4th Impact on ‘X Factor’ stint: We’re truly blessed

SISTERS (from left) Almira, Mylene, Celina and Irene Cercado

Despite “The X Factor UK” judges’ consistent praise and support, the talented singing siblings of 4th Impact (formerly 4th Power) were eliminated because the quartet got low viewer votes a few weeks ago.

But sisters Almira, Irene, Mylene and Celina Cercado are happy to have come far in the contest, landing fifth place at the end of their journey. The British talent show aired locally on cable channel RTL CBS Entertainment.

The Cercado sisters and relatives are spending the holiday season in the UK, Almira told the Inquirer in a phone interview. The group will be part of “The X Factor UK 2016 Live Tour,” which will start in February. The annual arena tour is scheduled to have shows in 14 locations, including London, Dublin and Glasgow.

Almira, 27, recounted that the group learned much from the challenging competition. “We learned to appreciate and enjoy the moment,” she said in Filipino. “Every year, we pray that we’d win the contests we join, because we need it. This time, because we were unsure of our fate every week, we just learned to enjoy it, since it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We also learned to be more professional,” she added.

The vocally gifted 4th Impact bowled over judges Simon Cowell, Rita Ora, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Nick Grimshaw, first during the audition round, and in subsequent numbers.

Cowell stated during the first performance—a spirited rendition of Jessie J’s “Bang Bang”—that the show welcomed contestants from other countries, and that the sisters were “incredibly welcome.”

Almira, the eldest sister (Irene is 25; Mylene, 23; Celina, 19) fondly recalled the group’s early days. “Papa gathered and sold bottles and newspapers, while Mama’s job was direct-selling (Tupperware products, etc.). My sisters and I realized that we could join contests and generate income to help the family. That’s why we made sure to be good at it! We’re truly blessed.”

On collaborating with popular artists, she gushed that the group hopes to work with pop-R&B star Beyoncé eventually. “She’s really our idol—we hope to sing with her onstage, someday!”

Beyoncé’s music will continue to influence them, she said, even in future projects. “We want to record upbeat songs and do more energetic live performances, like her,” said Almira.

On their Filipino fans’ support, she said that 4th Impact will always be grateful: “Our only goal was to impress Simon, at first. We never expected to have the full support of our fellow Filipinos.”