Christian Bautista looks for versatile, authentic ‘The Clash’ teens
MANILA, Philippines — As a judge and panel member of “The Clash” regular and teen editions, Christian Bautista has, in a way, given back to the entertainment industry, including those people whose generosity and faith in him propelled his career. It’s the creative industry that has nurtured him as a singer and an actor.
Perhaps setting his foot on the set of “The Clash” evokes nostalgia of his humble beginnings as a singing talent show contestant and finalist. Part of that feeling is also recalling industry names that helped him find his niche in the industry.
He considered Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid and Jose Mari Chan as some of his mentors early in his career.
“Nung nagsimula ako pinapahiram ako ng minus one nina Martin (they let me borrow their minus one),” said Christian in a group chat. “They’re really so giving. Walang silang, hindi nila sinasabi na bakit ko tutulungan ito, eh magiging competitor ko ito later on in this space… (they don’t have that thinking of, why should I help him? he would be a competitor). Bigay lang, sharing (they would just give and share).”
“At the end of the day, they would guest us (the new talents) in their concerts. Sometimes, we would also ask them to guest in our concerts. Dapat tulungan lang talaga (we should help each other),” added he.
As part of “The Clash Teens” panel, along with Jillian Ward and BGYO member JL Toreliza, Christian shared that their goal “is to give as much commentary and advice as we can to those who are joining as contestants in the smallest amount of time. That’s all the time that we have, a few minutes with them when they enter (the stage).”
“So, we just judge (the performances),” added he. “So, kailangan yung sasabihin talaga namin concise, straight to the point, at sana po maka-tulong whether they advance or not (we have to give concise, straight-to-the-point comments, and we hope we can help).”
Viewers and fans of the show have seen that challenge each “The Clash Teens” judge takes on. The GMA singing talent competition show will have its finale on Sept. 6 at 7:15 p.m. with Kaye Gabunada, Hannah May, Violette Sta. Cruz and Martin Miguel as the Final 4.
What Christian is looking for in every contestant, and the eventual winner, if one may add, are “versatility and authenticity.”
He also shared that “there are still contestants who think if they sing this winning song of a champion singer, sure win na (they feel it will be a sure win) when na hindi pala talaga masyadong connected kung sino talaga sila (but the song is not really connected to what they are),” said he.
They have also noticed that what “The Clash Teens” contestants do is pursue the songs they like and work with the musical director. They make the song their own, and the arrangement is made as a contest piece, as one could gather by following his line of thinking.
But the bottom line is, as Christian shared, “Dapat bagay pa rin sa kung sino mang contestant (the song should fit the vocal capacity of the contestant) kasi kung yung contestant is biritera talaga, dapat ganun (if the contestant is a belter, then he or she should be that). If ever the contestant tries something new, it will not fit (and complement the voice). So, there’s no right or wrong song. Ano talaga ang bagay sa’yo (it’s all about what suits the contestant).”
Song choice still matters. These may serve as reminders to aspiring singers-contestants and to “The Clash Teens” finalists.
In this day and age, talented individuals may showcase what they’ve got through new media, but joining a singing talent competition on TV gives them a different learning experience.
“When you get the chance to perform in front of an audience, take it,” said Christian, sharing that part of learning the ropes of performing includes knowing where the camera is, looking for the red light and singing with the klieg lights.
“Ang daming training na makukuha mo sa pagsali sa isang multi-budgeted TV production (you’ll get a lot of training by joining a talent singing show),” added he.
After that, a newbie may be ready to sing on a different platform or avenue and begin a new chapter by recording a single.
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