Gerphil Flores. FILE PHOTO
Filipina classical singer Gerphil Geraldine Flores was one step closer to making the “impossible dream” possible when she finished third in the recently concluded first season of “Asia’s Got Talent” (AGT).
The 24-year-old fifth year student from the University of the Philippines Diliman trailed behind Mongolian musical ensemble Khusugtun and grand winner El Gamma Penumbra, a shadow play group from Tanauan, Batangas.
READ: El Gamma Penumbra is ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ grand winner
Five years ago, Flores fell short in the Philippine franchise of the “Got Talent” format where she only reached the semi-finals. After her third-place finish in AGT, what is next for the “golden girl” of Grammy-winning musician David Foster?
During AGT’s results show at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on Thursday, Foster went on stage when Flores’ name was not announced as part of the top two grand finalists.
Filipino host Marc Nelson asked Foster for his message to the songstress that earned his “golden buzzer” in the auditions.
“May I say it in private?” Foster said before going up the stage.
Foster then talked to the crying Flores for a few seconds without the microphone, but publicly announced a final message: “I said what I wanted to say to her. She was my golden buzzer. She’s still my golden buzzer.”
“The crowd loves you. It’s been an absolute delight watching you perform every single time. Like what David said we’re gonna hear more from you in the future. You are Asia’s darling,” Filipino host Rovilson Fernandez added.
During the top-rating grand finals on May 7, Flores delivered an emotional rendition of the “The Impossible Dream” from the musical “Man of La Mancha,” which earned a standing ovation from the judges and audience members alike. In his comment, Foster assured Flores of international fame.
“My golden girl, tonight the song is called ‘The Impossible Dream.’ You just made the dream possible. I promise you, the world is gonna know about you. That’s a promise,” he said.
Foster is known for his contributions to the career of his protégé Filipino singing sensation Charice Pempengco, who also performed a duet with Foster during the results show.
READ: Talent, ratings soar in ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ grand finals
WATCH: Fantastic 4 Filipino acts astound in ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ grand finals
Flores sang “Speak Softly, Love” from the classic film “Godfather” during her audition, which prompted Foster to press the golden buzzer, automatically sending the classical diva to the semi-finals.
WATCH: Filipina classical singer earns raves, ‘golden buzzer’ in ‘Asia’s Got Talent’
In a previous interview with INQUIRER.net, Flores said she dreamt of performing on the world stage, particularly in opera houses like The Metropolitan in New York and La Scala in Milan.
Tony Award-winning Broadway singer Lea Salonga has also expressed her support for Flores in social media.
“Dear Gerphil Flores, whatever happens at AGT, know that you are incredibly talented with a voice that could’ve only come from the heavens,” she said.
READ: Lea Salonga roots for Gerphil Flores in Asia’s Got Talent
Flores first joined ABS-CBN network’s “Pilipinas Got Talent” in 2010.
Gerphil Flores. FILE PHOTO