People magazine names Blake Shelton 'sexiest man alive'

LOS ANGELES -- Country crooner Blake Shelton -- also known for his role as a judge on TV's "The Voice" -- is this year's "sexiest man alive," People Magazine announced Tuesday.

Shelton, 41, is the boyfriend of rocker Gwen Stefani, who may have already come to this conclusion.

"She goes, ‘Listen to me, you’re going to regret this for the rest of your life if you don’t take this gift and just live in the moment,'" Shelton told the magazine.

The lanky Oklahoma native, who has a passion for eating and a chubby past, laughed that he has finally come into his own.

"It’s going to be used in every conversation, whether it’s at 'The Voice', or at the feed in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, or in a conversation with a doctor," he said.

"You’re damn right, I’m Mr. Sexy! I’ve been ugly my whole life, if I can be sexy for a year, I’m taking it. I’m taking it.”

The title is yet another thing he shares with "Voice" co-star Adam Levine of Maroon 5, now a close friend.

"I can’t wait to shove this up Adam’s ass," Shelton adds. "As proud as I am and honored that you guys asked me, that’s really the only thing I care about."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Team Sharon's Jeremy charms his way to 'Voice Teens' finals

MANILA -- Sharon Cuneta is betting on Jeremy Glinoga to become the first winner from her team when he represents Team Sharon at the grand finals of “The Voice Teens” next week.

During Sunday’s live episode, Glinoga got a higher average score (99%) compared to his rival Christy Lagapa (90.59%), from the combined votes of the viewers and Cuneta's score.

Glinoga, a Filipino-American teenager who comes from a family who idolizes Cuneta, impressed viewers as he performed Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times.”

“You owned that stage tonight. I am so proud of you. Puro ballads ang ginagawa mo for us. When you said that you were gonna do this, sabi ko medyo this has kind of a stronger beat, a higher energy and I said it’s a big stage,” Cuneta told the teen singer.

“I was a little scared but you owned the stage tonight. You gave me everything I asked for. I am so proud of you. From the bottom of my heart, I believe you belong up there,” she added.

Lagapa, on the other hand, sang the "Evita" ballad “Don’t Cry For Me Argetina,” which was likewise praised by Cuneta because she still was able to deliver a good performance despite nursing an illness.

Glinoga will be competing against Isabela Vinzon from Team Bamboo; Jona Soquite from Team Sarah; and Mica Becerro from Team Lea.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Amy Vachal flips 'Blank Space' on 'Voice US'

MANILA – Filipino-American singer Amy Vachal impressed the judges of “The Voice” on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) when she performed a cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” using her distinct style of singing.


According to Blake Shelton, Vachal continues to amaze him with the flips she is doing with every song.

“That may be my favorite vocal from you so far. Here’s why: to hear the bottom register of your voice, I’ve never heard it so clear and so loud and with such presence. Great singing,” he told the singer.

Meanwhile, Pharrell Williams, who was Vachal’s former mentor, urged viewers to buy her version of the song on iTunes.

“Amy, the way that you are doing these songs, the way that you’re flipping them, it frames your voice so well,” he said. “I just want to stress to everybody in America that you need to go to iTunes and go buy this song right now.”

While the two coaches had good things to say about Vachal, Adam Levine said he was the proudest of his ward’s performance.

“I think that what you’ve done, to me, the way you’ve won this season is taking your own approach to songs. Because really, we are kinda stuck doing cover songs. You can’t do your own material. Within the perimeters of that, you have completely triumphed and created like this album of different kinds of versions of these songs. To me, that is the artistry that I love, that I am looking for. I am so proud,” he said.

Based on the latest performances of the Top 11, America will decide on which contestant to send home on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Fil-Am Amy Vachal makes it 'Voice US' top 11

Filipino-American singer Amy Vachal is advancing to the next round of the ninth season of “The Voice” in the United States.

This was announced during the live elimination show on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning in Manila).

Vachal will be returning to the show next week after obtaining enough votes from the American public. She will be performing with the rest of the Top 11 contestants Jordan Smith, Jeffery Austin, Emily Ann Roberts, Madi Davis, Braiden Sunshine, Barrett Baber, Evan McKeel, Shelby Brown, Zach Seabaugh and Korin Bukowski.

