“THE VOICE Kids” Top 4 (from left) Darlene Vibares, Juan Karlos Labajo, Darren Espanto and Lyca Gairanod with coaches (from left, back row) Lea Salonga, Bamboo and Sarah Geronimo (right) photo by Rodel Rotoni
“The Voice Kids” has come and gone, producing at least four young singing and performing discoveries in winner Lyca Gairanod and “final finalists” Darren Espanto, Darlene Vibares and Juan Karlos Labajo. Now comes the really hard part: to take all of that talent and promise, and translate them into actual show biz stardom! How should the young comers and their handlers proceed? Let us count the ways:
Being the top winner, Lyca appears to be a cinch for stardom, and indeed her TV guestings, follow-up shows here and abroad, and frequent appearances on the popular drama series “Hawak Kamay,” indicate that she’s well on her way to becoming a stellar draw and busy performer—possibly, even emerging as the child discovery of 2014.
But … other talent tilt winners have also initially come on strong but eventually faded from view. For instance, who won last year’s kiddie talent searches—and where are they now? Icky and iffy question to ask!
In addition: Some years ago, when Frencheska Farr topped a big talent tilt, she went on to star in a movie shot abroad (“Emir”), but didn’t really sustain her stellar status. Even more recently, Mitoy Yonting, who won “The Voice” tilt, has released his debut album, but has unsuccessfully thus far tried to make it as a TV comedian—not much real flash and flare of stardom there either.
So the word’s out: Doing well in talent tilts is no guarantee of stardom. Even the likely likes of Lyca have to plan, work, play it smart and sassy.
MITOY Yonting has unsuccessfully tried to make it as a comedian so far.
Stardom is the actual product of constant effort, not a one-way ticket to the heady heights of show biz triumph! And as many stars have found out, sustaining stardom for the long term is an even dicier proposition!
Tougher row to hoe
Darren, Darlene and Juan Karlos have an even tougher row to hoe to make it big this year and in 2015. Darren has guested on a number of TV shows and that’s good, but he has to find something regular to do in show biz, so people are continually aware of his presence and promise.
Juan Karlos does have a regular performing stint, also on “Hawak Kamay,” where he’s being built up as the tween rival of Zaijian Jaranilla for the “crush” and “puppy love” affection of Andrea Brillantes.
However, he isn’t registering all that strongly; his cute and porma ways are quickly becoming predictable. So, he has to do something else, something more.
Darlene may have the toughest task of all because she and winner Lyca are similar in singing voice and overall projection. Her mentors have to find other, “non-Lyca” ways to get people to like her and her talent. If Lyca has gotten the “big voice” and “kawawa” factors all locked up, they have to figure out what makes Darlene, Darlene!