Fil-Aussie Cyrus wins 'X Factor Australia'

Following the success of Marlisa Punzalan, who at 15 became the youngest contestant to earn the title of “The X Factor Australia” last year, fellow Filipino-Australian Cyrus Villanueva on Tuesday made it back-to-back wins for singers with Pinoy blood in the competition after being named this season’s champion.

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

Pinoy in final four of 'X Factor Australia'

MANILA - Filipino-Australian singer Cyrus Villanueva is part of the final four contestants of "The X Factor Australia," it was revealed on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old Villanueva earned the spot after stunning the judges with his rendition of Ellie Goulding's "Love Me Like You Do," which he sang while playing the piano.

"You're a singer, you're a musician, you're a talent," Australian singer Dannii Minogue told him. "I turned around and not only were people standing up, there were people crying as well. It's a beautiful love song and you conveyed that so well."

For his part, American rock singer Chris Isaak, Villanueva's mentor, added: "I'm really happy that you took the hard way and not the easy way 'cause I offered you and said, 'you don't have to play the piano.' You could just sing. ...I'm proud of you."

In the competition's semi-finals, Villanueva will be facing off with singing duo Jess & Matt, Louise Adams, and Big T (Tangaroa Te Tai). Mahalia Simpson, meanwhile, was eliminated.

Villanueva's feat capped off a mixed week for Filipinos in international singing competitions. Filipino artist Seann Miley Moore ended his "The X Factor UK" journey last Sunday, while Pinay group 4th Power was declared safe.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoy advances to top 6 of 'X Factor Australia'

MANILA - Filipino-Australian Cyrus Villanueva stole the show at Monday's "The X Factor Australia" with his stunning cover of Adele's "Rumor Has It," so it came as no surprise that he has been voted as part of the top 6 finalists of the singing competition.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that the 19-year-old Villanueva will be moving on the next round alongside other hopefuls like Big T (Tangaroa Te Tai), Louise Adams, singing duo Jess & Matt, Natalie Conway, and Mahalia Simpson.

Michaela Baranov, meanwhile, was eliminated from the competition after she struggled with her performance of Rihanna's "Diamonds."

On Monday's episode, Villaneuva earned praise for his rendition of the Adele hit from judges such as Guy Sebastian, who told him: "We want to feel like we’re watching a superstar. And you owned it, that was a massive comeback."

Villanueva's mentor, American singer Chris Isaak, turned emotional after the performance, while singer James Blunt compared the Filipino-Australian to pop star Justin Beiber.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Cyrus Villanueva makes it to 'X Factor Australia' top 12

MANILA - Filipino-Australian singer Cyrus Villanueva is moving on to the live shows of "The X Factor Australia," it was revealed Thursday.

Villanueva, an 18-year-old student, continued his winning streak when he presented to the judges a breathy and sensual rendition of Bob Marley's "Is This Love."

It was enough to convince American rock musician Chris Isaak --Villanueva's mentor -- to retain the teen as part of his team, alongside Jimmy Davis and Big T (Tangaroa Te Tai).


Villanueva first caught the attention of Australian and Filipino viewers alike when he chose to cover The Weeknd's "Earned It" for his audition piece.

He then put on an amazing stripped-down version of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own," which earned him a slot in the five-seat musical chair challenge of the competition.

Villanueva is just the latest Filipino talent to make rounds in "The X Factor," following the similar success of Filipino acts Neneth Lyons and 4th Power in the UK version.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Filipino singer impresses judges of 'X Factor Australia'

MANILA – A 19-year-old Filipino blew away the judges of “X Factor Australia” with his heartfelt rendition of one of Robyn’s songs.

On Monday's episode, Cyrus Villanueva earned praises with his cover of “Dancing on My Own,” which he performed while playing the piano.

The slowed-down version of the upbeat song impressed Chris Isaak, prompting him to give Villanueva a slot in the five-seat musical chair challenge after much deliberation.

Watch the video of Villanueva’s performance.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com