MiG Ayesa: Top 10 Rockstar Moments

MiG Ayesa dropped jaws on Rockstar: INXS with his singing, ability to capture a crowd, and musical prowess. And MiG Ayesa didn't stop there...he turned heads with his respect for fellow rockers and a charm that should be illegal. MiG made one great impression after another. It's a tall order to choose the best of the best. Yet since we're on the subject, I'll give it a whirl. Behold my view of MiG Ayesa's Top 10 Rockstar Moments. Some may surprise you...

#10 - Expecting to be in the Bottom 3
As the show neared its completion and the remaining rockers were asked if they thought they were in the Bottom 3, MiG raised his hand. It seemed extremely unlikely that would happen, and it didn't, but MiG's humility was touching.

#9 - Sharing the Spotlight with Marty and Jordis
It was MiG Ayesa Day after MiG performed Baby, I Love Your Way, and he earned the encore. When MiG took a seat at the piano and started to play, he stopped and asked the ultra-talented Marty Casey and Jordis Unga to join him. They had given excellent performances, and MiG was more interested in celebrating their accomplishments than in stomping out the competition.

#8 - What You Need
When MiG got his shot at singing an INXS song after finally hitting the Bottom 3 (when only 4 rockers remained), he nailed it. That was worth waiting for! MiG laid it on the line, and then raised the roof.

#7 - Need You Tonight
All who got to hear the audio of MiG's Need You Tonight can count themselves among the lucky. It was one steamy song. I can't imagine it being sung any better. Of all the INXS songs MiG has sung on the show or live, that one will always be my favorite.

#6 - Paint It Black
Although Paint It Black is a classic, MiG's arrangement was incredibly interesting and creative. To me it was more dramatic and he uncovered layers of the song I hadn't noticed before. When he extended his arms to the side and the music stopped mid-song, it took my breath away.

#5 - All Right Now
I've always liked this song, but never as much as when MiG Ayesa sang it. That night I thought MiG had it all...the voice, the energy, the moves, the stage presence. He commanded the song, and has every time he has sung it since.

All Right Now from atop a chair - Chicago


#4 - Baby, I Love Your Way
MiG knocked it out of the park with his rendition of the Peter Frampton song. MiG combined a beautiful arrangement and dazzling vocals as he played the grand piano and brought tears to the eyes of those listening. Peter Frampton even called MiG to tell him how impressed he was.

#3 - Home In Me
MiG has questioned his decision to sing Home In Me rather than a more upbeat original. INXS had likely already made up their mind they wanted a bad boy, so the song choice didn't matter. What did matter was the comfort Home In Me brought. Although the song is about loss, it continues to give hope and comfort. The effect of the song lives on. It was the perfect choice.

#2 - Lola
The song had appeal, but when MiG sang it, it suddenly had some sizzle. It was the first episode of Rockstar: INXS I had seen, and it offered quite an introduction to a man named MiG Ayesa. It was a standout performance, and MiG served notice he was a rocker to be reckoned with.


Singing Lola in New York - photo by Wanda


#1 - Bohemian Rhapsody
There were shockwaves when it was revealed MiG had decided to sing Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. Some were concerned INXS would dismiss MiG as a "theater guy" since he had sung the song in We Will Rock You. I was ecstatic. To me, someone who has performed in theater and in bands is "on" every night, knows how to deliver to a crowd, and is a consistently great performer. MiG's choice of Bohemian Rhapsody was the ultimate show of strength. He selected a song he loved, and it made a statement - "I'm MiG Ayesa. I'm not going to lie, manipulate or play games to win. This is where I've been, and this is who I am."

INXS didn't choose MiG. We did.

Keep the light shining,

Team MiG

MiG Ayesa: Reflections

As one year fades away and another has burst on the scene, it's the ideal time for reflection. Today that reflection centers on MiG Ayesa. Looking back, MiG won a legion of fans when he was in bands, in shows, in We Will Rock You, and on the CBS reality show Rockstar: INXS. I remember the first time I saw MiG, which was when he sang "Lola" on Rockstar: INXS. He was quite the show-stopper! He followed it up with one killer performance after another. The votes poured in for MiG week after week, and he earned his way to the Final Three.

On Rockstar, MiG's talent was undeniable, his stage presence and versatility unmistakable. But there was something else...something that grabbed people and wouldn't let them go. Here was an immensely talented artist, separated from family and friends, alone in a new country, getting very little sleep and performing on a world stage. And what did MiG do? In spite of the pressure, he stayed true to himself. MiG Ayesa had the courage and class to pat his competition on the back rather than stab them in the back. He didn't try to win at any cost. He chose to treat both rockers and fans with warmth and integrity. Perhaps that didn't make enough waves for some reality TV junkies, but it made a tidal wave of an impression on many in the TV audience. There was no bigger winner than MiG.

