Why Aia de Leon wasn’t chosen in ‘The Voice’
A little over a week ago, Aia De Leon, former vocalist of Imago, joined the reality TV show contest “The Voice of the Philippines.” I knew about this prior to the show as news like this doesn't go unnoticed. Of course, due to privacy clauses, nobody really knew what happened to her in the contest until the show was aired.
Well, now we all know that Aia De Leon wasn't chosen by any of the judges, much to their regret.
You see, I’ve been a fan of Imago and Aia De Leon’s deeply beautiful and unique voice for many years. Prior to the band’s "Tara Lets" era, I think Imago’s most glorious days were when their songs "Akap" and "Taning" were at their peak.
RELATED: What Team Bamboo has to offer
Still sounded like Aia despite ‘blind audition’
On “The Voice,” Aia may have sounded a little different when she sang her version of Michael Jackson’s "The Way You Make Me Feel." But if I made like the judges and closed my eyes so I couldn’t see who was singing, I think I’d still say that she sounded a little bit like Aia de Leon.
Yet, on the blind audition, none of the judges seemed to realize it was Aia singing.
We're bombarded with great voices in this country. I wake up every weekend to an entire barangay turning on the videoke machine and you have to give props to some of those singing voices.
READ: Who got the boot in the first battle round of ‘The Voice’?
Armi Millare wannabes
We are so good, we can emulate anyone. In fact, most of the new female singers I've heard recently are either an Armi Millare or a Kat Agarrado wannabe, among others.
That’s because we love what we’ve heard before: songs we already know and singers that remind us of someone else.
But it’s not always about those things. Not all of your favorite musicians are great singers, but they have become immortalized because they sing their own songs and perform it their own way.
MORE NIÑA: Sidelined by heart ailment, vet DJ restarts with art
Aia’s permanent dent
Aia de Leon belongs to that rare breed. As a singer and writer, she has managed to accomplish something that reality shows and YouTube stars can only aspire for: a voice far removed from mediocrity and in total connection with the original songs she’s written.
TV or social media can only push the greatness that is already there. Her original songs have already made a permanent dent in those who’ve seen her and been moved by her performance. That, I think, has a far greater and more permanent effect than a viral video of a uniquely arranged cover version of a famous pop song.
In fact, had Aia made it, that uploaded vid might not have been viewed as many times as it has been.
WATCH KARYLLE'S FUN VID: Yael Yuzon’s other side revealed
Courage to begin again
I lauded her explanation for joining the contest in spite of her fame: that she was pushing her limits and getting out of her comfort zone.
I could only imagine that something like that wouldn't be easy for anyone. She was with Imago for 15 years. It took courage to end that gig. But it required greater strength to become a beginner again.
Aia De Leon did not lose despite not being chosen. The risk she took is a shining example of what artists should do.
READ: Do you record entire concerts on your phone? Then, listen up
Our own reality check
If anything, her presence in the “The Voice” gave us our own reality check: that as an audience, we tend to sacrifice the potential of true greatness for the easy reinterpretations in a familiar medium, while the artists who perform them simply hope to be heard.
The truth is, the true voice lies not in what is always pleasing to or popular with the audience but in singing songs that are original and unique to one’s self.
Niña Sandejas is an award-winning music photographer whose work has appeared here and abroad. She was included in Preview magazine's 2011 Creative It List and was
named in early 2012 as one of 14 Women Who Rock by Rogue magazine. Visit her
blog, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram. Read more of her Yahoo! OMG blog here.
