op ballad singer Jed Madela knows the cliche that publicity, good or bad, is still publicity.

But that doesn't mean he believes in it, considering that the only thing that matters to him is positive publicity.

"Bad publicity is no use for me. It's the same as no publicity at all," he casually told the Manila Bulletin in a short chat after his powerful performance at the 10th anniversary of Gardenia held at the NBC Tent, Global City, Taguig last Tuesday.

He, along with Vina Morales, Robert Seña, Aria Clemente, and the UP Madrigal Singers, was invited to showcase his onstage brilliance in a well-orchestrated entertainment show called "Rated 10"that celebrated the decade-long success of the bread company. Since the night's theme had to do with being world-class, all the guests were internationally acclaimed.

Jed, of course, is popularly-recognized for winning the grand prize in the World Championships of Performing Arts in 2005. Preferring making noise through sheer talent and not by being controversial, intentional or not, he frowns at the fact how bad publicity ruins an artist and affects one's sincerity in delivering his gift to the public.

"I don't want to be in such a crazy atmosphere," he noted pointing to the kind of situation some celebrities get into once intrigues set in and shake their careers, either in a bad or favorable note.

Even Jed's manager Annie Mercado told the Bulletin that as much as possible, she doesn't allow any kind of bad rumor gets into Jed's routine as performer and recording artist. "We try to clean matters up even before it reaches Jed's ear."

Thinking practically, Jed does know that anybody who enters showbiz is prone to getting negative publicity along the way for whatever reason. His stand though is to rather keep away from it as much as possible and instead be focused on the craft.

In his case, his being a performer is the main thing and he treats it as special as it is. He shared, "Performing for me is connecting and interacting with people. It's where I get the trust from them and the urge to give my best in every song number."

At the event last Tuesday, Jed pleased the crowd with his rendition of the Dianne Warren composition "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing", the same song he performed to bag the grand champion plum at that international tiff three years ago where he bested 3,000 participants from more than 50 nations.

"That gave me a boost really," he pointed out regarding his famed triumph also distinguished as the first time a Filipino singer won the overall champ nine years after Pinoys started joining the competition.

Some people have been attesting that this 27-year old singer from Iloilo has surprised foreign audiences with his edgy performances. Once, according to Mercado, he was given an eight-minute standing ovation when he covered a classic song.

Jed released his third album "Only Human" last May which included his high-tone version of "The Impossible Dream." The album, which is already platinum, will be repackaged for an upcoming release.

"I want to make it international," he revealed when asked about his ultimate goal as a singer.

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