Mark Hood from Team Pharrell got booted off the competition.

In her promo package on “The Voice” which aired last week, Vachal thanked the small venues that allowed her to sing and grow as an artist before her big break on the TV show.

“I’m so excited to jump in to the live performances and just throw myself into every single song that I’m given,” she said.

On Monday (Tuesday in Manila), Vachal performed an acoustic version of Drake’s “Hotline Bling,” which earned her raves from judges Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Willians.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Fil-Am Amy Vachal in 'Voice US' shocker

Filipino-American singer Amy Vachal lost in the first Knockout Round of the US version of “The Voice” on Monday night (Tuesday in Manila) after going head-to-head with Madi Davis.

Vachal decided to do a cover of Etta James’ “A Sunday Kind Of Love,” while Davis chose Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You.”




While their coach Pharrell Williams thought both of them were amazing, he chose Davis as the winner of the Knockout Round.

Immediately both Adam Levine and Blake Shelton pressed their buttons to steal Vachal.

Shelton reminded the Filipino-American singer how he begged for her to join his team since the beginning because he really believes in her talent. Levine, on the other hand, told Vachal that they could join forces in winning the competition.

Left with a hard decision to make, Vachal eventually picked Levine.

Aside from Davis and Vachal, the contestants who are moving to the live Playoffs round are Blaine Mitchell from Team Adam, Braiden Sunshine from Team Gwen, Barrett Baber from Team Blake, Ivonne Acero from Team Blake, Jordan Smith from Team Blake and Viktor Kiraly from Team Gwen.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinay makes it to 'The Voice US' blind auditions

MANILA – A Filipina singer has made it through the blind auditions of the ninth season of “The Voice” in the United States.

The audition of 26-year-old Amy Vachal, who is based in Brooklyn, New York, was aired on Monday (Tuesday in Manila). She performed the classic “Dream A Little Dream of Me.”

Although only three out of four coaches turned for her -- Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams -- even Adam Levine agreed that Vachal is an exceptional talent.

“My team is full. Otherwise, I would have turned around first because not only am I sad that I didn’t get to turn around for you but you could win this whole thing,” Levine said.

Shelton even compared Vachal to Norah Jones and Colbie Caillat. “Thank you for bringing what you do in our show. I’m so impressed,” he said.

As for Stefani, she vowed to help Vachal in her journey on “The Voice” should she choose to join her team.

Williams, for his part, said Vachal could pick any team but he “would be unbelievably appreciative to have the opportunity to aid you in this journey.”

Eventually, Vachal decided to join Team Pharrell. On Facebook, she shared how honored she feels now that Williams is now her coach.

According to reports from Cebu media, Vachall is the niece of Cebu Representative Gwendolyn Garcia.


Watch Vachal's audition

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Fresh from 'Voice' win, Jason Dy covers Sam Smith

Fresh from his "The Voice of the Philippines" win, Jason Dy took the "It's Showtime" stage on Monday with a rendition of the Sam Smith hit "I'm Not the Only One."

In his blind audition, which turned three chairs, Dy similarly took on a tune from the English singer, "Stay With Me."

source:  www.abs-cbnnews.com

Why Sarah became emotional when Jason won

MANILA – The second season of “The Voice of the Philippines” saw a very emotional Sarah Geronimo as she coached members of Team Sarah throughout its run.

It was no different for the singer-actress on Sunday when her team's bet, Jason Dy, was declared the winner of the ABS-CBN talent search.

Immediately after the announcement, Geronimo got down on her knees with her palms on her face. Her tears did not stop flowing when she hugged and congratulated Dy.

Geronimo was also seen crying as she watched Dy sing “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” for his final performance.

It wasn't just the proverbial tears of joy for Geronimo, who also coached "The Voice Kids" winner Lyca Gairanod last year.

In an interview with ABS-CBNnews.com after the finale of “The Voice,” Geronimo explained she had a flashback of her own personal experience while watching Dy perform after winning “The Voice.”

Just like Dy, Geronimo also won a talent competition, “Star for a Night, which launched her to fame, also on March 1.

