Fashioning Pinoy Pride: Filipino’s Success in The X Factor

With different influences in fashion, food, and almost everything under the sun, the Philippines is considered as a melting pot of varied cultures and beliefs reported Globalization Partners. On one hand, some may see it as a disadvantage, claiming – to a certain degree – that as citizens we lose our own sense of identity. Others, in contrast, see it as an opportunity to adapt inspirations outside our usual circles, build on these strengths, and incorporate our own style.

There’s no question, that we Filipinos are talented in our own right. It’s this confidence that allows us to leave an indelible mark in whatever endeavor we partake. Whether in singing, or dancing, or anything that involves performing, as soon as the bright lights hit the stage, one can expect nothing but sheer passion. This is also why Filipinos have somewhat of a knack in joining reality talent competitions, according to Asian Journal; one of which is the widely popular The X Factor franchise.

The X Factor is a reality singing competition based in the United Kingdom. Former American Idol judge Simon Cowell originally conceptualized the television show as a replacement for the short-lived Pop Idol series. And as the ITV program gathered momentum in 2004 onwards, many countries around the world incorporated the talent show’s concept. It’s so famous worldwide that The X Factor even has its own game entitled The X Factor Games created by Gaming Realms. Today, the reality TV show enjoys constant success from the UK, to Israel, to Australia. Ironically, these countries are also where Filipinos showcased their talents and personal style.

The United Kingdom: Fourth Power

In the British X Factor, for instance, Fourth Power took the UK stage by storm and wowed everyone – including judge/show creator Simon Cowell. After a remarkable audition piece by the four cheerful sisters from Manila, Cowell gushed how it was “the biggest four yeses we’ve ever given.” From their experience in Asian talent shows such as ‘It’s Showtime’ in The Philippines and South Korea’s ‘Superstar K’, Almira, 27, Irene, 25, Mylene, 23, and Celina 19 went on to greater heights. Though they only managed to bag fifth place honors in a controversy-riddled The X Factor UK season 12 run, one can expect more good things to come for the Cercado sisters.

Israel: Rose Fostanes
If Fourth Power had their modern Asian fashion twist and bubbly performances, Rose Fostanes, The X Factor Israel’s inaugural winner, used her soulful and powerful voice to leave the audience in relative awe every week. Fostanes flew to the country to work as a caregiver for an ailing middle-aged woman. During her rare downtimes, she sang with her band at a small bar in Neve Sha’anan, Tel Aviv. Rose Fostanes got her much-awaited break in 2013, after auditioning for The X Factor Israel premier season. Once she landed a spot in the Bootcamp stage, Fostanes time and again savored standing ovations – particularly for her Top 40 performance of the late Prince’s classic ‘Purple Rain’. Her winning piece, ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra is also the title of her debut album, released in her home country by Star Records. After the win, she wasn’t allowed to perform professionally in Israel – owing to her visa’s conditions, but being granted a singing license, Rose Fostanes now relishes fruitful careers in two continents.

Australia: Cyrus Villanueva

Like Rose Fostanes, Cyrus Villanueva brought home the bacon, this time in The X Factor’s Australian version. On paper, Villanueva seems to have the total package. He has the boyish charm of a certified pop superstar complete with the singing pipes and the hip fashion sense. Season 7 of the Australian hit reality show also saw the 17-year-old Fil-Aussie singer outlasting Jess and Matt from the Groups category, as well as Over 25s favorite Louise Adams. During the finale, his rendition of The Weeknd’s ‘Earned It’, which was also his audition piece, and ‘Jealous’ by Nick Jonas, put the cherry on top of the cake. Cyrus Villanueva’s debut single as the seventh winner of The X Factor Australia is ‘Stone’.