This is a live blog that recaps the highlights of Pinoy Boyband Superstar, Oct. 8 episode. The show, which was originally conceptualized by Simon Cowell (of American Idol), is at its audition stage where an all-girl live audience needs to give an approval rating of at least 75% before a contestant can enter the judges’ booth and perform.
First up is Luigi D’Avola, who is half-Italian and half-Filipino, from Cebu. He got an approval rating of 96% which was the highest for the night, so he went straight to the judges booth. When Yeng, who said that she was attracted with Luigi’s eyes, asked him about his family, he said that he was adopted into a large family because his Italian dad passed away and his mom who was working as an OFW in Spain could not support them.
After his performance, Sandara said that she found his voice as “sobrang sweet.” Vice Ganda on the other hand said that his looks were “ordinary” but his voice was special. Yeng on the other hand commented that Luigi had a very different way of expressing the lyrics. When voting came, Luigi got three”yes” votes from Aga, Sandara and Yeng while Vice voted “no.”
Next up is Michael Lopez, from Sweden. He was swept into the judges booth with an approval rating of 87%. He told the all-girls audience when asked why they needed to vote for him, he said, “I would love to sing myself into your hearts if you just vote for me.”
His love story was a tragic one, because he proposed to a girl at 17 years old. The girl broke the engagement off though so he went to the Philippines heartbroken. After his performance however, the judges were singular in saying that his singing was not good enough for the contest. Yeng mentioned that his impact because of his looks was strong while Sandara said that he still needs to improve on his singing. Vice Ganda also said there maybe other careers that are more appropriate for him such as modelling. All four judges voted “no” so Michael had to leave the show heartbroken.
#BoybandKoTo Pinoy Boyband Oct. 8: Cyrill Tumamak is in!
The next contestant is Cyrill Tumamak, 14 years old, who had with him a rose to be given to one lucky girl in the audience. With an approval rating of 74% however, he was not able to get into the judges booth. While he was leaving the stage, Aga waved to Billy Crawford to bring back Cyril. He was in tears when he came in that Vice Ganda told him to stop crying.
While Cyrill was performing “Lay Me Down” of Sam Smith, Vice Ganda was singing along with him. When he was done, he told the judges that his Lola is his inspiration for singing. He said that his mom used to send videos of him singing to his Lola in the US, so even when his Lola has passed on, he still continues singing for her. Judge Aga was happy to see that Cyrill really felt his performance. Vice Ganda on the other hand said that while Cyrill was singing, he did not “hit the right notes,” but sometimes, it’s more “hitting the right emotions.” At this point, Vice said that he was remembering his grandmother while Cyrill was singing, and began to shed some tears. Vice and Cyrill hugged it out before the judges gave their votes. For his emotional performance, he was given four “yes” votes.
Tristan Ramirez, 23, from Bulacan is the next contestant who demonstrated a morning workout he does that is good for the “buns.” Getting a relatively high approval rating of 90%, he got a chance to perform in front of the judges. Before he performed however, the show had a surprise for him. His mother who he only sees once a month because of her work, is able to join him in the show. He also mentioned that he is joining the contest so that he can bring his family together.
Singing “Ikaw Ang Aking Mahal,” he wowed the judges with his singing. All of the judges sang praises for him. Vice Ganda said that he had a nice smile and that he was the complete package – good looks, talent and confidence. Sandara called him “tall, dark and handsome” and that the way he moves was already “pang-boyband.” Yeng also praised him by saying that he only gave off “good vibes,” because of his captivating smile. Lastly, Aga praised him for his humility, which showed up in his performance. So it was not surprising that all the judges gave him a resounding “yes” vote.
Pinoy Boyband Superstar airs on ABS-CBN on weekends, at 7:15 p.m. It is also available via livestreaming on iwanttv.com.ph.
See you again tomorrow on Popcorn Time Live Blog for Pinoy Boyband Superstar.