MiG gained countless fans after Rockstar just by being himself. He connected with every audience, took time for every fan, and treated everyone at gigs like they mattered. That's the way people should be treated, but that behavior isn't something you often see from an artist who has graced our stages and screens. No one creates talent, but is blessed with it. It can be nurtured and developed through hard work, but it's not created. Some forget that, and it leads to egos on overdrive. When an artist treats fans like real people, it's refreshing because it's classy, it's humble, and it makes a very special connection that lasts. When MiG treats fans with respect and kindness, it reflects back on him, because it inspires genuine affection, loyalty, and a passion to tell others about MiG. When you combine that with his incredible voice and the beautiful music he creates, it's magic. It makes MiG stand head and shoulders above so many others, and is a story waiting to be told.

MiG signing autographs for fans at a meet & greet session.


MiG sharing a laugh with fans.


When one makes such an impact on others through warmth and accessibility, it brings a lot of responsibility. It's challenging to always be on your game, in spite of disappointments or misunderstandings that can occur. No one can always say the perfect thing, or always do the perfect thing. But I believe MiG will give it his best try. When MiG shares his heart, he shines the brightest. It brings out the light in others as well, and the impact grows and grows. An interesting thing about light...its radiance reaches in all directions, illuminating even the unlikeliest of destinations...and when you reflect it back, darkness has nowhere to hide.

Because of the person and artist MiG is, fans travel hundreds of miles to see him perform. In fact, some will be traveling to see MiG do a short set January 16 in New Jersey as a special guest of HotDog Band. If you can get there, don't miss it! You'll see firsthand why Team MiG cares so much about MiG, and puts so much into spreading the word to the world. Read more about MiG's gig.

Help keep the light shining for MiG and his growing number of fans. Pass it on.

Best wishes for a bright 2009!

Team MiG

MiG Ayesa: His Act of Kindness

Sometimes what seems like one simple act of kindness touches more people than you could have imagined. It influences others, and ignites one flame of hope after another. MiG Ayesa is a man responsible for many acts of kindness. When fans have attended his performances, MiG has treated them with respect and warmth. He's eagerly agreed to autographs and photos, no matter how long it's taken. Today though, I'm thinking of another act of kindness by MiG that continues to make a difference, and it might make a difference for you, too.

A few years ago, MiG willingly gave of his time and talent to perform at a benefit for the Salvation Army in London, England. Surrounded by a first-rate orchestra and a choir with a multitude of divine youthful voices, MiG gave what to me was the most beautiful performance of Christmas songs I've ever heard. The voice was stunning, the arrangements impressive, yet the light in MiG's eyes is what made the performance unforgettable.

If you watch the video on YouTube, you'll see what I mean. There's a link to it in the right column of this blog (Video of MiG Christmas Songs). Thanks to Mary Beth of Team MiG for posting the video. Although the video screen caps below aren't the sharpest of images, they show the sincerity and joy that came through in MiG's performance.





In addition to raising funds for the Salvation Army that night, more good came from MiG's act of kindness. Team MiG members donated hundreds of dollars to the Salvation Army as a Christmas gift for MiG. It expressed our feelings for MiG, and helped a great organization help others in need. In addition, seeing the love in MiG's performance touched some people very deeply and made a positive impact in their lives.

An act of kindness does just as much for the person giving as the person receiving. That's where part of the joy in MiG's eyes came from. He gave of himself, and the lyrics meant something to him. Now, maybe his act of kindness can reflect back on him again. Maybe it can show the world the special person and performer MiG Ayesa is. It can refresh the memories of those who haven't kept up with MiG since Rockstar: INXS, or since MiG starred as Galileo in We Will Rock You and sang the fabulous music of Queen. It also can lead others to discover MiG.

And maybe when MiG's next album is released, you'll buy it or download it. When he performs, maybe you'll go see him. Or maybe you'll request his songs on the radio, or tell others about this supremely talented artist. It will help MiG achieve the dream of being a successful recording artist that he's chased for a long time. And you'll get the benefit of some amazing music, and experience MiG's kindness for yourself if you meet him.



It's Christmas, so perhaps that will spark interest in our own acts of kindness. Donate to the Salvation Army or another worthy charity. Volunteer your time soon to help someone who needs it. Or tell someone you care, and strive to make your actions match your words. You never know how much a simple act of kindness can enrich the lives of the giver and the receiver...and what your act of kindness can ignite.

Help keep the light shining for MiG. Pass it on. And don't miss the video...it will remind you what Christmas is all about.

Merry Christmas!

Team MiG

MiG Ayesa: On Stage or On His Own?

