The 19-year-old graphic design student beat out fellow grand finalists former band vocalist Louise Adams and singing duo Jess & Matt, who finished runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.
Prior to the results show, Villanueva, who was born to a Filipino father and an Australian mother, took to “The X Factor Australia” stage a powerful rendition of Labrinth's “Jealous,” which moved his mentor, American rock icon Chris Isaak, and co-judge Dannii Minogue to tears.
“That’s it for me mentoring you. It’s sad for me in a way because I had so much fun working with you. I have learned so much from you. You know, I might ask back for that handkerchief I gave you early on when you started crying, because now I’m crying,” Isaak said.
Villanueva also reprised his audition piece, The Weeknd’s “Earned It,” and performed his debut single titled “Stone” during the penultimate episode of the show.
Regardless of what happens I am so grateful for everything I have been through. Sending out all my love. #xfactorau pic.twitter.com/q8tXye3iG9
— Cyrus (@cyrusvill) November 23, 2015
A look back at his journey
For his first appearance on “The X Factor Australia,” Villanueva immediately established himself as an early favorite. He earned a standing ovation from the entire judging panel during the auditions with his acoustic rendition of the aforementioned The Weeknd hit, and wowed Simon Cowell with his version of “Is This Love” a week after.
He then gave a stunning performance of Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own" for the competition’s “5 Seat Challenge” to earn a well-deserved place in the live rounds.
From then on, sans a slight “hiccup” during “Rock Week,” Villanueva never looked to be in danger of being eliminated. His soulful rendition of pop hits —from Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend” to his mentor’s “Wicked Game— won the respect of Filipinos and Australians alike.
"It's pretty ridiculous to believe that a couple of months ago I was studying for an exam,” Villanueva admitted during one of his interviews on the competition.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
