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

Pinays survive first 'X Factor UK' elimination

The all-Filipina girl group 4th Impact (formerly 4th Power) survived the first elimination round of the “X Factor UK” on Sunday (Monday in Manila).

Saying goodbye to the competition after the double elimination were Bupsi and Alien Uncovered.

Bupsi got the lowest number of public votes, while Alien Uncovered was sent home by the judges after failing to impress Rita Ora, Nick Grimshaw and Simon Cowell with their performance as part of the bottom two.

The two finalists, however, remained grateful for their “X Factor” experience.



 
During the first live show of "X Factor UK" this season last Saturday (Sunday in Manila), 4th Impact had the judges grooving to their rendition of “Problem.”

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

Demi Lovato to return as X-Factor judge

LOS ANGELES - Singer Demi Lovato will return as a judge on TV contest "The X Factor" for a second year, broadcaster Fox announced on Thursday, but there was no word on two more open positions on the celebrity panel.

The 20-year-old former Disney Channel star will be back in her seat when the show returns in the fall of 2013 along with creator Simon Cowell.

"I couldn't be happier that Demi wants to come back this year," Cowell said in a statement.

"She's a superstar in her own right and was a fantastic mentor last year. Even though she can be really, really annoying - I truly enjoyed working with her and so did the artists."

"X Factor" producers however have yet to announce replacements for departing judges Britney Spears and record producer Antonio "L.A." Reid, who quit at the end of the show's second season in December.

"There are going to be four judges," a source close to the show said on Thursday, but gave no details on who they might be or when the two new names would be announced.

Recent speculation on possible new judges for the U.S. version of the show have included singers Katy Perry, John Mayer, Pink and Ne-Yo.

Open auditions for singers hoping for a spot on the third season of "X Factor" are underway in cities across the United States. Auditions before the judges are expected to start in late May or early June.

Audiences for "X Factor" slumped in 2012, losing about three million viewers from its first season despite the hiring of Spears for a reported $15 million salary.

The show is just one of a plethora of singing and talent shows on U.S. television, including Fox television's long-running "American Idol," which has also seen a drop in viewers despite new judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, and NBC rivals "The Voice" and "America's Got Talent."

Fox is a unit of News Corp and NBC is a unit of Comcast Corp.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Taylor Swift & Harry Styles: Relationship CONFIRMED By Eyewitness Mario Lopez!!

HAYLOR IS ON!!!

We didn't think we needed any more proof after those tweets came in, but a celebrity's eyewitness account of Taylor Swift's hand intertwined with Harry Styles' closes the case for us!

But wait… there's more!

When Swifty went to perform on X Factor, co-host Mario Lopez noticed the One Direction boy was hanging out during rehearsal.

So Mario asked him what he was doing there, and HarBear revealed:

    "I said, 'What are you doing here?' And he sort of pointed toward Taylor. And then I see the two walking off hand in hand. So Taylor Swift and Harry from One Direction are officially hanging out, I can say that much."

Mmhmm. Hanging out and hand-holding means DATING!!

We're no fool!

And we bet Harry's confession was the most adorable thing.

Welp! That settles it. He totally gave her his necklace, and she's totally giving him her kisses… and possibly a future single or two. ;)

source: perezhilton.com

'X Factor PH' finalists stay in Martin's house

MANILA, Philippines - "The X Factor Philippines" finalists Allen Sta. Maria, Kedebon Colim, Jeric Medina, Gabriel Maturan and grand winner KZ Tandingan on Wednesday shared their love for their second "father," Concert King Martin Nievera, one of the mentor-judges of the hit talent show.

The finalists praised Nievera for his generosity such that he even allowed them to stay in his house.

On ABS-CBN's morning show "KrisTV," finalists revealed that they been staying in Nievera's house for two months already.

"Not weeks, two months na siguro," Colim said.

According to Nievera, he had to fix the attic for his adopted kids and even furnished it with a TV set, video games and other stuff.

Nievera admitted that he fell in love with the young singers.

"I love these kids. I fell in love with them. I fall in love with people I work with, that's something I try to make that I sure I do. With the production, the people behind us, the cameramen, I fall in love with them, especially how many months we were together, every day together. So we've fallen in love with each other. I was given the Boys category and I adopted them as sons and it's so much fan," Nievera explained.

After the show, Nievera said that his "kids" are still very much welcome to stay in his house.

"If they want, they are more than welcome. The third floor is there. It's all theirs," he said.

KZ finds new dad

Guesting on the morning show, grand winner Tandingan also admitted that one of the most important lessons she got from the show came from Nievera.

Tandingan said Nievera taught her that it's very important that she should always listen and to always keep her feet on the ground.

"Sabi niya dapat daw tandaan talaga na as an artist you should always learn to listen. Kahit na 30 years siya sa industry, marami pa din kailangang matutunan. At saka 'yung there are no small gigs. Kahit two minutes lang at kahit gaano ka-short 'yung performance na ibibigay sa iyo, always make sure na you make the most out of it kasi kailangang ma-remember ng tao na ganoon ka as a performer," Tandingan said.

The grand winner also became teary eyed when she was asked to give her message to Nievera.

"Dad, salamat po. Kasi sa mga panahon na hindi namin nakakasama si Charice kasi busy din siya sa paggawa ng materials namin sa 'X Factor' ay in-adopt niyo kami hindi niyo kami pinabayaan. Tapos kahit wala ang family namin, you never made us feel na kailangan naming ma-homesick," she said.

