MANILA, Philippines – RisingStars’first live episode proved to be filled with talent, excitement and surprises. From 16 finalists, only 8 remain.
After tallying the votes via SMS, website, and mobile app, it was combined with the jury’s scores. The voting was administered by the professional provider Megamobile, an Inquirer company and governed by the DTI. With the most votes garnered and being selected by the judges, the Shining Star of the Night was Samantha Hoberg. She is also exempted from being challenged. Accompanying her to the Elite Eight are: Aiza Moreno, Rocelle Solquillo, Krezia Tuñacao, Mia Derilo, Bon Gustilo, Lee’Anna Layumas, and Remy Luntayao.
As guest judge Jamie Rivera put it, “A competition is where someone has to win, and there would be others that will lose. It just means that it is not your time, but it doesn’t make you a lesser singer.”
On April 25, RisingStars Philippines bid farewell to eight very promising contestants from all over the archipelago. All hope is not lost, however, as these aspirants promise to keep chasing their dreams.
The live show also introduced the Challenge a Star round, where anyone is given a chance to replace an existing contestant. And with the Challenge a Star round launched, 7 of these contestants face the risk of being replaced. A week after performing in pairs, the finalists will now perform on their own to prove their worthiness of being part of the final 6.
Bon Gustilo, a band vocalist from Cavite, aims to stay alive as the only remaining male finalist in the show. His partner from last week, Mia Derilo of Iloilo, will show off her skills with the guitar as she did during the on-stage auditions. Fellow Ilongga and last week’s Shining Star Sam Hoberg strives to keep her place at the top.
Bacolod’s incredible divas, Lean Layumas and Rocel Solquillo, will try to bring out their inner Soul Siren. The powerful voices of Krez Toñacao and PFC Aiza Moreno would be showcased even more. To complete the cast, Laguna’s Remy Luntayao strives to prove that she really is the total performer.
The eight remaining finalists vie for 6 slots for the next round, and as seen in the first live show, voting affects the fate of these performers. To vote, simply register by texting RS REG <Name/Address/Age/Gender>, and send to 2948 for free.
The following are the codes for each contestant, each to be sent to 2948. Standard carrier rates apply.
| Joselito “Bon” Gustilo Jr.– RS VOTE BON | Krezia Mae Toñacao – RS VOTE KREZ |
| Lee’Anna Layumas – RS VOTE LEAN | Mia Barbra Derilo – RS VOTE MIA |
| Remy Luntayao – RS VOTE REMY | Rocelle Solquillo – RS VOTE ROCEL |
| Samantha Hoberg – RS VOTE SAM | PFC Virna Liza Moreno – RS VOTE AIZA |
Voting could also be done through the RisingStars mobile app (available through the Google Play store) and website (www.risingstars.ph). To register, simply create a username, supply a password, and link with an email or Facebook account. Each contestant has an accompanying Vote button through the website and mobile app.
The voting period starts as early as Thursday, April 30 at 6AM. Users are allowed to cast one vote per 30 minutes until Saturday, 10PM, when the live show starts. From here, they will be allowed one vote per 10 minutes, up until the last song is performed. Weekly prizes will still be given to the most active voters.
Also tune in to see if there were any successful challengers that could replace the remaining finalists. The competition continues to become strict and tough, and only the best shall remain. Who will be crowned as the RisingStar? Watch the second live episode this Saturday, May 2 at 10PM, only on TV5. ADVT