MANILA, Philippines - Filipino-Australian Cyrus Villanueva received a standing ovation from the judges of "X Factor Australia," just one week before the reality talent show's grand finals.
On Monday night (Australian time), Villanueva performed two songs for the show's eighth week live show.
He sang "Don't" by Ed Sheeran for the week's Killer Track song theme and "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collin for the week's Curveball theme.
He got raves from the judges for his rendition of the Ed Sheeran hit.
"Here's a serious contender to win and a serious artist... We're one week away from the grand final which is gonna be great because all four of you are amazing. So it's the right time to be doing stuff that kind of spells the artist you're gonna be and I'm glad you did Ed Sheeran. You can't go wrong, especially if you sing it like that," judge Guy Sebastian said.
But Villanueva received the highest praises for his Phil Collins cover, which Sebastian described as "freaking sick."
"You know, every time someone wins the show, they think back to a certain performance that sort of was the nail. I think that was the nail for you. If you end up winning this show, people will remember that," Sebastian said.
Judge James Blunt remarked: “This week we saw you singing on top of a box. I reckon you've got a high chance, in two weeks, that they're going to stick you in the box and sell you.”
"It was painful and so good. That was a grand final-type performance. You have to vote for something like that. You have to be there, Cyrus. Please everyone, please," Dannii Minogue said.
Results of the "X Factor Australia" eighth live show will be announced Tuesday night. The contestants who will make it through will be part of the show's grand finals next week.
The Filipino-Australia singer, who is part of the Under 25 Boys category is competing for a slot in the grand finals against Big T (Under 25 Boys), Louise Adams (Over 25s) and Jess & Matt (Groups).