Pinoy Youtube sensations appear on U.S. talk show ‘Ellen’

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino online sensation Aldrich Lloyd Talonding finally appeared on the “The Ellen Degeneres Show” months after they caught the talk show host’s attention via his Youtube video.

Aldrich, together with cousin James Walter Bucong, became a Youtube hit with their performance of Luther Vandross’ “Dance with my Father.” The video of Talonding singing the R&B hit, with Bucong accompanying him on guitar, was uploaded last April, has garnered over three million views on the video sharing website.

The two were invited by Ellen to appear on her show during its May 1 episode.

“When the video went viral, people started recognizing us along the streets or in the malls. They even recognized us in the restrooms,” Talonding said.

“That’s weird,” he quipped.

“Honestly, many people do recognize me, especially girls,” Bucong said. “So it feels awkward when they say that they love me.”

“We’re honored to watch you sing this,” Ellen said, before the two performed “Dance with my Father” on her show.

“That was so beautiful. I am so glad we found you,” the talk show host-comedienne said after Talonding and Bucong’s performance.

Ellen also gave the two Filipinos a guitar, a keyboard, and a check for $10,000.

Talonding and Bucong’s appearance on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” follows a number of other Pinoys performing for the hit U.S. talk show. Recently, another Youtube sensation, Zendee Rose Tenerefe, also appeared on “Ellen.”