Team Lea’s Mitoy Yonting wins ‘The Voice of the Philippines’

MANILA, Philippines - Mitoy Yonting was hailed the winner of ABS-CBN’s “The Voice of the Philippines” during the reality talent show’s finale at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila on Sunday, Sept. 29.

The 44-year-old singer, a member of Lea Salonga’s team, beat out three other contestants for the title.

Klarisse de Guzman from Sarah Geromino’s team was named runner-up.

Janice Javier from apl.de.ap’s team is in third place while Don Michael Perez from Bamboo Manalac’s team placed fourth.

“Salamat po sa inyong lahat. Para sa inyo ito,” Yonting said, who won a prize package that includes P2 million, a new car, an Asian tour package for two and a four-year recording contract with MCA Universal.

The winner was decided via text and online votes. The final two finalists were declared based on the votes during the Saturday and Sunday live shows, while the winner was decided based solely on votes polled during De Guzman and Yonting’s final performance.

During the Saturday live show, Yonting sang Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak” and his original song “Bulag.”

A band singer prior to joining “The Voice of the Philippines,” he shared the stage with his coach Lea and Vice Ganda as they sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” He also performed with former Westlife member Shane Fillan on Sunday.

A member of “The Draybers” — a band that has regular gigs in Resorts World Manila (they performed in their months-long free concert series) and is a nominee at this year’s Aliw Awards — Yonting was a among the favorite early in the competition.

He sang “Bakit Ako Mahihiya?” during his blind audition, Lea used an expletive to describe Yonting’s performance.

“Bihira lang lumalabas sa bibig ko ang ganyan. Ang galing mo, ang galing mo, naku! Kung hindi mo ako piliin, iiyak ako,” said Lea, who had to compete with Bamboo and apl to get Yonting into her team.

During the show’s battle rounds and live shows, Yonting bested other favorites to reach the finals — including Radha of the band Kulay and Daryyl Shy.

“Maraming salamat sa pagpili, maraming salamat for letting me into your heart and for allowing me to help you allow this journey,” Lea said before Yonting was declared the winner. “Sana in the rest of your journey, you allow me to look over your shoulder, parang guardian angel.”