X-Factor Philippines ready to discover the newest singing superstar

CEBU, Philippines - The biggest singing reality competition "The X-Factor Philippines" is now on its way to discover the newest singing sensation of the Philippines. Bringing together four of the country’s biggest names in the recording industry across generations namely Concert King Martin Nievera, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, international singing sensation Charice, and Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales as celebrity judge-mentors, who have what it takes to spot the X-factor among thousands of Filipinos who have auditioned.

During their press conference in Cebu City, Pilita Corrales said that although everyone knows how to sing, only few can sing with their heart and that's what X-factor is looking for. She added that they are not only looking for good voice but for a personality that can be sold worldwide. "I am looking for someone that when he does, he will give it all," Asia’s Queen of Songs disclosed.

As one of the judge-mentors, Gary Valenciano expressed his excitement and said he would be much happier if the group he will handle will win. However, he assured that he will never put down anybody but rather bring out the best in whoever the contestant is.

"I want someone who can sing with passion, one that can stand on stage, and express himself in his own particular way, that even the 5th judge - which is the audience - can capture. It is not about your face, it’s all about your heart," Gary said.

Martin Nievera, on the other hand, disclosed that if he was not chosen to be one of the judges, he would have been interested in joining the X-factor search abroad.

"Since this is a reality singing competition, I am looking for someone that will last in the music industry, the one that can perform well with the established singers. It is not the voice alone that we are looking; it is the total performance. I am looking for someone that sings like it’s the last day on Earth," the Concert King shared when asked for his standards.

Meanwhile, Charice said she is honored to be part of the show being the youngest X-Factor judge-mentor in the history of the international franchise. Charice, assuring her kindness and honesty to the contestants, said that she could relate to how they feel since she experienced the same scenario when she was still joining contests.

"I want someone that through his performance, he or she can connect with me and the rest of the people watching," Charice answered when asked on what would be her basis in determining the winner.

The celebrity judge-mentors are touring the country together with host KC Concepcion to search for the deserving winner who will take home the 4 million pesos—the biggest prize for a talent search in the history of Philippine TV.

"The judges will also be competing here since they are mentoring the contestants. Aside from that, they will also be learning since they are not sure if their forte will be the talent they will cater," said KC Concepcion.

KC and the judge-mentors first visited Cebu last May 16 and 17 for the Visayas leg of auditions held at the Hoops Dome.

They will then go to Davao Del Sur Coliseum in Davao on May 23 and 24 to see if Mindanao hopefuls have the X factor.

Aspirants from Luzon will be adjudged last as the team goes to its final stop at the PAGCOR Theater this May 30, 31, and June 1.

"The X Factor" is a world-renowned musical franchise by Simon Cowell that started in the UK. ABS-CBN bagged the exclusive rights to localize the program with KC Concepcion as host.

The X Factor Philippines, with host KC Concepcion, is slated to premiere on June 23 this year. (FREEMAN)