“Pareho kaming March 1 nanalo,” she said. “Grabe ito, unexpected. Ang ine-expect ko 'yung worst na eh. Ganun kasi ako eh. Hindi ako nag-e-expect ng kahit ano. Kaya sobrang gulat na gulat ako. Nanghina ako kanina.”

Geronimo said she was very fortunate to have coached Dy, who she described as a “world-class” talent.

“Si Jason has his own voice na hindi mo maririnig sa iba. World-class eh. Kapag pinakinggan mo, pwede mong isabay kay Sam Smith, kay Beyonce. Talagang world-class talent,” she said.

Being blessed with a good singing voice, Geronimo said the only constant advice which she gives Dy is to always sing from the heart.

“Paulit-ulit lang naman [ang sinasabi ko sa kanya], na kumanta siya lagi galing sa puso. Hindi talaga 'yan sa high notes and sa lakas ng boses. Sabi ko nga, napakahirap humanap ng artists na hindi kinakailangang bumirit para lang ma-touch ang puso mo kapag kumakanta sila,” she said, reiterating her final pitch to the viewers.

Meanwhile, Geronimo also congratulated the other “The Voice” finalists – Leah Patricio, Rence Rampanot and Alisah Bonaobra -- saying being in the Top 4 already makes them a winner.

On Sunday, Dy won a P2 million in cash, a house and lot, a new car, a music instrument package, a business package, an Asian tour package for two and a recording and managing contract with MCA Music.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

WATCH: Sarah calls Timmy 'the next Erik Santos'

MANILA - "The Voice of the Philippines" finalist Timothy Pavino is being billed as the next Erik Santos after his performance in the live shows of the second season of the singing competition.

Facing a packed Newport Performing Arts Theater at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay, the 24-year-old sang an emotional cover of his grandmother's favorite song, Basil Valdez's "Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan."

It drew strong cheers from the crowd, as well as from coaches Sarah Geronimo and Lea Salonga. The former commented: "Sa tingin ko napaka-passionate mo sa iyong musika. Talagang it showed sa performance mo kanina."

"Para kang the next Erik Santos," she added.

For her part, Salonga, who is the mentor of Pavino, said that she couldn't help but fall in love with the performance.

"Oh my God," she said in a trembling voice. "Na-in love ako sa iyo. I will not be surprised kung maraming magsasabi after this show at salamat coach Lea, na-in love kami talaga sa kanya. Your lola is without a doubt super proud."

The results of the second round of live shows will be announced on Sunday, after "Rated K."

Should Pavino move on to the next round, he will join Monique Lualhati, Jason Fernandez, Daryl Ong, Suy Galvez, Rita Martinez, Kai Honasan, Nino Alejandro, and Leah Patricio.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Mojofly's Lougee takes on belter Ramonne on 'Voice PH'

MANILA -- Mojofly's former vocalist Lougee Basabas moves on to the next round of "The Voice of the Philippines" after Bamboo chose her over Ramonne Rodriguez on the competition's Battle Rounds on Sunday.

The two contestants sang Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody," which Bamboo felt suited their voices.

"Pareho kasi kayong kumakanta mula dito, sa pinakamalalim na lalim ng puso niyo, doon talaga lumalabas. Both of you are wonderful," Lea Salonga said.

Sarah Geronimo praised Rodriguez for carrying herself well after nearlt tripping onstage during her performance, while apl.de.ap said he admired Rodriguez' voice.

However, both apl.de.ap and Geronimo went with Basabas.

Bamboo eventually chose Basabas, who along with Rita Martinez, Basabas will move on to the competition's next round with Kamp Kawayan.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

WATCH: Mojofly's Lougee picks Bamboo in 'Voice PH'

MANILA -- Former Mojofly vocalist Lougee Basabas made it to the team of a fellow rocker, Bamboo Mañalac, after her performance on "The Voice of the Philippines" aired on Sunday.

Basabas, whose band popularized the songs "Mata" and "Tumatakbo," performed Sheryl Crow's "Strong Enough" during the Blind Auditions.

Aside from Mañalac, Coach Apl.de.ap also turned his chair for the former band member but Basabas eventually chose Bamboo, who was her idol growing up.

"'Yung boses mo. It does not need a guitar. It does not need any other instrument. It's that special to me when I hear your voice," Bamboo said.

