https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3oP9IzWtWk
A Filipino-American singer earned kudos from all four judges of “The Voice US” with her cover of Bruno Mars’ “Runaway Baby.”
During the show’s blind audition, California-based Anatalia Villaranda’s sprightly performance turned the heads of judges Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Alicia Keys.
“This is more than just a voice, this is an artist,” the “Empire State of Mind” singer, Alicia Keys, enthused. “This is an artist who is unafraid to express yourself. I would like you to look into your heart and see how important it is for you to be on my team.”
For her part, Stefani felt the passion in Villaranda’s positive vibes on stage while Levine believes that she “could win this entire thing.” In the end, Villaranda joined Key’s powerhouse line-up of talents.
After her successful “The Voice” try-out, a joyful Villaranda thanked her friends for their support. In a previous tweet, she said that her mother is from Bacolod City, while her father is from Manila.
Thank you everyone for all the support and all the love❤😭 You guys are literally the best❤️ Love u all so so much!
— AnataliaV (@anatalia_v) February 26, 2017
Im full blood Pinay :) My mom is from Bacolod and my dad is from Manila ! Thanks for your support! ❤️🇵🇭 https://t.co/hxnyvZZ8kl
— AnataliaV (@anatalia_v) February 5, 2016
She also auditioned for the 15th and final season of “American Idol” in 2016, but failed to progress to the next round. Gianna Francesca Catolico /ra