Krizza Neri is top Protégé

MANILA, Philippines - After weeks of intense workshops, battles and eliminations, Krizza Neri, the 16-year-old protégé of Aiza Seguerra, ended her journey on GMA 7’s reality show Protégé: The Battle For The Big Break on a high note after being proclaimed as its first champion. The spectacular and star-studded finale, which was aired live, was staged at the Centerstage of SM Mall of Asia last Sunday night.

It was a bittersweet victory for Krizza, who hails from Cagayan de Oro City, as her hometown was ravaged by floods caused by Typhoon Sendong. Nevertheless, it was her consistency throughout the competition that had the R&B Siztah besting two other finalists — the Singing Cinderella from Davao, Lovely Embuscado, and the Pop Sweetheart from Iloilo, Lirah Bermudez.

Krizza took home P1M cash, a P3M condo unit at Suntrust Adriatico Gardens, a four-year scholarship grant from STI College and a five-year management contract with GMA Artist Center.

Meanwhile, Jaya’s protégé Lovely won P50,000 cash for winning the Texters’ Choice Award, a scholarship grant from STI College and P100,000 cash for bagging the Skyflakes Biggest Break Award.

Janno Gibbs’ protégé Lirah, on the other hand, received a four-year scholarship grant from STI College and a GMA Artist Center contract.

Protégé, which premiered on TV in September after a nationwide hunt that began in July, featured 10 music icons grooming their own bets to be the music industry’s next big thing. Apart from Aiza, Jaya and Janno, other mentors were Claire de la Fuente, Gloc-9, JayR, Joey Generoso, Rachelle Ann Go and Rey Valera.

Protégé: The Final Battle was hosted by Ogie Alcasid, Dingdong Dantes and Jennylyn Mercado. Judges included Joey de Leon, Bert de Leon, Louie Ocampo, Cherie Gil and Eula Valdez.