Basabas's musical journey started when she joined a pop group under composer Ryan Cayabyab before eventually joining Mojofly in the early 2000s.

After Mojofly disbanded, she launched a solo music career and eventually became a music teacher.

Just recently, she was nominated to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia's sexiest vegetarian title.

Basabas said she joined "The Voice" because of her passion in music.

"I just have so much passion in what I'm doing and I just want to go to whatever my dreams will take me," she said after her Blind Auditions performance.

Watch the full episode in iWant TV or TFC

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Good-looking Cebu native draws shrieks on 'Voice PH'

MANILA - A singer from Cebu City was an instant hit among the studio audience and netizens who were tuned in to the episode of "The Voice of the Philippines," which aired Saturday.

Jose Manuel Cubil stole the hearts of many with his good looks, launching his name shortly after his performance to among the top local trends on the microblogging site Twitter.

Even coach Lea Salonga couldn't help but whisper to her fellow coaches: "Ang gwapo."

But don't mistake him for just a pretty face, Cubil managed to turn the chair of coach apl.de.ap with the first two notes of his audition piece -- Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody."

"You got me on the first two notes. It wasn't all perfect but that's what I'm looking for -- imperfections -- so that I can challenge myself to make it perfect," the Black Eyed Peas member said.

"Maganda 'yung boses mo. Natunugan ko na nga na gwapo ka," quipped coach Sarah Geronimo. "Ako baka may hinahanap lang ako, kung ano lang 'yung tatama sa puso ko. Pero nandoon naman na," she explained of her decision not to turn her chair for Cubil.

The former "Pilipinas Got Talent" contestant eventually chose to be part of the team of Lea Salonga, who also turned her chair for Cubil. The Broadway star tried to convince Geronimo to do the same, whispering, "Sabi ko sa iyo, gwapo eh."

Salonga explained that she loved Cubil's stripped down version of the song, but also noted that there is much room for improvement.

In an attempt to woo Cubil towards her team, she promised to help the singer find the 'perfect' genre for him.

"We can allow for exploration kung saan talaga tatama 'yung boses mo, kung saan talaga nabubuhay 'yung puso mo. Pero maganda kang kumanta." she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Dutch-Pinay wows judges in Holland's The Voice Kids

NETHERLANDS - Twelve-year-old Filipino-Dutch girl Katrina Manaog made it to the second round of The Voice Kids in the Netherlands.

After battling it out with teammates Bodine Hilhorst and Marlies Venderbos in a trio performance of Rihanna’s popular song "Unfaithful", Manaog was chosen by three judges Nick Schilder, Simon Keizer and Angela Groothuizen. This meant she qualified for the next round of the competition.



Although another judge Marco Borsato did not choose her, he compared Manaog's singing prowess like that of hurricane Katrina's whirlwind.

Manaog, who is part of Nick and Simon's team, was chosen during the sing off to represent the team, together with Isabel Provoost, in the final battle to be held on February 21, 2014.

“I still haven’t fully realized it yet (that I won) but probably when I am already in bed. I am going to prepare and practice a lot (for the finals),” said Manaog during the post-battle interview.

Right from her very first performance, Manaog already impressed the judges. She nailed the blind audition with flying colors with her rendition of Whitney Houston’s hit "I Have Nothing". All four judges turned their chairs around and praised her performance. She also got a standing ovation from the audience.




Schilder remarked that Manaog is very talented and possess an enormous voice for a girl of such a young age.

“In this sort of auditions, particularly in this exceptional audition, I am very grateful that I am sitting in this chair. Thank you for that. What’s more exceptional is that, you sang the most difficult parts effortlessly. But the easier part, there something went wrong. And those parts where we would like to help you,” said Schilder’s duo Keizer, talking to Manaog after her performance at the blind audition.

Manaog lives in Zaandam, the Netherlands and takes up lessons at Jozien van Dorst Vocal Academy. She plays the piano and has taught herself how to play the guitar.

The recent demise of her grandfather this February has made Manaog very sad, but she told her mother that he will be very proud of her.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoy passes blind auditions of The Voice of Ireland

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino is hoping to impress audiences in Ireland with his singing prowess.

