Krizza little thing called love

KRIZZA Neri

Some things have changed since Krizza Neri won the GMA 7 talent search “Protégé” last year.

The young singer’s voice has become deeper, said Darling de Jesus, the network’s assistant vice president for Entertainment TV.

At the start of the second season of “Protégé,” which concludes on Sunday,  Krizza waxed nostalgic about her own audition in Cagayan de Oro last year: “I felt like quitting; the other contestants were so good! Of the 49 finalists in the second round, I was no. 46.” The wait for her turn was torture, she said.

The struggles in the competition and the intrigues thrown her way since joining the biz full-time have made her tougher, Krizza told the Inquirer.

Bashers

In the worst controversy so far, Krizza was blamed for the breakup of her mentor Aiza Seguerra  and Aiza’s girlfriend Chen Sarte—one of the few openly gay relationships in the local music scene. Krizza said she spent sleepless nights over that.

She closed her Twitter account due to haters, she said. “Bashers started attacking my mom and brother.”

Krizza pointed out that she and Chen were fine: “We haven’t talked for a while. But, should I see her, I’d certainly say ‘hi.’ She helped me during the competition.”

As for Aiza, Krizza said they had not discussed the rumors, even as they worked closely on her self-titled debut album. They focused on the music, Krizza said. “Aiza is my producer. People could go ahead and talk. As long as we’re happy, we’ll be okay.”

Super collaborator

Aiza was “super supportive,” Krizza said. “For the album we recorded the duets we had done on the show—‘If I Could’ and ‘Wind Beneath My Wings.’” Aiza contributed two songs in the album, which is released by indie label Blackbird and distributed by Universal Records. Aiza wrote the lyrics (with music by Ryan Cayabyab) to “Kung Malalaman Mo” and composed the music (with lyrics by Joel Trinidad) in “Look My Way.” Plus, Aiza shot the CD’s cover photo.

Krizza said “Protégé” changed her life “for the better and for worse, too. But I am thankful because not everyone is given this.”

She is glad that she is now able to help her family in Cagayan de Oro. “I gave half of the P1-million cash prize to my mom,” she said. “I deposited the other half in the bank.”

Her mom set up a roast chicken kiosk in front of their house. And Krizza is thinking of renting out her new condo unit (another prize from “Protégé”).

“I see myself as a performer who sings straight from the heart,” Krizza said. “I want to prove that one doesn’t need to belt out to be considered a good singer.”

Best of all, she has learned to speak her mind—for instance, her stand on same-sex marriage: “I support gay rights.” It’s sad, she said, that some people quote the Bible to condemn others. “Our God is a God of acceptance and forgiveness.”

Strong opinion such as this could win her not a few haters once again, but she remains fearless. “I plan to go back to Twitter… so I can promote my new album.”