MANILA, Philippines — James Reid has finally spoken up on the elimination of reggae singer Luke Baylon in the singing competition “Idol Philippines” after it gained mixed reactions from netizens.
“Like I said, Luke Baylon is a good singer but we’re looking for the total package,” Reid said in a tweet Thursday.
Like I said, Luke Baylon is a good singer but we’re looking for the total package. Wait till you see the 12 finalists. You’ll see why I said he wasn’t ready. For now, I wish Luke all the success is his music career. That rendition of If I Ain’t Got You was sick 🔥
— James Reid (@tellemjaye) May 15, 2019
“Wait till you see the 12 finalists. You’ll see why I said he wasn’t ready. For now, I wish Luke all the success is his music career. That rendition of If I Ain’t Got You was sick,” he added.
The 21-year-old singer from Tuguegarao City auditioned in “Idol Philippines” and sang a reggae version of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.”
But the performance only seemed to impress Idol judge Regine Velasquez as the other judges – Reid, Vice Ganda and Moira Dela Torre – gave Baylon a “no.”
READ: ‘Idol Philippines’ draws mixed reactions for rejecting reggae singer
Reid further said: “You have no idea how hard it is to crush people’s dreams right in front of them. That’s the burden we carry as judges to try and give one special person a chance of a lifetime. Just wait. The auditions isn’t even the hardest part.”
You have no idea how hard it is to crush peoples dreams right in front of them. That’s the burden we carry as judges to try and give one special person a chance of a lifetime. Just wait. The auditions isn’t even the hardest part. #IdolPhilippines
— James Reid (@tellemjaye) May 15, 2019
Meanwhile, artists like Juan Karlos Labajo and Quest also gave their two cents on Baylon’s rejection.
“HUGE shame on the other ‘judges’ for not seeing this guy’s potential. What a shame. Such a shame,” Labajo said.
Quest, on the other hand, said: “Yes, the audition could be better but his range and voice quality is really good. We don’t need to bash the other judges. Magkakaiba panlasa nila sa music.” (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)