Team Lea’s Joshua wins ‘Voice Kids’ Season 3

 CEBU, Philippines - Eleven-year-old Joshua Oliveros of Antique was named the third grand champion of singing-reality show “The Voice Kids” Sunday night after getting 38.07 percent of the votes during the program’s final showdown.

Dubbed the Hopeful Son of Antique, Joshua clinched the title by beating Antonetthe Tismo of Team Sharon who received 38.07 percent of the votes, and Justin Alva of Team Bamboo who got 25.24 percent of the votes.

Joshua is coach Lea Salonga’s first artist to be named “The Voice Kids” grand champion and the first boy to win the “Kids” edition.

“I’m very happy because I got the house, the money, and the trophy. This will be a very big help to my family,” an emotional Joshua said in an interview after his winning moment.

As the newest “The Voice Kids” grand champion, Joshua won P1 million cash, a fashion package and P1 million worth of trust fund from H&M, a two-year recording contract from MCA Music, Inc., a business package from Siomai House, and a house and lot from Camella Homes.

For the power ballad round, the final stage of the competition, Joshua captivated viewers with his rendition of Yeng Constantino’s “Salamat.” On Saturday, Joshua sang “Mangarap Ka” for the upbeat song round, and performed “Nais Ko” with coach Lea.

The only coach to turn around for Joshua during his blind audition, coach Lea shared that Joshua has always been consistent and disciplined, especially during their coaching sessions.

“You don’t have to worry about this boy, because he listens, he delivers, he’s wonderful. He digests the music before it comes out of his mouth. Talagang nakikinig sa rehearsals, very focused,” she shared.

“To everybody who voted for this young man, thank you. To everybody who supported, to the whole province of Antique, maraming salamat. We have worked so hard to make this happen. It’s crazy. This is incredible. I’m so happy for this young man,” she added.

The third season of “The Voice Kids,” hosted by Luis Manzano, Kim Chiu, and Robi Domingo, was a phenomenal hit, being the most watched weekend TV program in the country during its run.

Viewers nationwide also tuned in to the two-night final showdown as it garnered a national TV rating of 39 percent last Saturday and 43.3 percent last Sunday, according to data from Kantar Media.

Joshua, meanwhile, will be joining his fellow young artists in a special show titled “Meron Akong Kwento: Ang Himig ng Buhay Ko” live at the Resorts World Manila Newport Performing Arts Theater tonight featuring guests Aegis, Jaya, Jessa Zaragoza, Jovit Baldivino, Dominador “Daddy D” Alviola Jr. and Bugoy Drilon.  (FREEMAN)