People around the world have been treated to seeing MiG Ayesa perform in a role onstage. Most recently, he brought the house down as Galileo in the high-octane rock concert also known as We Will Rock You. In his leading role, MiG performed from England to New Zealand, from South Korea to Singapore, from Hong Kong to Thailand.

Audiences couldn't help but notice that MiG's stage presence, professionalism and outstanding vocals made every show memorable. Many people attended multiple performances, and MiG delivered every time. He showed some moves I hadn't seen before! When you can see such talent and hear amazing music like that of Queen in We Will Rock You, it's an experience too spectacular to miss.

MiG in We Will Rock You - Asia Pacific Tour


But what about the other side of MiG...the side when he reveals the passion he has for singing songs he's written, or collaborated with other talented songwriters to create? MiG has been in bands his whole life, and the desire to become an international recording artist has burned inside of him for a long time. He made prime time by being on Rockstar: INXS, and he's beyond ready for more prime time. His debut album, "MiG," included three originals that consistently got rave reviews. His vocal range is stunning, and oh that lower register. It's mesmerizing. MiG has so many layers, with an equal ability to rock the lights out and convey an irresistible tenderness in a ballad.

There's something about hearing MiG singing his own music live - you feel as though he's sharing his heart with you. He connects with each person in the audience, and reaches deep into your soul with his lyrics, melodies and personality. You really feel something, just as he feels every word, every note. You believe the words he's singing to everyone. He takes you somewhere you've never been before. And you want to go back, again and again. You ache for the next performance, the next song.

MiG connects


Feeling the music


If MiG chose to perform in New York on Broadway, I'd do my best to be in the first row, enthusiastically taking in a stellar performance. It could be nothing less than stellar, because MiG strives for perfection and gives it all he has every night. As great as MiG would be on stage again, I'd also long for the nights he's living his dream, singing his own songs and taking each person with him on an unforgettable musical journey. A heart like that should be shared.

Pass it on,

Team MiG

MiG Ayesa: Meet Mr. January

Some have asked if our 3rd annual calendar featuring MiG Ayesa is out, and you bet it is! The 2009 version was created through international teamwork, with photos taken in several different countries. The MiG calendar has been such a great way to promote our guy, because who can resist that smile when they see it in your office at work, your room or school locker? People take notice, and it opens a door to tell them about MiG Ayesa. And the very small profit is used toward doing more to promote MiG.

A sincere thanks to all who helped make this happen, including Al, Cammy, Donald, Donna, Fuchsia, JC, Jennifer, Jeremy, Laura, Nancy, Su, Wend, and of course, MiG!

You can find the wall calendar in the Team MiG Store at www.cafepress.com/teammig (see link in right column of this blog). The calendar can be shipped to most locations around the world. I certainly couldn't resist the photos, and already ordered one for myself!

The calendar cover photo below was taken by Su and JC in Hong Kong.



A very special thanks to Fuchsia in Japan for coordinating with Su, JC and Donald for their photos.

Creating the calendar is always such a fun project. Imagine, having to sort through picture after picture of that cute MiG Ayesa. Darn the luck! The hardest part is narrowing it down to 12 photos. Since Team MiG can't offer a 60-month calendar, you'll get to see some of those pictures posted here in the future. As for the MiG calendar, wait until you see Mr. February, Mr. March, Mr. April...

Ok, ok. I'll show you a few more. This photo was taken by Wend in England...



A shot taken by Cammy in the U.S....



And another I took in the U.S....



Time to sign off for today...have to make sure the courier with the precious cargo didn't arrive undetected with that MiG Ayesa calendar...

Remember, help keep MiG shining on, and pass it on.

Team MiG

MiG Ayesa: The Man and His Music

What do you do when a gifted singer and songwriter named MiG Ayesa is finding his way through the jungle that's the music biz? He's a capable guy, yet you want to do what you can to support him in his career. Those who have seen him perform, heard his originals or met him, have been knocked off their feet. But what do you do when others wonder what MiG has been up to after Rockstar: INXS and We Will Rock You, and others haven't discovered him? Or they haven't heard much about him? It's simple. You introduce the world to the MiG we've gotten to know, and to the part of himself he's sharing through his music.

You ask people to pass it on, because maybe then he'll get more chances to shine. And those who meet him, or hear his voice, lyrics, and melodies will gain something pretty special. If some people do even a little, or tell even one more person, together we can make a big difference for MiG. The fun we'll have and the friends we'll make around the world will be a bonus.

You'll be hearing a lot about MiG Ayesa through this blog, but I also want to hear from you. Tell me why you like MiG, your first name and where you're from (if you don't mind those details being posted in this blog). Submit a comment here, or send an e-mail to teammigglobal@gmail.com. I'll post some of the comments here on a rotating basis. Tell the world why you dig MiG! Or why you dig his music! And maybe you'll bring a smile to MiG's face too.

Until next time....

Team MiG