Getting to know Marlisa Punzalan, X-Factor Australia 2014 champ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8onLpiYW5g
MANILA, Philippines—Marlisa Punzalan, a 15-year-old Filipina-Australian singer, won the X-Factor Australia 2014 after besting two other contestants, Brothers3 and Dean Ray Monday.
As Marlisa’s star is set to rise with this singing plum under her belt, know some facts about the young singer.
Marlisa has been singing since she was two-years-old.
Marlisa was born in Sydney, Australia in October 1999 with Filipino parents. She also has an older brother. She said that she was influenced by her grandparents to sing.
Marlisa is currently a high school student in Mercy Catholic College Chatswood in Sydney.
She won her first singing competition when she was just nine-years-old.
Marlisa won first place in the Sydney Eisteddfod Performing Arts Challenge in 2009, belting a Whitney Houston hit “I Have Nothing” when she was just nine-years-old.
In 2013, she snatched three gold medals in the same competition.
She staged her first solo concert when she was just 12-years-old.
Screengrab from Marlisa Ann Punzalan Youtube account
Marlisa’s had her first solo concert dubbed as “Marlisa and Friends” in The Basement, a popular live music venue in Sydney in December 2011. Her setlist included songs from Whitney Houston, Jessie J, and other top artists.
She has also performed during the concerts of Jose Mari Chan, Aegis, Sharon Cuneta, and Norman Mitchell.
Marlisa’s audition piece in the X-FactorAustralia, “Yesterday” by The Beatles, is her favorite song.
Marlisa’s choice of music belies her age as she gravitates to classic hits from The Beatles. She also cites Aretha Franklin as her idol.
Aside from being a vocal powerhouse, Marlisa is also a skilled piano player.
Marlisa plays the piano and has performed in the International Conservatorium of Music for three straight years (2003 to 2005). She also played her first solo piano concert when she was just seven-years-old.
Sources: Ang Kalatas Australia, Marlisa’s personal website
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s0CCB33-dE
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