)
*''As Always'' (2010)
*''Himig ng Damdamin'' (2010)
*''Mga Awit at Damdamin'' (2012)
*''3D: Tatlong Dekada'' (2012)
*''Big Mouth, Big Band'' (2014)
*''Kahapon... Ngayon'' (2016)
{{Div col end}}

==Filmography==
===Film===
*''Always and Forever'' (1986)
*''Si Mister at Si Misis'' (1986)
*''[[Payaso (1986 film)|Payaso]]'' (1986)
*''Shoot That Ball'' (1987)
*''Maria Went to Town!'' (1987)
*''Stupid Cupid'' (1988)
*''Sa Puso Ko Hahalik ang Mundo'' (1988)
*''Magic to Love'' (1989)
*''[[Adarna: The Mythical Bird]]'' (1997)
*''Alyas Boy Tigas: Ang Probinsyanong Wais'' (1998)
*''[[Masikip sa Dibdib]]'' (2004)
*''Wrinkles'' (2006)

===Television===
*''[[The Penthouse Live!]]'' (1982{{ndash}}1987)
*''Mirasol del Cielo'' (1986{{ndash}}1987)
*''Martin and Pops Twogether'' (1987{{ndash}}1989)
*''[[Martin After Dark]]'' (1988{{ndash}}1998)
*''[[ASAP (TV program)|ASAP]]'' (1995{{ndash}}1998; 2002{{ndash}}present)
*''[[Martin Late at Nite]]'' (1998{{ndash}}2003)
*''Sabi Nya, Sabi Ko'' (television film; 2003)<ref>{{cite news|title=Exes Martin, Pops together again in GMA 7 telesine|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vERaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZSUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1078%2C18237769|access-date=September 12, 2022|newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|publisher=The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.|date=August 24, 2003|page=C5|quote=...a ''telesine'' to be aired on GMA 7 at 9:30 p.m. tonight.}}</ref>
*''[[Twist and Shout (game show)|Twist and Shout]]'' (2010)
*''[[The X Factor Philippines]]'' (2012)
*''[[Martin Late at Night]]'' (2013)
*''[[I Love OPM]]'' (2016)
*''LSS: The Martin Nievera Show'' (2018{{ndash}}present); telecast from [[ABS-CBN News Channel|ANC]]
*''[[The Voice Kids (Philippine TV series)|The Voice Kids Philippines]]'' (2023)
*''[[Wil To Win]]'' (2024{{ndash}}present)
*''[[It's Showtime (Philippine TV program)|It's Showtime]]'' (2024{{ndash}}present)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{AllMusic|id=mn0000856257|title=Martin Nievera}}
*{{IMDb name|1301391}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nievera, Martin}}
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