Forty-one year old Rowell Villones performed "Nella Fantasia" by Sarah Brightman for his audition on the reality singing competition "The Voice of Ireland."

Only one judge Niall Breslin, also known as Bressie, turned around for Villones but this was enough to send him through to the next round.






"It was note perfect. There was no pitching issues. You knew the song inside out, but you were so comfortable," Bressie said.

"I might choose songs you're not so comfortable with. You're gonna have to work hard. But I promise you if you work with me, we will get fantastic tunes and there's some beautiful songs people might not expect, but I already know in my head. People like you already keep me awake at night, thinking of songs. They're the people I want in my team because it makes it harder and I like having a bit of a challenge," he added.

Another judge Kian Egan, a former member of Westlife, also complimented Villones on his performance. "Very nice performance indeed. The most enjoyable moment out of this is Bressie's going to work with an opera singer," he said.

Egan also explained why he didn't turn around for Villones. "It was really great but the reason I didn't turn was when it comes to vocals and stuff like that, I wouldn't have a clue how to direct you. It would have to be all on your shoulders. Bressie seemed pretty confident when he hit that button," he said.

Judge Jamelia admitted she was surprised to see Villones. "I didn't expect you, you know, quite alright looking," she said, giggling.

"I'm blushing," Villones replied.

The Cranberries Dolores O'Riordan asked Villones why he chose that particular Brightman song as his audition piece.

"I usually pick from classical music, country, rock, maybe it shows my vocal range," Villones said.

O'Riordan also praised Villones. "I thought you were quite good from what I heard. Well done," she said.

Many overseas Filipinos have joined reality singing competitions, such as Joseph Apostol who appeared on "The Voice UK" and Cheesa Laureta who appeared on "The Voice" in the US.

Recently, a Filipina caregiver Rose Fostanes surprised many by winning X-Factor Israel.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'Voice US' season 5 premieres with original coaches

MANILA -- While “The Voice of the Philippines” ended its successful first season on Sunday night, with Mitoy Yonting taking home the top prize, fans of the worldwide talent competition can look forward to the start of the fifth season of the US version of “The Voice,” which kicks off on Monday.

The Emmy-nominated show premieres its latest season on September 30 on cable channel AXN, airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:10 p.m., in the same week of the US telecast.

For “The Voice Season 5,” the original team of celebrity musician coaches will be reunited, as it promises to bring back “the amazing chemistry” between Blake Shelton, Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green.

Last season, Usher and Shakira joined Shelton and Levine, after Aguilera and Green went on a break for their individual commitments.

Aguilera, who spent time with her five-year-old son and traveled during her break from the show, explained: “I have to take breaks, stay connected with myself. I’m a mom. When I leave here I put on sweats and a T-shirt, I check out. I needed some time to do that. I am revived and renewed.”

Returning from performing the “Cee Lo Green is Loberace” show at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Green added: “I missed everyone. I'm happy to be here.”

Both return to a series that is now looking like “The Blake Shelton Show” as the country music star has already coached three consecutive winners of “The Voice” since season 2.

As with previous seasons of “The Voice,” the four stars will once again start picking their teams by only hearing contestants sing in the signature blind auditions. If a coach is impressed by the contestant’s voice, a button is pressed to select the artist for his or her team, and only at this point, the coach's chair will turn to face the contestant. If more than one coach push their buttons, the contestant gets to choose his or her coach.

Once the teams are set, the battle is on. Coaches, with help from additional celebrity advisors, dedicate themselves to develop their teams of talents, offer advice and share the secrets of their success. Fans will revel in the thrills and spills of the vocal training and elimination competition through the battle, knockout and live performance rounds. And in the end, America’s TV audience will decide who among the coaches’ protégés wins the prize of $100,000 and a recording contract as “The Voice.”

Also with the show for all five seasons is host Carson Daly who praised Aguilera and Green for not having “missed a beat” upon their return. Calling the coaches a “solid” group, Daly also called “The Voice Season 5” the “best season” that they have ever made.

Meanwhile, the producers have confirmed that Usher and Shakira will be back next season.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Lea sings with Patti Austin on 'Voice PH'

MANILA – In a rare moment, “The Voice of the Philippines” coach Lea Salonga performed with Grammy-winning jazz artist Patti Austin on the TV talent contest’s live show on Sunday at Resorts World Manila.

