New changes in The Voice Kids

MANILA, Philippines - The second season of The Voice Kids started last June 6 and continues to consistently top the weekend primetime slot on TV. Even from the start of the Blind Auditions, the show has displayed its dominance in the ratings, as it appears to be a much-awaited TV fare that airs twice-weekly on ABS-CBN.

Lyca Gairanod was the champion of The Voice Kids Season 1. She recently released her debut album under MCA Music. Darren Espanto was the second placer, followed by Juan Karlos Labajo as third runner-up and Darlene Vibares as fourth placer.

For The Voice Kids Season 2, Luis Manzano returns as host, with Robi Domingo and Yeng Constantino (who replaced Alex Gonzaga) as co-hosts. Robi and Yeng take charge of the backstage activity of the auditionees.

All the hosts got to meet personally the contestants who auditioned, either in the studio or even in the latter’s remote residence. Lea Salonga, Bamboo and Sarah Geronimo return as coaches.

On-ground auditions were held last March initially at the Araneta Coliseum. Auditions all over the country followed in places like Alabang, Bulacan, Lucena City (Quezon), Bohol (Tagbilaran), Isabela, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao City, General Santos (South Cotabato), Butuan (Agusan del Norte) and Cagayan de Oro.

When the Blind Auditions started, coach Sarah enlisted the first contestant for this season when she was chosen by the good-looking 11-year-old Kyle Echam, a football player from Cebu City. It was a toss-up between Coach Sarah and Coach Bamboo for Kyle, but he chose the former after he rendered One Direction’s Night Changes, when he auditioned.

The two coaches also turned their chairs for nine-year-old Romeo Espino of Tondo, Manila who sang the gospel tune, Hesus. Bamboo scored his first pick with the young Romeo.

The first three-chair turner for The Voice Kids 2 was eight-year-old Bianca Marbella of Batangas City, who crooned Do You Want To Build a Snowman? from the animated film, Frozen. Bianca chose Coach Lea, who readily added a new name to her team with the second three-chair turner, 11-year-old Raynan Dal-Anay from San Fernando, Bukidnon.

The coaches interact more now with the contestants. The coaches not only listen and interview the young talents who auditioned; they also make a conscious effort to get to know the latter better.

The coaches were all excited to work and mentor their 18 contestants for The Battles, where three singers will slug it out in a vocal showdown. Then, coaches will select the one who will advance in the competition. Then the Sing-Offs will follow right after with the live shows. The competition will conclude on Aug. 30.

Meanwhile, the third season of The Voice, earlier won by Mitoy Yonting followed by Jason Dy, will start in the last quarter of the year.