Martin blocks KZ to get young artist in ‘The Voice Kids’

CEBU, Philippines — He may have walked her down the aisle during her wedding, but coach Martin Nievera did not hesitate to use his power to block coach KZ Tandingan when a young artist from Olongapo impressed him during the second weekend of blind auditions in “The Voice Kids.”

Ten-year-old Kai Marmeto wowed both Martin and KZ for his rendition of “Hesus,” however Asia’s Soul Supreme lost her chance to persuade Kai to join her team when the Concert King used the block button against her.

“Sorry, anak. We have the same type. The competition is stiff. I knew you were going to press [the button]. I know you so well,” Martin told KZ.

KZ, who considers Martin as a father figure in showbiz, jokingly replied, “Tama na po. Huwag na po kayong mag-explain. Nasaktan na ang dapat masaktan.”

In an interview with “TV Patrol,” Martin and KZ talked about how far they have come from mentor and mentee to becoming fellow coaches in “The Voice Kids.”

“Parang 10 years ago, coach siya sa sinalihan ko. Ngayon, magkasama na kaming coach,” KZ recalled.

Martin on the other hand said he is “very impressed” with KZ. “I am very proud of KZ because it took me 40 years to sit on the red seat. It only took her 10 years to get on the same seat right beside me,” he said.

Aside from Kai, 10-year-old John David Centeno of Rizal was added to Martin’s MarTeam.

John David’s sister, Honey Centeno (8 y.o.), also passed the blinds and chose KZ as her coach. Other new recruits in Team Supreme include Xai Martinez (12 y.o.) of Caloocan City, Kreya Morta (12 y.o.) of Cebu, and Luke Daniel Dela Cruz (11 y.o.) of Benguet.

Meanwhile, Bamboo’s Kamp Kawayan welcomed Princess Canete (12 y.o.) of Rizal and Chaelna Magnaye (10 y.o.) of Batangas.

Who will be the next batch of “The Voice Kids” auditionees that will charm coaches Bamboo, KZ, and Martin in the blind auditions? Find out in “The Voice Kids” every weekend on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and iWantTFC at 7 pm and on TV5 (Saturday at 7 pm, Sunday at 9 pm).