MANILA, Philippines - After weeks of searching for the best acts in the country, only one can take home the P2-M cash prize and become the first grand winner of ABS-CBN’s Pilipinas Got Talent. Who will it be?
Catch the final results tonight live at the Araneta Coliseum.
Among the finalists is Batangueno singer-turned-YouTube sensation Jovit Baldovino whose flawless rendition of the song Carrie by Europe gave him the first finalist slot during the first semi-final round. He was joined by ventriloquist Ruther Urquia who was chosen by the judges after he amazed everyone with his original skit using not just one but two puppets.
Magic dominated the second semi-finals as magician Allan “Alakim” de Paz won the hearts of the public with his butterfly-inspired magic tricks and judges chose the equally magical charms and singing prowess of Fil-Norwegian crooner Markki Stroem who gave his own interpretation of Ordinary People.
The winning streak for male contenders continued during the third semi-final round when guitarist Keith Delleva topped text and online votes after his electrifying electric guitar exhibition and breakdancing siblings Velasco Brothers won over the judges with their world-class stunts.
Pilipinas Got Talent welcomed its first female finalist during fourth week with Kaye, vocalist of Ezra Band who sang a captivating rendition of Right Here Waiting. Another singer also made the cut was balladeer Sherwin Baguio, who sang Sana Maulit Muli.
The Luntayao Family, a family of singers who gave tribute to Pinoy music during performance night, and Jeline Oliva, a young girl who played the violin and piano, further spiced up the diverse acts during the fifth semi-final round and also made it to the finals.
Completing the top 12 recently are dance group Baguio Metamorphosis and Broadway siren Ingrid Payaket. Baguio Metamorphosis’ colorful costumes and synchronized dance routine got them a sure slot at the finals after topping the nationwide votes, while Ingrid, though ranked third in the voting, won over the judges votes with her soulful rendition of a popular Broadway musical piece.
Pilipinas Got Talent was launched in February with Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford as hosts. The show conducted auditions in Batangas, Cebu, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Davao, and Manila in search of the best acts in the country, where judges Kris Aquino, Ai Ai Delas Alas, and Freddie M. Garcia aka FMG screened the contestants.
More than 200 hopefuls passed the auditions but only 36 made it to the semi-finals after an intense judges’ deliberation. The semi-finals rounds gave the 36 contestants the chance to show their talents anew and narrowed the competition to 12 finalists.