Lyca Gairanod Photo by Marinel R. Cruz
MANILA, Philippines–Not only did nine-year-old Lyca Gairanod’s performance of “Basang Basa sa Ulan” with the pop rock band Aegis earned for her a standing ovation during
“The Voice Kids” Finale on Sunday night, but also a whopping P1 million in cash prize.
The young belter from Tanza, Cavite, was proclaimed grand champion of the ABS-CBN reality show “The Voice Kids” after garnering the highest votes from viewers during the two-night finale, which concluded on Sunday night.
Gairanod also bagged a P1-million trust fund, a recording contract with MCA Universal, a house and lot, a home appliance showcase and a musical instrument showcase.
Placing second is Darren Espanto, 13, who like Gairanod came from the team of Coach Sarah Geronimo. Juan Karlos (Team Bamboo), 13, and Darlene Vibares, 10, (Team Lea Salonga) were on the third and fourth slots, respectively.
Lyca did an impressive rendition of Regine Velasquez’s “Narito Ako” and Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” during the Saturday night live performances. But what drew the most votes for her was her final song with the Aegis on Sunday night. This even earned her a standing ovation from the audience at Resorts World Manila, where the finale was held.
According to a report from ABS-CBN, Gairanod led the public voting on all three rounds (Power Ballad, Upbeat Song and Special Performance with a Celebrity Guest).
Salonga described Gairanod as a young Nora Aunort during the blind audition. Since then, she was dubbed as the “Little Superstar.”
A daughter of a fisherman, Gairanod would sometimes help earn money for her seven siblings by scavenging junk to sell. She would also sing for neighbors in exchange for cash or food.
The Sunday show also featured performances from Espanto with Martin Nievera, Labajo with Gary Valenciano, and Vibares with Lani Misalucha. The opening number featured the Voice coaches and Season 1 grand winner Mitoy, as well as finalists Klarisse de Guzman, Myk Perez, and Janice Javier.
Lyca Gairanod
Originally posted: July 28, 2014 | 4:39 pm