Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth

From uploading covers on YouTube to becoming one of the world’s most recognized singer-songwriters, Charlie Puth has built a career defined by musical milestones, chart-topping hits, and industry acclaim.

But for the Grammy-nominated artist, his greatest achievement so far is not an award or a record, it is becoming a father.

In an intimate online interview with Manila Bulletin Entertainment, Charlie opened up about life after welcoming his first child, Jude, with wife Brooke Sansone. The couple tied the knot in September 2024 and welcomed their son in March 2026.

Despite the major life change, Charlie said fatherhood has not altered who he is, only his priorities.

“I’m very fortunate to say that it’s not that nothing has changed. There are some times where babies cry, and I’m like, I can’t record right away, but the baby takes precedence,” he shared.

Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth (Live Nation)

For Charlie, becoming a parent has brought a new sense of purpose and happiness.

“I think life got so much better because it’s not like I care about myself less, but I have to kind of direct my care to someone that needs it, and that’s this little baby,” he added.

As he balances fatherhood with his music career, Charlie said his approach to songwriting remains rooted in honesty, capturing whatever emotions and experiences he is going through at the moment.

“I think it just remains. I just remain the same in my goal to make real music,” he said.

Reflecting on his previous work, including the song “Cheating on You,” Charlie explained that his songs have always been reflections of his personal journey.

“When I made my song ‘Cheating on You,’ that’s what I was going through at the time. It’s a bit sad. It’s kind of a sad song, kind of fun to sing now. But it’s what I was going through at the time,” he shared.

Now that he has entered a happier stage of life, Charlie said fans can expect his emotions and experiences as a father to influence his future music.

“Now that I have a son, I’m very happy. So I’m going to write a song about being happy, maybe, or perform in that kind of way,” he said.

Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth (Live Nation)

Charlie’s latest album, “Whatever’s Clever!,” reflects his current mindset and surroundings.

The singer explained that his environment has always shaped his sound, from his early albums to his latest release.

“The surroundings inspire the sound. That’s always been the case for me,” he said.

At the time of creating the album, Charlie was looking forward to becoming a father, which brought a fresh energy into his creative process.

“I was really happy and inspired, and I knew I was going to become a dad for the first time, so I was really looking forward to that. I was just in a good mood,” he said.

Working with producer BloodPop, Charlie also explored new creative territory, experimenting with sounds and themes he had not previously approached.

“BloodPop pushed me to use sonics I hadn’t touched before, to sing about subjects I’d never sung about, and write songs that might’ve made me uncomfortable in the past,” he shared.

Drawing inspiration from legendary artists such as Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, and Philip Bailey, Charlie continues to evolve while staying true to his signature style.

Charlie also looked back on his first visit to the Philippines in 2015, recalling a memorable television appearance on "Eat Bulaga," and the warmth he experienced from Filipino fans. 

He remembered being struck by the energy of the country, the people, and the intimate atmosphere of the show.

“The energy on the streets, driving through the streets, seeing the culture, seeing the people come up to the car... everybody was so happy and singing. And I was like, ‘This place is amazing,’” he recalled.

After a decade, Charlie is set to return to the Philippine stage with his “Whatever’s Clever!” World Tour, and he said Filipino fans remain special to him.

He even associated his Filipino audience with Bruno Mars’ “Risk It All,” describing the song’s emotional and melodic quality as something he connects with Pinoy listeners.

“I hear ‘Risk It All’ by Bruno Mars, and I’m thinking I can hear like a stadium of Filipinos screaming that melody,” he said.

Charlie added that he admires the Philippines’ deep love for music.

“Everybody knows that everybody in the Philippines is a great singer. Everybody can sing,” he said.

Charlie’s “Whatever’s Clever!” World Tour arrives in the Philippines on Oct. 14, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.