Melanie Hernandez Calumpad Alvarez (born January 5, 1981), better known by her stage name Kyla, is an R&B singer, songwriter, producer, TV host, and occasional actress from the Philippines.
Known as "The Philippines' R&B and Soul Princess", Kyla is one of the most awarded singers in the Philippines and is the first and the only Filipino female singer to have won at the MTV Video Music Awards winning the MTV Viewer's Choice for Southeast Asia for the music video for her hit single "Hanggang Ngayon" in 2001. She has collaborated with many international artists such as Keith Martin, British boy-band Blue, Ronan Keating, Norwegian band Fra Lippo Lippi, Indonesian R&B singer, Joeniar Arief, and Malaysian artists Too Phat, Noryn Aziz, Ferhad, and Hazami
She began her career in 2000 with OctoArts EMI Philippines. She rose to prominence with the release of her her second single "Hannggang Ngayon". The song went on to win at MTV Video Music Awards. She has released a total of eight albums to date, all of which were certified Platinum albums. Kyla is currently managed by EMI Philippines (PolyEast Records), ALV Talent Circuit, and Tarra Group (Indonesia).
Kyla often performs with longtime music partner, Jay R. The two had their own segment at the music variety show, SOP for which she was a regular performer from 2003 to 2009. In 2010, the show was replaced by Party Pilipinas where she also is a current TV host and performer.
Kyla graduated from Philippine Christian University with a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications. Her father is a lawyer and, she has three siblings.
Known for her humble and wholesome personality, she has maintained a relatively low-key life away from the controversies of show business, although her relationship with basketball player Rich Alvarez was especially followed by the media.
