Katrina Velarde regrets missing out on ‘American Idol,’ ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ competitions

MANILA, Philippines — Singer Katrina Velarde has regretted missing out on singing competitions abroad, such as “American Idol” and “Britain’s Got Talent.”

But now that her son, Kendrick, is already eight years old, Katrina is no longer afraid to take on bigger opportunities when it comes to her music career.

“Maybe now I’m OK (with it). Kendrick has already grown up. Yun lang naman po yung iniisip ko before because he is still in school,” she said during a recent presscon at the Viva office for her upcoming concert, “SiKat V.3.”

The “Suklay Diva” got invited in January this year to try “Britain’s Got Talent” but it didn’t push through because of conflicting schedules. “They want me to fly there right away. Tapos matetengga ako for one month while waiting. It was during the month of December. Sayang naman po yung trabaho dito. So I chose to stay here because of work. So maybe next time. Maybe it was not meant for me.”

She also begged off from “American Idol” two years ago because she had to leave for the United States. “It was after the pandemic. I auditioned (online for the show),” she recalled.

“I was screaming at 4 a.m. I passed all the levels, diretso audition na ko. They e-mailed me. I did the audition at 3 a.m. (Philippine time). After level 4, kaharap ko na mga producers ng show. They said, ‘Can you come here next week?’ And I told them, wala po ako diyan. They thought I was in the US. So sayang talaga.”

“Nanghihinayang ako,” she stressed. “I have a tourist visa but that’s illegal if I do that. I don’t want to risk that.”

Moreover, Katrina’s “SiKat V.3” is her third major solo show and is a culmination of her over 22 years in show business. Her latest gig is scheduled on Oct. 11 at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City. “SiKat V.3” is produced by Viva Live with Paolo Valenciano as director and Mon Faustino as musical director.

She previously mounted her first solo concert “SiKat Ako” followed by “SiKat i2” in 2019.

Katrina’s third solo gig is all about empowerment. She told The STAR, “I’m not saying that I’m very feminist but it’s women empowerment because we are singing men’s songs. I will perform a female version of the songs.”

“I just want to convey that I am also inspired by female (music) idols. We can also do it,” she said.

Katrina’s previously released tracks include Lason Mong Halik, Taksil, Kung Naging Tayong Dalawa and Tama Na.

(Contact TICKETNET ONLINE or call VAA Live at 0955-0171799 or 8687-5853 for ‘SiKat V.3’ concert tickets).