'Singer 2018' competitors Jessie J and KZ Tandingan.
ABS-CBN via Cornerstone Entertainment/Released
MANILA, Philippines — Filipina singer KZ Tandingan’s version of “Say Something” did not only land her at the top 4 of international singing contest "Singer 2018;" she was even praised by the song’s original singers, A Great Big World.
In a Twitter post, American musical duo A Great Big World lauded the Filipina crooner, saying: “Wow. @KZofficial. wow,” referring to KZ’s performance of the song aired on China’s Hunan TV.
In response, KZ told A Great Big World on Twitter: “Whoah. Thank you so much for appreciating.”
For KZ’s dramatic rendition of A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera’s “Say Something,” she got fourth place from studio audience votes.
KZ’s idol, British pop star Jessie J, placed third for belting out Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much.”
WATCH: Jessie J performs 'Never Too Much'
It was KZ’s third week in the TV show, which is now on its seventh week. Last February 16, KZ became a regular contender after placing sixth for her medley of Chinese songs.
KZ told ABS-CBN that she was surprised that she placed fourth last week because the audience last week was quieter as compared to her Mandarin song medley performance, when she placed sixth.
KZ made headlines worldwide after she placed number one on the show’s February 9 episode for her jazzy performance of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Jessie came in second after singing Rufus Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody.”
KZ hopes her stint on China’s top-rating show will open more opportunities for Filipino artists to showcase their talent worldwide.
“It makes me proud to be Pinoy. I’m just hoping that after this competition, many doors will open not just for me but also for Filipino performers now that foreigners recognize the artistry and excellence of Filipino performers. I’m just really thankful that we were given this opportunity,” said KZ, whose jaw-dropping rendition of “Rolling in the Deep” featured a rap in Tagalog.
The Star Music artist also said that she hopes more OPM artists will be invited to compete in the next season of “Singer 2018,” which attracts over 200 million viewers weekly.
“Singer 2018” is China’s most popular reality TV singing competition and pits professional singers from around the world against each other, as they vie to win audience votes.
“Out of the many countries they could have scouted for talents, they chose the Philippines. To be able to represent original Pilipino music (OPM) in a country that is not easily penetrated by international artists is already a prize that can’t be bought by money,” she added.
For her first appearance on the show, KZ said she defied recommendations to sing other songs, and ultimately chose to perform her unique version of the Adele hit — a personal decision that she believed would showcase who she is as an artist.
“I went to China and I was pretty sure no one knew me. Now they know a small Filipina girl who is singing her heart out in China’s number one show. That makes me very proud. That’s the kind of impact I want to make as a Filipino and show the world. Your dreams will come true as long as you believe that you can do it and you do what you want to do,” she said. — Videos from YouTube/The Singer