A former “American Idol” contestant, an opera singer, a YouTube celebrity and a local jazz legend’s children are among the 24 contestants of “Kanta Pilipinas,” the Kapatid network’s first reality singing talent show.
It was slated to air last year, with the contestants chosen way before late 2012 (auditions happened as early as February 2012). But changes in programming plans and the artista search “Artista Academy” made TV5 push the show’s airing to a later date.
“Kanta Pilipinas” line producer Marvin Agustin said in a previous interview that the extra time gave contestants leeway to prepare for the competition. The change in the airing also prompted the Kapatid network to tape the contest in its entirety, which means the episodes that will air are canned as opposed to live.
“All of these reality shows, walang rules, e. Kanya-kanyang show, may kanya-kanyang standard. For ‘Kanta Pilipinas,’ it was a decision na magkasama kami (ni Marvin) that we have to do it this way,” TV5 First VP for Creative and Entertainment Production Perci Intalan told members of the press during the launch of “Kanta Pilipinas.”
Different flavor
“Pag napanood ninyo yung show, iba yung flavor niya (compared to other reality singing shows. Ang challenge namin with ‘Kanta Pilipinas’ is doing it in a way na hindi pa nagagawa before,” he added. “Yung tagal ng paghahanda ng contestants, makikita ninyo sa mga episodes ng show.”
TV5 promises a big show that will pay tribute to Filipino singers’ talents.
The mix of contestants is diverse. They are five-piece boy band 5AZ1, “American Idol” season six contender Adrian “A.J.” Tabaldo, blind singer-piano Allan Gonzales, classical and opera singer Allison Gonzales, singing duo Daniel Grospe and JB Landrito, Davaoena Dea Formilleza, Operation Smile ambassador Chadleen Lacdo-o, Esther Martinez, Boracay-based Ferns Tosco, Gian Carlo Baldonido, Gregory Llamoso, Haizel Fernando, and Youtube celebrity Isaiah Antonio.
Completing the list are Jacob Gayanelo, singing contest veteran Janeth Gomez, former girl band member Jeniffer Maravilla, brother and sister duo Nicole and Carlo David, Pia Diamante, Raz Mendoza, Ricky Deloviar, Rochelle Merced, Thara Jordana, Timothy Pavino and Zari Bilon.
Diverse musical interests
They also have diverse musical interests. Contestants rattle off pop superstars, local singers and a few unique choices as artists who inspired them: Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Adam Levine, John Mayer, Sarah Brightman, Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, and judges Ryan Cayabyab and Lani Misalucha.
Contestants are vying for a P1-M cash prize and a recording contract. The board of judges is composed of singers Rico Blanco and Lani Misalucha and award-winning musician Ryan Cayabyab.
Blanco and Agustin share hosting duties.
“Kanta Pilipinas” will premiere Saturday, February 9 on TV5.
Marvin Agustin Only On OMG!Sneak a peek inside Marvin Agustin's house and hear him reflect about his remarkable showbiz career. Interview by Jason Domantay. Video produced by Yahoo! Southeast Asia and Digitank Studios.
Check out the photos from TV5's 'Go5' trade launch
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