‘The Clash’ hopefuls single out best, harshest advice from judges

“The Clash” top 6 finalists, from left: Jeremiah Tiangco, Thea Astley, Nef Medina, Jennifer Maravilla, Aljon Gutierrez and Antonette Tismo

While the Top 6 finalists of “The Clash” Season 2 entered the contest with winning in their minds, little did they know that they would also end up having instructive experiences along the way. And more often than not, those learnings are spurred by lapses and missteps.

The Inquirer asked Aljon Gutierrez, Antonette Tismo, Jennifer Maravilla, Jeremiah Tiangco, Nef Medina and Thea Astley about the harshest or most constructive criticisms they have received from the judges, and how they think they would help them going into the talent search’s grand finals on Dec. 14 and 15 on GMA 7.

Aljon: My voice is quite low, and I’m not much of a belter. But the judges, especially Sir Christian Bautista, urge me to go for it from time to time. I find it challenging, because I’m not used to doing it.

I get very uptight when I’m about to belt out because I’m afraid of the possibility of my voice cracking. But now, I’m challenging myself. I tell myself that I can do it

Antonette: I went out of tune during my performance of “Oh Holy Night.” I wasn’t in the right mood at the time, because I just had a fight with my mother.

After that, I had a talk with the judges (Christian, Ai-Ai delas Alas and Lani Misalucha), and they told me not to let my emotions get the better of me, because they end up overpowering my voice. They reminded me to set aside things like that once I’m onstage.

Jennifer: Sir Christian told me not to let myself get too overwhelmed with emotions that they end up affecting my singing. That piece of advice really stood out because I realized that he got that right about me.

Jeremiah: As a gospel-soul singer, I rely a lot on my movement—that’s where I draw the power. Sometimes, when I sing, I imagine myself picking up the notes. Kuya Christian told me, “Jeremiah, why not try to just stand, because you have the voice and range.” That’s one of the best constructive criticisms I have received. I feel good following that advice, especially because it came from Kuya Christian. And I think I have improved.

Nef: It’s not so much about technicals, but how I attack a song emotionally.

I also remember doing a sing-off with Antonette, and Kuya Christian telling me after, “If Antonette didn’t make a mistake, what you did wouldn’t have been enough. It’s good, but not good enough. We need something great.” Those comments drive me to give a better performance.

Thea: After my performance of “Bring Me to Life,” Sir Christian and Ma’am Lani pointed out that there were parts that didn’t work. I’m not a belter, so I make it a point to do songs that I can put my own flavor on and allow me to showcase my other skills. But sometimes, I end up doing improvs that I haven’t really polished yet.

What I learned from them is that if you were to do something different, make sure you commit to it and polish it. I can’t simply wing it onstage, because the panel will notice it.