Salonga came onstage first with Austin’s hit “If I Believe” backed up by the “Voice” contestants before introducing the visiting international star, who joined her onstage amid shrieks from the surprised audience. They then sang a duet on Austin’s song “In My Life.”

Austin is in the country for a series of concerts. She and jazz artist George Benson had a concert last week. – “The Voice of the Philippines,” September 8, 2013

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'Old dog' Bamboo unaffected by critics

MANILA - Rock singer Bamboo Mañalac is unaffected by those who criticize the way he chooses contestants in the reality singing competition "The Voice of the Philippines."

Mañalac, who is one of the four coaches on the show, recently drew flak online for choosing Makati-based singer Lee Grane over Marikina-born band vocalist Dan Billiano; and acoustic singer Paolo Onesa over the father-and-son duo Mark and Willy Cordovales during the battle rounds.

In an interview on ANC's "Headstart" on Friday, he reiterated that he is "a coach first before a judge."

"The choice between Willy and Paolo, again, I'm looking for the voice, someone... with a versatile voice who I can sort of train. I think it's easier to teach than to correct, that's my thing," Mañalac explained.

"I just thought he did a great job," he added, referring to Paolo. "I think the boys, they performed better but I think the tone, the richness of the voice, the honey, the glint in the eye, I think Paolo had that."

"That's what I love about the show, everyone got to express [his or her] opinion. Social media is part of the show. It's awesome that they get to express their opinion."

Mañalac said he "did not even flinch" upon reading the negative comments about him on social media.

The rock singer went on to call himself "an old dog."

"I'm an old dog. I've been around [for quite some time] so I'm pretty solid, I have a foundation of who I am and what I am doing, and my work speaks for itself," he said.

What would disturb him, however, is the idea of his team members in "The Voice of the Philippines" get "attacked."

"I only get bothered when they start attacking kids on my team. Because they are kids, they are not ready with this yet," he said. You know what I mean. They are not ready for reality TV. So that bothers me, when they are attacked. That's when I feel I have to say something."

Mañalac said his stint at "The Voice of the Philippines" is a good learning experience for him as an artist.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sarah, Apl in all-out clash over 'Voice PH' 4-chair turner Klarisse

Pop star claims 'destiny' in recruiting former rival

MANILA -- In a show-stopping clash on "The Voice of the Philippines" in its episode aired Saturday, coaches Sarah Geronimo and Allan "apl.de.ap" Pineda made desperate pleas to convince four-chair turner Klarisse de Guzman to join their respective teams.

Impressing all four coaches with her rendition of the OPM hit "Tulak ng Bibig, Kabig ng Dibdib," the 21-year-old de Guzman came face-to-face with her former rival on a singing contest.





Geronimo and de Guzman were competitors in the 2002 TV program "Star for a Night," which the Kapamilya star won to claim the title "Pop Star Princess."

A visibly shocked Geronimo rushed to the stage to hug de Guzman, whom she had known as "Klang," when the auditionee related her history with the coach.

Claiming advantage of her connection with the artist, Geronimo brought up their being former co-finalists in attempting to recruit de Guzman.

Interrupting Geronimo, coach Bamboo Manalac called out the pop star for "cheating," to which the latter quipped, "Let me finish first!"

Conceding she isn't the best fit as coach for de Guzman, Lea Salonga drew laughs when she sat by the stage facing her fellow coaches, saying she would have more fun watching them fight over the artist.

'Connections'
Blocking interruptions from her fellow coaches, Geronimo stood up to make her case, telling de Guzman, "Klarisse, I think it's destiny. Nauna ako dito para dalhin ka naman sa panahon mo, at ito ang panahon mo. Hayaan mo 'kong tulungan kita!"

The pop star then brought up her "connections" as she dialed a number on her phone, with veteran singer Martin Nievera answering at the other end.

A member of the Grammy-winning group The Black Eyed Peas, Pineda pulled out the same card as he tried reaching his close friend, American music producer William "will.i.am" Adams.





What followed was a moment of humiliation for Pineda, who was met with a voice mail prompt on the line, as Nievera sang praises for Geronimo's world-class talent.

