Pop Star Kids finalists gear up for the final battle

After several weeks of battling it out with three other young singing aspirants from abroad, Marion Torres recently won as the eighth grand finalist to vie for the title Pop Star Kid along with seven other finalists from the local division.

Garnering a score of 98.67 percent, the 11-year-old lass from Canada beat Nicole Villalon, Shanelle Joaquin, both from California and Jellyn Ann Echon from New Jersey for the eighth slot, completing the set of grand contenders who will compete in the finals night of QTV 11’s Pop Star Kids on July 29.

This time, Marion’s vocal prowess will be pitted against seven other kiddie finalists dreaming to follow in the footsteps of Season 1 grand winner Rita Iringan. The finalists are Jessica Joy Reynoso, Gidget dela Llana, Diana Tabitha Caro, Jalynna Magadia, Suzette Suyanco, Dino Canido and Kierulf Raboy.

Although Marion tucked several titles under her belt, among them National Anthem Idol, Royal Canadian champ and Ultra Star grand winner, she is not taking the competition lightly. She believes the other finalists are good. Still, Marion is confident her clear voice and good diction will give her an edge over the others. 

“They sing well but I think Gidget and Suzette have clear voices, too,” Marion notes.

The young singing aspirant from Canada also speaks Tagalog fluently and songs with racial themes interest her. In fact, she will belt out Isang Lahi come grand finals night.

If Marion considers Gidget and Suzette her closest rivals, 11-year-old Gidget of Laguna thinks any of them deserves the title. They all possess a voice as powerful as today’s crop of singers.

A regular school performer, Gidget’s talent was first recognized when she bagged a minor role in the musical play Laura staged at Meralco Theater years back. Since then, there’s no stopping Gidget from flaunting her singing ability. She thinks her voice is ideal for singing Beyoncé’s Listen.

As for Suzette,  singing means all-out fulfillment. Her mom had her vocally trained at the Music and Me Studio to harness her talent and discover different types of music like rock and bossa nova.

“Singing is my passion. I can give right emotions for the songs,” Suzette says.

The 10-year-old Bataan finalist considers Kierulf tough competition as he could belt songs with high notes. Still, Suzette promises to give her best with a mean rendition of What Kind of Fool I Am on Sunday.

Also out to give a good fight is third finalist Diana Tabitha. A Mariah Carrey fan, Tabitha will sing My Saving Grace on finals night.

“I chose the song because of its meaning,” Tabitha says. “It says everything is just a test and we can overcome all obstacles.”

Her unique “whistle” gives her an advantage over other finalists. For Tabitha,  Jalynna is the one to beat come finals night. Jalynna comes from a family of musicians. Her father is a violinist while her sister is a pianist. The young singing aspirant from Cavite was trained by Sweet Plantado of The CompanY.

Another finalist sets to showcase her vocal prowess on the Pop Star stage is Jessica of Tondo. At the tender age of five,  the Jaya fan started joining amateur contests in nearby barangays where her vocal talent has been honed through videokes. She is now preparing to sing Muli  for the finals.

Not to be outdone are two thorns among the roses: Dino of Laguna and Kierulf of Sultan Kudarat. Dino admires Michael Jackson and chose Man in the Mirror as contest piece.

Dino, who started singing at four, used to imitate Michael’s moves and Janno Gibbs’ singing style. Dino had  formal vocal training at five and has joined singing contests.

“Whatever  happens, I will always cherish the happy bonding we (grand finalists) had while singing together and the kulitan,” Dino says.

Last but not the least is Kierulf. His distinct voice allows him to sing  birit songs. For someone as young as he is (10 years old), this is unexpected.

The musical training with Suzanna Pichay enables Kieulf to sing songs of Mariah Carrey, Celine Dion and Carrie Underwood.

Kierulf will render Underwood’s Inside Your Heaven on finals night.

So who will be “it” on the grand night? Each  finalist is not certain who among them will win, but all are certain they will give it their best shot.

The grand winner will receive P300,000 cash from SM Supermalls and P100,000 worth of gift certificates from Center for Pop. Each has been awarded a high school scholarship grant from AMA St. Augustine.

Kyla and Drew Arellano will host Pop Star Kids grand finals.