Take it from teacher Annie

MANILA, Philippines – We will definitely never run out of singers, given the thousands of singer wannabes who tirelessly queue ’til dawn for a chance to have a share of spotlight in the local music scene. But a choice between the worthwhile and the worthless must take place just like in the case of the 151 hopefuls who proved they have what it takes to be the next big star. Only 40 of them succeeded to perform in GMA 7’s Are You The Next Big Star? stage. Then, they were recently winnowed down to 16 — eight guys and eight gals.

Are they worthy? Do they have the right to be one of our future singing stars? Annie Quintos, one of the show’s five judges, may not initially find some of them striking but had a change of heart when she recently saw and heard the contestants’ improved performance.

“I was impressed at what I heard now. I think all of them put into heart the judges’ comments after each performance,” Annie says. “Each one was asked to choose a song and from there we will determine what fits his voice and personality.”

Alexa Ortega, a member of Circle of 16, proved she can do better aside from doing Broadway after the judges advised her to refrain from singing mostly theatrical tunes as contest piece. She shifted to crooning jazz and pop tunes that instantly gained the judges’ nod. “She still sounded good. Let’s see what else she can do,” Annie avers.

Seventeen-year-old Bobby Solomon, on the other hand, didn’t quite stir the vocal teacher’s interest. The judges thought he was just another cutie. Yet Bobby made a 180-degree turn on performance night that amazed Annie no end.

“It’s funny how these things happen like I’m not impressed at all then gave him a chance and he can really shine pala,” she shares.

UP sophomore Business Management student Christine Allado, too, made it to the list. The musical theater actress, having played a part in Hairspray last year seemed comfortable when she sang One Night Only. She hopes her vocal power and stage presence will see her through not just for a night but until the competition ends.

Asked if the contestants must concentrate on the genre they are comfortable with, Annie replies, “Most of them know their strength already and it’s up to them if they will stick to that strength or experiment on their next song. Sometimes one shines even better on something that one never would have expected to do well.”

Who performs best between the girl and boy contestants?

“I think the girls have variety over the boys who tend to go for a certain kind of singing. I feel the guys are just singing and standing there while others just do rock. But I’m not saying they cannot be stars, it’s just the girls who show different kinds of music genres,” answers Annie.

Does she feel all of them are taking the comments seriously?

“Precisely. I have a heart of a teacher and if it’s possible to teach them all then why not? It’s nice to see people go another level especially those with lots of passion like the Circle of 16. Nakakatuwa talaga na they are taking our comments constructively.”

Today, the Circle of 16 begins to face 10 more weeks of stiff competition. One male and one female will be proclaimed the Next Big Stars in the finals night taking home the P1-M cash each from SM Supermalls, a GMA management contract, a GMA recording contract and condominium unit from Avida Land Corp.