PH chanteuse recalls brief but fruitful ‘X Factor’ journey

Ivy Grace Paredes

It was a promising journey cut short, but Filipino singer and single mom Ivy Grace Paredes is grateful for the chance to demonstrate her vocal prowess.

Ivy, 33, has a 2-year-old daughter. Her “The X Factor UK” performances impressed all its four judges—Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne—that they all gave her “yes” votes after her spirited rendition of Whitney Houston’s “All the Man That I Need” during the audition round.

“I’m an ordinary artist. I’ve been working as a singer in a hotel in the UAE for seven years,” Ivy told the Inquirer in Filipino, during a phone interview.

The singer from Bukidnon said that getting chosen to compete was a “real blessing.” She related, “I was [interested in] ‘Asia’s Got Talent,’ but the audition was closed. Then, I saw an option that led to ‘X Factor UK.’”

Ivy sent a two-minute video and received a favorable response. “After 20 days, I was given an invitation,” she said.

It wouldn’t have been possible without a close friend’s assistance. “My friend, who’s an Indian citizen, helped me. I couldn’t afford the ticket. But I can do the contest, I thought. He shouldered everything, but told me to compete and give it my all. I didn’t think twice and accepted his offer. I left for the Philippines after two days and applied for a UK visa. The next day, I flew to the UK.”

A series of auditions followed. “They screened everyone who would face the four judges, in two rounds,” she said. “We were asked to sing half a song, a capella. Second, we had music accompaniment. After a month, they told us if we made it or not.”

Next was her performance onstage. “The judges’ audition was where I got four ‘yeses.’”

Getting the votes was elating, but Ivy revealed that she wasn’t entirely satisfied. “I was quite disappointed because I was out of tune. I was  nervous and a little starstruck!”

Difficult childhood

The singer is no stranger to sacrifice, even when she was growing up. “We’re not wealthy,” she said. “There was a point in our lives when my siblings would eat and my parents wouldn’t, because there wasn’t enough food. When I discovered I had talent, I began joining contests. I couldn’t bear to see them not eating. I had to stop going to school, to work.

“I helped get my siblings to school. They’re registered nurses now. I started studying again and finished midwifery. I’m a registered midwife. After my board exam, I flew to Dubai. Then, I got pregnant.  I had a tough childhood—I don’t want my child to experience that. I need to get rich (laughs).”

Ivy, whose singing idols include Regine Velasquez, Bituin Escalante, Vernie Varga, Patti LaBelle, Beyoncé and Whitney Houston, said that her stint abruptly ended because of an error during the visa application. She was unable to get a US visa in time for the judges’ Houses round.

“We applied for a visitor’s visa,” said Ivy. “The Embassy officer asked what I did for a living. Unfortunately, one of the contestants with us replied that I’ve been a professional singer in the Philippines for years.

“So, the officer thought that I was famous. Then, he advised me to apply for an artist’s visa instead of a visitor’s one, which explains why it was delayed. I applied again, and we did our best, even the ‘X Factor’ legal team. But it was late just the same, and we couldn’t wait for four or five days.”

But all was not lost. “[The producers] decided that I finish my journey first this year, and I would return next year to start over. I’m happy because I feel that I wasn’t defeated as an artist. They assured me that if I decided to join again next year, I’d be much welcome.”

“The X Factor UK” is currently airing on cable channel RTL CBS Entertainment (Sundays and Mondays, 10:30 a.m. and 9 p.m.). Ivy said that the  tilt taught her to improve as an artist and person.

“There were many things that induced stress, but I learned to be patient. It isn’t the end of my journey as an artist. I’m still thankful for the exposure. I’m more motivated to become a better performer.”

Does she have plans to perform in the Philippines? “Yes, I’ll have miniconcerts,” Ivy said. “I have a show in Manila on Nov. 22. And my friends and I are  thinking of helping other  talented Filipinos get on the world stage.”

Ivy is grateful that her continually evolving experience as a performer is a shared one. “I’m thankful to the Filipinos who have always been supportive, and to my family and friends who helped me get here.”