Eleven-year-old Joshua Oliveros was named grand champion of the third season of reality talent search “The Voice Kids Philippines” on Sunday night.
Oliveros beat equally talented contestants Justin Alva and Antonetthe Tismo in bagging the grand prize that included P1 million in cash and P1 million trust fund from H&M, a house and lot from Camella and a recording contract from MCA Music.
He received 38.07% of the votes while Tismo came in second, with 36.69%. Alva placed third with 25.24%.
“You are perfection on stage,” Oliveros’ coach Lea Salonga said of her ward. Asked to describe Oliveros, she added: “He is very emotional. He sings with his heart. He has been very consistent throughout all the rounds in the competition once he got in during the blind auditions.”
Alva is under the team of Bamboo Manalac, while Tismo is under coach Sharon Cuneta.
Oliveros’ victory has brought his estranged parents, Joseph and Maribel, together. While on stage, hugging their boy, Joseph said his family has yet to decide whether to return to its home province Antique or remain in the Manila. “We are still awaiting the word from ABS-CBN (producer of the show),” he said in Filipino.
Meanwhile, Maribel said she would serve fried chicken and hotdog, her son’s favorite meals, as soon as they arrive home. They are currently living at a relative’s house in Marikina City.
Oliveros sang Yeng Constantino’s “Salamat” during the Power Ballad Round, which is also the third and final stage of the contest that was held at the Newport Theater of Performing Arts in Pasay City.
“I always tell him, ‘heart first and then voice second.'” advised Salonga. “It’s also important that you know who you are singing for. The song is perfect because he is in a way saying thank you to all those who supported him.”