Star Power 5 face-off

MANILA, Philippines - There was supposed to be an elimination of one of the five Star Power finalists three Sundays ago but after host Sharon Cuneta had revealed that Krissel Valdez, K-La Rivera and Angeline Quinto will compete until the grand finals, she, too, announced at the end of the show that no one between Monica Sacay and Akiko Solon will be sent home or eliminated. This got varied reactions from the viewers. Some were happy; others thought it had something to do with text voting; that the show is “a big scam.”

To set the record straight, and perhaps to put to rest all unpleasant speculations, co-host Erik Santos announced last Sunday (Jan. 16) that, “Due to the excellent performance of each finalist last week (Jan. 9), the ABS-CBN management and Star Power judges have decided that instead of a Final 4, it will now be Star Power Final 5 as each of them deserves to be a superstar.”

Co-host Christian Bautista continued, “Thank you very much to all those who voted for each of the Final 5. Hindi po masasayang ang mga boto n’yo Kapamilya. Your text and on-line votes from Jan. 9 up to the finals night on Feb. 20 will comprise the 40 percent of the final total score while 30 percent from ABS-CBN management and another 30 percent from the judges.”

The announcement also served Monica and Akiko well since they were in the bottom two in that supposed to be elimination night.

“Kung sakali man po na na-eliminate ako, wala akong sama ng loob kasi friend ko naman ang papasok,” Akiko shares.

Monica is thankful that she and Akiko were included in the finals.

But if you have been watching all five since Day 1 of the competition, you will notice how the girls have truly transformed — vocally and physically. Even judges Billy Crawford, Mitch Valdes, direk Bobot Mortiz and Zsa Zsa Padilla never fail to notice their improvement week after week. Thanks, to vocal coach Kitchie Molina who helps the girls bring the best out of their vocal range. Mentor Sharon, on the other hand, keeps an eye not just in their performances but also their looks.

Still, only one will be declared winner come the grand night and each of the Final 5 hopes to walk away with the title The Next Pop Superstar, a brand new car, the Sony entertainment package, a recording contract from Star Records and P1M cash prize.

“If ever I win, I’ll spend time with my family, go to Cebu to visit my relatives and I also want to go to Enchanted Kingdom to relax. Sobrang daming stress and pressure sa competition kaya gusto ko ma-relax naman,” says Monica who sold puto and siopao back in Leyte before joining the search.

K-La aims to contribute to a foundation for children if and when she wins. Otherwise, she will go back to Canada and continue her studies. She, too, welcomes the idea of entering the acting scene.

Both Krissel and Angeline plan to continue singing even after the contest. “I’m a member of a band in Davao, doon po ako kumikita before Star Power pero kung may ibang opportunity pong dumating go po ako,” offers Krissel.

Akiko is willing to help some out of school youth in Cebu if she hits the top spot because, “I also want to see them reach their dreams.”   

And while it seems that talent searches on TV nowadays seem to rely more on audience votes which can be influenced by a lot of factors like physical appearance, sympathy votes or financial power, we can only hope real talent will still stand out.