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

WATCH: Pinay teen sings Metallica hit on X Factor Australia

MANILA – It looks like there's no song that Marlisa Punzalan can't sing well on X Factor Australia.

After belting out Disney Frozen's 'Let It Go' last week, the youngest contestant on the show successfully performed her rendition of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" during Sunday's live show.

"Such a risk that Ronan gave you that song especially that you didn't really know who Metallica were. That is my favorite performance of yours to date," said Natalie Bassingthwaighte, one of the four judges on X Factor Australia.

Punzalan admitted that she knows very little about the band Metallica. Nevertheless, the judges thought she did well as they gave her a standing ovation after her performance.

Bassingthwaighte particularly cited last week's comments from fellow judge Dannii Minogue about her not connecting so much with the song she was singing.

She said Punzalan did it this week.

"That was the first time I've seen you do that. I felt that was awesome," she said.



Minogue told Punzalan that "you were really feeling it".

"A massive song could have been the biggest mistake, Ronan Keating, but I just thought I couldn't love anything more than 'Let It Go' when you did that last week. This was amazing," she said.

She added, "Your voice is improving week on week. For me, the big notes in there, there is something that reminds me of the best of Celine Dion. Look after your voice. Nurture your voice and keep this going. This is the Marlisa we want to see".

Redfoo, too, was impressed with her performance.

"You were so passionate. You were so still, connecting with the audience and the camera. It was fierce. It was aggressive. I loved it," he said.

But it's Keating who is the most proud of what Punzalan had accomplished so far. He said the teenager has grown the most in the competition.

"You were incredible. You're incredible to work with every week. Well done," he said.

Rochelle Pitt was the latest to be eliminated on the show.

Joining Punzalan on Top 7 are Caitlyn Shadbolt, Dean Ray, Tee, Brothers 3, Reigan Derry and Jason Heerah.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com