Joshua is new Voice Kids Philippines champion

Joshua Oliveros, the 11-year-old “Hopeful Son ng Antique,” was declared the grand champion of The Voice Kids Philippines Season 3 after garnering 38.07 percent of the total votes.

“Masaya po ako dahil ako po ang nakatanggap ng bahay at pera at trophy po. Malaking tulong po ito sa amin para matulungan ko po ang pamilya ko. Sobrang tuwa po kaya po napaluhod ako,” said Joshua after the final showdown held at Resorts World Manila.

Joshua, who was coached by Lea Salonga, sang Salamat in the power ballad round Sunday night. He performed Nais Ko with Lea and Mangarap Ka on the first night of the two-part grand finale.

It also marked the first win of coach Lea in the reality-talent singing competition’s third season for kids. Lea said she chose Mangarap Ka because of Joshua’s simple dreams.

“I want this kid’s dreams to come true. For him, it’s not about a physical house, it’s about a home. It’s about being in one home with his entire family. For the last year he’s been here, it’s been a very difficult time for him. He only had his father, his ever-faithful father. I was like, what you guys are going through, it’s amazing that you are so strong. I am just super happy for this kid,” she said.

As this season’s grand champion, Joshua won P1M cash, fashion package and P1M trust fund from H&M, a two-year recording contract from MCA Music, Inc., a house and lot from Camella Homes and a business package from Siomai House.

Antonetthe Tismo, dubbed as “Madiskarteng Dreamer of Parañaque” and coached by Sharon Cuneta, placed second with 36.69 percent of the total votes, while the “Comeback Kid of Lucena” Justin Alva of coach Bamboo followed with 25.24 percent.

According to Lea, a lot of people do not see how much work goes into the show, describing the coaching sessions as serious.

“The filming they show on TV is only a small fraction of what actually happens in the room. It’s hours, it’s enduring, pinpointing where the mistakes are, where you can improve and the constant reminding. It’s a lot, but it’s a fulfilling work to do,” she said.

How would she describe Joshua during the entire journey?

“You don’t have to worry about this boy because he listens, he delivers and he is wonderful. He digests the music before it comes out of his mouth. Talagang nakikinig sa rehearsals. Very focused,” she said.

Aside from the performances of the Final 3 and their coaches, viewers were also treated with a number from Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, who sang Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You.

The Twitter-trending Philippine adaptation of the popular international TV franchise was the most watched program last weekend. It obtained a 39 percent and a 43.3 percent TV ratings covering nationwide urban and rural homes last Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

The unique format of the show, which is hosted by Luis Manzano, Kim Chiu and Robi Domingo, appeals to Filipino viewers, especially its “blind auditions” where hopefuls audition by singing on stage with the coaches facing against them. 

The program not only features the artists competing, but also the coaches battling each other in picking artists, and when their respective teams deliver the best performances during the live shows leading to finale. 

It engages audiences on-air, online and on mobile as it constantly enjoys high national TV ratings, dominates social media and rally viewers to vote for their bets week after week.