MANILA, Philippines - Fifteen-year-old Marlisa Punzalan won X Factor Australia on Monday night, beating two others in the grand final of the reality competition that saw some of Australia's best singers battling it out for the grand prize.
video from YouTube user J1MZO7
Punzalan, 15, was born in Western Sydney to Filipino parents and first wowed the judges when she sang The Beatle's 'Yesterday' in her audition. On Sunday, she made a repeat performance of her audition piece, along with two other songs- the winner's single, 'Stand By You' and a duet of 'Never Be the Same' with Australian singer Jessica Mauboy. Punzalan was mentored by former Boyzone member and Irish singer Ronan Keating.
video from YouTube user J1MZO7
On announcement night, Punzalan and competitors Dean Ray and Brothers 3 were narrowed down to the top 2, with Ray sharing the last two spots with her.
Punzalan sang Australian singer Sia's 'Titanium' before being announced as the show's winner. She takes home the grand prize and a recording contract with Sony Music Australia.
Punzalan's win comes just months after Rose Fostanes, a Filipina domestic worker, won X Factor Israel in January.