'X Factor Australia' winner Cyrus to visit Manila

MANILA – Filipino-Australian singer Cyrus Villanueva, who won “The X Factor Australia” last year, is heading to the Philippines next month.

He made the announcement through social media last Wednesday.

On his personal Instagram page, Villanueva shared a video of his cover of James Arthur’s “Say You Won’t Let Go.”

In the caption, he announced that he will be flying to the Philippines for a number of shows in November.

“MANILA, PHILIPPINES. I'm so blessed to announce that I'll be doing my very first international shows next month! Stay tuned for dates,” he wrote.


This will not be the first time Villanueva will set foot in the Philippines.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News after winning “The X Factor Australia” last year, Villanueva said he last visited the country in 2012.

Villanueva said he also stays in contact with his relatives in the Philippines.

According to Villanueva, it was his Filipino father, who is a full-time musician, who inspired his love for music.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

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 gets standing ovation again in 'X Factor Australia'

MANILA – Filipino-Australian singer Cyrus Villanueva received another standing ovation from the judges of “The X Factor Australia” as he continues to fight for a spot in the competition’s grand finals.

On Monday, the final four contestants performed two songs each with curveballs and killer tracks as this week’s themes.

For his first performance, the 19-year-old singer performed Ed Sheeran’s “Don’t,” where he left his audience screaming after he perfected the rap part near the end.


But Villanueva’s second performance was what brought the judges to their feet.

Standing atop a huge box, Villanueva delivered a soulful rendition of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight.”

Calling his performance “freaking sick,” Guy Sebestian said people will definitely remember Villanueva for that song if he wins the show.

“Every time someone wins the show they think back to that certain performance that was the nail. I think that was the nail. If you win the show people will remember that,” he said.


James Blunt, for his part, said: “This week we saw you singing on top of a box. I reckon you've got a high chance, in two weeks, that they're going to stick you in the box and sell you.”

As for Danni Minogue, the singer-judge thinks she already caught the “Cyrus virus.”

“Well, well. That was sick. I feel like I’m getting sick. I’ve got the Cyrus virus, well and truly. It's painful and so good. That was a grand final-type performance,” she said.

But if there’s anyone who was beaming with pride because of Villanueva’s performance, that was his mentor, Chris Isaak.

“It's so exciting. I never hear an audience get that excited and I play a lot of shows. You know, at one point into this thing, I was thinking ‘Boy, it would be great to have Cyrus do a show. He could open for me.’ Maybe I could open for you,” he said.

Aside from Villanueva, the other contestants who are also vying for a spot in the grand finals are Louise Adams, duo Jess and Matt, and Big T.

The contestant with the lowest number of votes will be eliminated. Results will be revealed on Tuesday night.

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

Marlisa to sing new single on X-Factor Australia

MANILA – Filipina-Australian teenager Marlisa Punzalan has some exciting news to her fans around the world.

The X-Factor Australia grand champion announced on Facebook that she will be releasing her second single, titled "Forever Young."

"I'm so excited to announce that my new single, Forever Young, is coming out this Friday," she said in a video message on Facebook.

The video message also gives fans a sneak peek of her new single.

So..... here's what's in the box!!!!! It's my gift for all of you!!! Thank you so much for your patience, it's finally...

Posted by Marlisa on Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Punzalan won the grand finals of X Factor Australia in 2014, making her the youngest champion of the competition.

"I'm also going to be performing it on X-Factor Australia next week. I'm so excited to perform it live," she said.

Another Filipino-Australian is trying his luck on the show. Singer Cyrus Villanueva has reaped praises on the show and has entered the competition as one of the top 5 contenders.

In 2014, soon after winning the X-Factor title, Punzalan released her self-titled debut album composed of 11 tracks.

That same year, she released her first single titled, "Stand By You."

 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

Pinoy fights for spot in Top 8 in 'X Factor Australia'

MANILA – Filipino-Australian singer Cyrus Villanueva impressed the judges of “The X Factor Australia” anew with his rendition of “Hold Back the River.”

Villanueva did a cover of the James Day song during the show’s third live episode on Monday, which will be the basis of the viewers’ votes to be revealed later Tuesday.

The two contestants with the lowest number of votes will be eliminated from the competition.

Among the top 10 finalists, Villanueva was the last contestant to perform.

Aside from his performance on Monday, “The X Factor Australia” also congratulated the Filipino-Australian singer for topping the iTunes chart with his cover of “Wicked Game,” which he performed last week.

His version earned him raves from his mentor Chris Isaak, who was the original singer of the song.


Villanueva is 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

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

What's next for Pinay teen after 'X Factor' win

MANILA – Filipino-Australian singer Marlisa Punzalan still can't believe she was named the youngest winner of “The X Factor Australia” in six seasons.

Speaking on the Australian morning show “Sunrise,” Punzalan said she is “very happy” that all her efforts paid off and she is now living her dream of becoming a recording artist.

“I am feeling like I’m on a cloud right now. I just can’t believe I’ve done this at 15. My family is so proud of me. They just can’t believe that I’ve made it this far at this age. They are just so proud of me because I’ve put all my effort into it. I’m so happy,” she said.

Punzalan said she did not really expect to win because her competitor, Dean Rey, was a crowd favorite. That's why Punzalan felt elated when Rey immediately approached her and gave her a big hug after she was announced as the winner.

“I thought Dean had it as well. He has all the worlds. He is the whole package. I just didn’t expect too much because I didn’t want to be depressed. He was really proud of me. He said congratulations with a really big smile,” she said.


Born to Filipino parents who migrated to Australia years ago, Punzalan was a normal school girl in the suburb of Mount Druitt in Sydney before the contest.

Asked what she plans to do next after “The X Factor,” the teen singer said: “School is really important and my parents still stress the importance of it. I will still do school, I’ll do home schooling now that I’ve won. I’ll take it one step at a time.”

Punzalan said she will soon be working on her debut album, which will contain her first single “I’ll Stand By You.”

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

Chris Cayzer may face trespassing charges

Filipino-Australian singer Chris Cayzer, who nearly made it to the Top 12 of "The X Factor Australia" last year, is behind bars after allegedly trespassing in two condominium units in Mandaluyong City.

According to one of the unit's owners, Cayzer tried to enter their home at around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

"Nakapasok siya nang konti, pero natulak ko 'yung pinto kasi siyempre, I was preventing him [from entering]. Pero nagtulakan kami, pini-pwersa rin niya na i-open 'yung door. Naitulak ko siya tapos nasara ko naman, tapos na-lock ko," the owner told ABS-CBN News.

She added that Cayzer then went to another unit, where he stayed for a while and watched television with two kids and a helper.

Cayzer denied that he forcibly entered any of the two units, saying that he was only looking for his friend's home.

"I would never force myself in someone else's apartment if I didn't know who that person was. I'm denying it. I don't remember them actually pushing the door and yelling," he said.

Still, the singer apologized for being "at the wrong place at the wrong time."

"I'm sorry if I went inside your house, but something's happened and I hope you understand that I was not there to hurt anyone. I just found myself at the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm very sorry to the house owners," he said.

Cayzer may face charges of trespassing and physical injury after the incident.

Umagang Kay Ganda, July 19, 2013

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com