XLR8

XLR8 is a sing and dance boy group in the Philippines under VIVA Records' P-Pop Label. XLR8 is composed of Arkin del Rosario, Carlo Lazerna, the identical twins MJ and MM Magno, AJ Muhlach, Kiko Ramos, Hideaki Torio and Caleb Santos. They are regularly seen on the Sunday noontime variety show Party Pilipinas aired on GMA 7.

History

Pre-debut and debut: 2008-2010

Sometime in 2008, media mogul Vic Del Rosario of VIVA media franchise decided to form a boyband under his recording company VIVA Records.[1] First to be part of the project boyband was then stage performer Kiko Ramos followed by TV host and commercial model Hideaki Torio, ramp and commercial model Carlo Lazerna and church choir singer Caleb Santos.[1][2] After a series of training VIVA decided to add one more member; then theater actor and commercial model Arkin del Rosario soon joined the line up.[1][2] Still unsatisfied, VIVA added two more members who happened to be twins; former Star Magic contract talent Melmar Magno and aspiring singer Meljohn Magno.[1][2] Several members joined and left but the last to seal the final eight members was commercial model, aspiring actor and VIVA's contract talent AJ Muhlach.[1][2] All final eight members continued to train together for their singing and dancing skills and then worked on their debut album.[2] The group made their debut on March 28, 2010 on the popular variety show Party Pilinas with their debut single "You're so Hot." Although the group has been receiving mixed reviews, they have been progressing over the passed year by performing at various mall shows and have made various concert appearances. They are regularly seen on the hit variety show "Party Pilipinas."

Other activities: 2011-present

On April 1, 2011, XLR8 performed at their first concert along with P-pop groups the Pop Girls and RPM at Viva's "P-pop Explosion" concert held at Aliw Theater.XLR8 had also released a new single entitled "It's Time to XLR8."

Temporary member departure

In early 2011, Viva Records confirmed that XLR8 members Hideaki Torio and AJ Muhlach would be temporarily leaving the group to film a new TV series called "Bagets Just Got Lucky" which is to be aired on TV5. Because of this, GMA 7, the channel that is responsible for broadcasting Party Pilipinas, had temporarily suspended the two members from performing at any GMA 7 sponsored events and allowed them to perform at any non-GMA 7 sponsored events. Until the members finish filming the series, substitutes will be taking their places performing on Party Pilipinas.

Controversies

Just after their debut, XLR8 got involved in a controversy which claimed that their debut song "You're So Hot" had the same as Korean boyband Super Junior's "Sorry Sorry." Super Junior' fans found big similarities between XLR8's the two songs. Although they are welcomed by fans, they are also welcomed by so much criticism which had gotten worse after they released their album. Anti-fans claimed that the album cover was very similar to Super Junior's 3rd album which includes jump shot. As of now, there's no statement from SM Entertainment whether they'll fill a case or not, nor any statement whether they bought it or not.