Angel Bonilla On The Voice US, First Filipino Transgender to Audition

Born Carlos in Cabuyao, Laguna, Angel Bonilla is the first-ever Filipino transgender contestant to compete on the show. She sang Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” and wowed Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine. Now, she is officially on Team Adam.

In Angel’s  interview on The Voice, Bonilla revealed she’s known since she was five years old that she was “a girl trapped in a boy’s body.” She grew up in a conservative Catholic family in the Philippines, which made things harder for her, especially with her dad. During her difficult transition, she discovered music. But when her father saw her as a girl for the first time, he was puzzled. She added that he did not know if it was his son in front of him. But then he embraces her. She also promised him that she will do great things and that she is on The Voice to honor him.

Angel Bonilla on The Voice US, her journey so far

Angel took to Instagram to announce her audition on the show and told her followers to keep an eye out for her.

I’m thrilled to announce that I auditioned for @NBCTheVoice! See what happens February 26 on @NBC. 🎶🎤✌️ #TheVoiceI am so excited to finally announce that I auditioned for @NBCTheVoice! Keep an eye out for me starting February 26! #TheVoice #trandgender #transpinay #lgbtq #imlivingmydream #dreamscometrue #performer #philippines #losangeles #singers #trailblazers #breakingbarriers

A post shared by angel bonilla (@angelbsings) on Feb 13, 2018 at 3:04pm PST

She even posted a “family portrait” of Team Adam and adds he is “the best coach ever.”

Team adam is complete! Soo blessed to be part of this family portrait. Adam is the best coach ever! @adamlevine #teamadam @nbcthevoice #thevoiceseason14 #trandgender #transpinay #firstinthehistory #LGBTQ #philippines🇵🇭

A post shared by angel bonilla (@angelbsings) on Mar 14, 2018 at 12:06pm PDT

An article by Lyndsey Parker on the Huffington Post says Angel’s father cheering her on made a special TV moment and could even win the show another GLAAD award.

She also adds that Angel Bonilla is a veteran of singing competitions. She’s been on the first season of “The X Factor” and made it to Boot Camp with her cover of “Killing Me Softly” by Fugees. She’s also been on Bulgaria’s Discovery International Pop Song Festival where she finished second runner-up with her rendition of the song “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse.

Here’s a clip of her montaged audition on The Voice with Jamella.

And here’s the clip of her performance on Bulgaria’s Discovery International Pop Song Festival.