Despite what appeared to be hard-fought battle among the coaches, de Guzman did not take time in deciding who to pick as her mentor.

"Pipiliin ko 'tong coach na 'to kasi alam kong matutulungan niya talaga ako, and gusto ko ulit siya makasama," de Guzman said, prompting an ecstatic response from Geronimo.

Worldwide trending

As in previous weeks, the auditions seen during Saturday's episode of "The Voice of the Philippines" dominated conversations on micro-blogging site Twitter. The official hashtag of the program, "#VoicePH," even claimed the second spot in the worldwide trending topics at its peak.


source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Christina Aguilera wears Michael Cinco creation

MANILA – American singer Christina Aguilera was seen wearing a Filipino creation for the fifth season premiere of “The Voice,” which will air in the United States in September.

Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco uploaded photos of Aguilera wearing his black long-sleeved dress with Swarovski crystals on Instagram on Monday.

The dress, according to Cinco, was part of his collection in last May’s Philippine Fashion Week, which was also attended by “Project Runway” judge Nina Garcia.

“CHRISTINA AGUILERA wears a couture dress from my Philippine Fashion Week collection… Love it love it love it,” the designer wrote as a caption for the second set of photos, which has garnered over 350 “likes” as of writing.

Aguilera is one of the judges of “The Voice,” which has Lea Salonga, Bamboo, Sarah Geronimo and apl.de.ap as its local counterparts.

Early this year, pop star Lady Gaga was seen wearing a Cinco-designed black gown with a mesh neckline and sleeves embellished with crystals and beads to a charity event organized by the Chicago Bulls basketball team.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Lea vs Sarah anew for Gapan beauty in 'Voice PH'

MANILA, Philippines – Superstar coaches Lea Salonga and Sarah Geronimo battled again on “The Voice of the Philippines” on Sunday for a 17-year-old veteran of singing contests and beauty pageants.

On the fifth weekend of Blind Auditions of the hit reality talent search, the two female coaches found themselves competing once again, this time for Lecelle Trinidad from Gapan, Nueva Ecija, who wowed Salonga and Geronimo with her rendition of “Bust Your Windows” by Jasmine Sullivan.

Trinidad, whose parents separated last year, said she joined “The Voice of the Philippines” to help her father who is sick. “Pwede nitong baguhin ‘yung buhay ko at matutulungan ang father ko at buong family ko,” she said before her performance.

Geronimo praised Trinidad for her confident performance. “Parang napaka-pro mo na,” she said, “Sobra akong makaka-relate sa iyo.”

Salonga also lauded Trinidad for her clean vocal quality but noted that she could improve her enunciation.

“‘Yung pagbigkas ng iyong mga salita, matutulungan kita kung piliin mo ako,” she said. “Gaganda ang English mo sa akin.”

“Patay tayo diyan, kakaunti lang ang baon ko,” Geronimo said after Salonga’s quip.

Trinidad became emotional about having to pick between the two women, saying she wasn’t expecting any judge to turn for her.

“Napaka-honored po dahil humarap kayong dalawa,” she said before praising Salonga and Geronimo.

“Kaso po ever since po ini-idol ko po si Ate Sarah, so kay Ate Sarah po ako,” she added.

After her audition, Geronimo again praised Trinidad. “Pareho kami ng timbre …ang laki talaga ng potential,” she said.

Lea vs Sarah vs Apl

Salonga and Geronimo also competed for another contestant, 21-year-old Penelope Matanguihan from Batangas, but lost out to apl.de.apl, who also turned for his chair. Matanguihan, a fresh graduate, sang Beyonce’s “Love on Top.”

Matanguihan said she chose the Black Eyed Peas member because she hopes he can teach her to dance. “Kasi po parang tropa-tropa po at frustration ko na hindi ako marunong sumayaw,” she said after her audition.

Salonga did nab two contestants on Sunday’s episode – band vocalist Rainier Acosta and 16-year-old rocker Japs Mendoza – to bring her total to 11 contestants, just one short of the 12 members she needs.

Bamboo Manalac also brought his team total to 11 after getting music student Talia Reyes.

Apl.de.ap has 10 contestants, while Geronimo has nine.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com