Martin Nievera says his talent was discovered while he was singing in the shower

It has been 42 years since Martin Nievera entered the entertainment industry.

On Tuesday's "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," the Concert King recalled that his talent was discovered while he was singing inside a locker room's shower.

"That's where I was discovered, in the locker room after a basketball game. Hindi ako naglaro, so kunyari naglaro ako, so ang tagal ko sa shower. Habang nung nagsha-shower, nag-e-enjoy ako sa reverb echo," Martin said.

He was singing Morris Albert's "Feelings," when a wrestling coach passed by and heard him.

"Sabi niya sa akin, 'Hey, I want you to audition tomorrow for the choir,'" he said.

Later in 1981, Martin bested over 4,000 contestants in a California-wide talent search.

"Back in the day, Boy, that was big. Wala pa 'yung mga musical reality shows," Martin said.

The competition lasted for four days, and he was the lone Filipino contestant.

"And that's when I knew [that] this is what I want to do. I want to follow my father's footsteps, so sabi ko sa daddy at sa mommy ko, 'Please, samahan mo ako sa Philippines para I can live my dream.' And that's what I've been doing for 42 years," he said.

In celebration of his 42nd anniversary, Martin will hold his "The King 4Ever" concert on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

"Mag-expect sila ng nostalgia. Babalik tayo sa dati, sa mga songs ko, all the songs I've done in the last 42 years—hindi naman sa lahat na mga songs, but sana the songs I hope that they've been waiting to hear," he said.

Among the special guests are Pops Fernandez, The Company, Ogie Alcasid, and more.

Ticket prices start at P840 and are available via TicketNet.

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News