Why Filipinos love The Singing Bee

When the clock strikes 11 a.m. and a lively beat starts playing on TV, it is the start of ABS-CBN’s popular morning musical game show The Singing Bee, hosted by the well-loved tandem of Roderick “Dick” Paulate and Amy Perez.

“Some people said, ‘We’re happy to see you reunited.’ That feedback was really heartwarming,” shared Dick referring to their avid fans.

“They also said they missed our contagious laugh and comic bonding on screen,” added Amy.

It has been about eight years since Dick and Amy last worked together on TV.  So when they were offered the project, the real-life best friends did not hesitate in accepting it.

“I called it a homecoming,” said Dick.

“It seemed that Mamang, Kuya Dick’s mom, is watching over us from heaven and even made a way for us to be together again,” added Amy.

Dick and Amy bring their signature entertaining hosting style to The Singing Bee, a fun and exciting, family-oriented game show where the players must know the exact lyrics of the given songs. A live band called the Bandble Bee, headed by musical director Mel Villena, plays every tune as sexy dancers, the Honeybees, groove to it.

Initially aired every Saturday afternoon, The Singing Bee moved to a weekday morning timeslot, from Mondays to Fridays at 11 a.m. starting February this year to give Filipinos a daily dose of fun and thrill.

The show has consistently landed in the Top 15 most-watched programs on weekdays nationwide, based on Kantar Media data. Its average national TV ratings stood at 15.9 percent in March compared to its rival show, Tunay na Buhay, which averaged only 6.5 percent, according to Kantar Media data.

“People can see that the hosts and contestants are having fun, while the studio audience and TV viewers enjoy the sing-along and guessing game. It is very interactive,” explained Dick.

Amy said the show is different from other contests that usually require singing prowess. “It’s not a problem if your voice sounds like a breaking glass. Even non-singers can win up to a million as long as they know the lyrics,” she said.

Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago holds the record of being the longest reigning champion in the current season. On her fourth week as defending champion, Bea lost to KZ Tandingan, who won the P1M prize.

To date, the show has produced two celebrity millionaires — actress-singer Sheryl Cruz and KZ.

To win the P1M jackpot prize, a contestant must correctly guess the missing lyrics of four out of seven songs in the Final Countdown round.

Amy attributed the success of The Singing Bee to Filipinos’ passion and penchant for singing.

“We are good in singing and we love to sing. Sometimes, when we have problems, we find comfort and relief in singing. So to be happy, let’s sing and have less stress in life,” said Amy.

“The people will really like the show because it is fun. And we are music lovers. Even kids will enjoy. It is synonymous with fun. No Filipino will dislike The Singing Bee or dislike singing. We all love to sing and have fun,” added Dick.