Experienced singers join ‘The Voice of the Philippines’

Karen Valeza
Apl de Ap, Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, and Ms. Lea Salonga select the artists they want to mentor by listening to the aspirant's singing voice. Each coach must pick 12 artists for their respective teams who will advance to the next rounds of competition— the Battle Rounds and the Live Shows.

Professional singers Radha Tinsay, former Kulay member, Star Magic talent Guji Lorenzana, R&B recording artist Thor Dulay and singer-TV host Abby Asistio surprised “The Voice of the Philippines” judges and mentors Lea Salonga, apl.de.ap, Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo by joining the blind auditions of the reality singing contest.

All of them secured a spot in judges’ teams, except for Abby.

Let’s look at the successful candidates one by one.

Thor

The Davao del Norte-born singer has released three albums even before he became Vice Ganda’s backup singer in “Gandang Gabi Vice.”  He is also known for his “Duets with Thor” segment in radio station Wave 89.1, where he used to sing R&B tracks.

Thor thinks joining “The Voice of the Philippines” is  his “last chance” in achieving his dream.

“Sumali ako sa The Voice kasi may naudlot pa akong pangarap. Kapag hindi mo pa time, talagang hindi mo pa time eh. Naniniwala ako na ito na ang time ko,” Thor said during the auditions.
 
His interpretation of  Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” made all the judges turn their chairs for him. Thor chose to be under apl’s team.
 
Radha

Radha impressed   judges with her performance of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”

Asked why she joined the competition, Radha replied, “Feeling ko po marami pa akong pwedeng matutunan at ma-improve.”

Lea and Sarah, who turned their chairs for Radha, danced along as they watched the former Kulay vocalist  sing.
 

“Fan na fan po ako. Tuwang-tuwa ako nung nakita ko kayo. Hindi lang ako fan ng boses n’yo, pati ng ganda niyo, everything about you.

Excited ako para sa inyo kasi kayo ang hinahanap ng show na ito, the Voice of the Philippines. Ang lakas ng posibilidad na kayo iyon,” Sarah told Radha.

Radha chose Lea as  mentor.
 
Guji

The  Star Magic singer-actor did not hesitate to audition because he wanted to help his  sister Grace, who he thinks lacks self-confidence.



“Baka if we’re together, she won’t be so shy. Yung confidence niya might come out more. Mas kilala kasi ako sa acting side, I want to show people na initially I moved to the Philippines to become a singer.”

The siblings performed Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now.” Lea and apl turned their chairs for the duo and secured a spot under apl’s team.
 
“I think you could take us very far, Apl,” Guji said.