Tandingan, a 21-year-old aspiring singer from Digos who almost lost her voice from a throat problem in high school, was named the first winner of “The X Factor Philippines” on Sunday night at the Pagcor Theater.

Tandingan, an early favorite on the latest ABS-CBN talent search, bested Maturan and the group Daddy’s Home during the show’s star-studded season finale after garnering 54.77% of the total viewers’ votes.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Martin says sorry to Charice for 'X Factor' quip

MANILA, Philippines -- It seems that judge-mentors on "The X Factor Philippines" are becoming more personal two weeks before the grand finals in October.

On Monday, singer Martin Nievera apologized to fellow judge Charice after the surprise results show on Sunday.

Charice created a deadlock in the judges' vote that ultimately eliminated Nievera's contestant Jeric Medina.

"It has been brought to my attention by (Gary Valenciano's wife) Angeli V. that I hurt the feelings of Charice while speaking my mind. For this I apologize to Charice ... No matter how professional we are there's still feelings. Sorry Charice.

"We may not agree but I love you. Now let's all move on! All of us. This happy Saturday it's all about DADDY'S HOME, ALLEN, KZ & GAB! No one else! Go go go!!!! Again and again, for my pointing out what I believed to be a strategic move I apologize to Charice and her fans," he said.

Last Sunday, Charice voted to eliminate Medina, saying the vocal group Daddy's Home deserves to stay in the competition.

"First of all I have to explain kung bakit pauuwiin ko 'yung contestant na ito. You see a lot of people sasabihin sa akin, Bakit? Kasi 'yan ang uso ngayon sa atin dito. For me, I mean, Philippines, we have to change. We have to change because I think 'yung para sa akin na safe ay deserving din nila na magkaroon ng spot dito sa Pilipinas. I'm sorry, Jeric," Charice said.

After finding out that Medina received the lowest percentage of votes, Nievera gave his parting shot.

"Well all I can say it's all really about the votes. Kung magbo-bottom two kayo this is what happened. This is the way the 'X Factor' was made. Charice made her decision, everyone made their decision. Now Jeric has a beautiful journey and has nothing to be ashamed of. There are no losers on this stage but there can only be one 'X Factor' champion. I'm very proud of you and I will be behind you wherever you go," Nievera said.

Before the results show, Nievera was already hinting about the growing personal nature of the competition.

"Let me remind u all, XFPH is not about me or any judge/mentor. It SHOULD be about the future of this industry & the show not about US! " he said in a series of tweets.

"We should not play w/ these finalists dreams just to have the winningest team. Decision Sunday should NEVER be personal!"

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Britney Spears- New York Bound For 'X-Factor'

Britney Spears is set to make a big splash Monday by personally appearing at the FOX Up Fronts in New York City for the announcement that she will be joining "X Factor."

As we reported, as of Friday AM the deal was NOT signed, contrary to various reports. There were some fairly minor issues that still needed resolving and both sides were hoping to finalize it by end of day Friday or over the weekend.

Britney will not sign the deal because she's under a conservatorship -- Co-conservators Jamie Spears and Jason Trawick will do the honors.

Our sources say ... Britney and FOX both think a personal appearance is essential in creating buzz
for the show.

source: TMZ

Fil-Am brothers booted out from 'X Factor'

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American brothers, Nathan, 14, and Justin, 17, better known as The Brewer Boys, were eliminated from “The X Factor” reality show Tuesday night [US Time].

Despite performing the George Michael original “Faith,” it proved to be insufficient to push the brothers into the next round. The duo was one of the five acts booted from the reality show, which included Phillip Lomax, Dexter Haygood, Simone Battle, and Tiah Tolliver.

The competition began with the contestants being divided into groups to be mentored by the four judges: Girls go to Simon Cowell, Groups to Paula Abdul, Over 30s to Nicole Scherzinger and Boys to L.A. Reid.

Recall that The Brewer Boys, who play “bluegrass-inspired,” (a sub-genre of country music mixed with a little jazz) pop music, were paired up with mentor Abdul. She was responsible for selecting a medley of Hall & Oates “Rich Girl” and “Faith” for the duo to perform on the first live performance episode of the show.

In the end, it wasn’t good enough to advance the brothers on the show.

“We feel good. We just want to thank the judges. Thank you so much, Miss Paula, for everything. We've learned a lot,” Justin said on the show after finding out the duo’s fate.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity, I'm sorry we didn't live up to your expectations,” Nathan added.

“Listen to me. You surpassed my expectations, Nathan,” Abdul responded.

Despite the elimination, Abdul had words of encouragement for the pair.

“I love you guys. You're going to go on and magic is going to happen,” she told them.

Justin and Nathan hail from Temecula City in California’s Riverside County. According to a tweet on their official Twitter account posted Oct. 15, their mother hails from Manila while their grandfather hails from Cebu.

In the show, L.A. said that mentor Paula was seemingly a “little out of her comfort zone,” because the rest of the contestants were either into pop or R&B.

Meanwhile, Simon noted that the boys “have improved” but reminded everybody that what’s at stake is a multi-million-dollar contract.

The brothers’ elimination, along with the others, left the judges with 12 more contestants vying for the $5 million recording contract.

Source: mb.com.ph