McDonalds and MTV, understanding the publics shifting attention to all things reality-related, recently put together The Next Big Thing, a search for an RnB singer. Much like Star Search, the erstwhile show hosted by Ed McMahon that had so many stage moms lining up, and featured Christina Aguilera and Destinys Child (who went under the group name GirlTyme at the time), except this time the contestants were above the age of consent The Next Big Thing has all the elements of a good talent search: contestants with great voices and hard-luck backgrounds.
"I joined this contest because I hoped it could be the big break Id been praying for," explained Abby Vicente, one of the contestants.
Kristine Demeterio, a singer from Cebu, was almost unable to join the show, saying, "I had a cough that kept me from recording my demo. I almost gave up because I thought couldnt meet the deadline."
But it was Zion (who prefers to go by his first name only, like Madonna), with his smooth moves and smoother vocals, who wowed the judges and won the contest. Performing John Legends Ordinary People, dressed in a smart white suit that had suave written all over it, Zions act was reminiscent of Justin Timberlake, a favorite artist of his. "I love John Legend," he said of his chosen artist. "Hes full of soul and full of passion, like a modern Stevie Wonder."
"He delivered the song spectacularly," Richard Francisco, judge and Vicor International label manager said, adding, "And the finale dance clinched it." "Clearly, Zion came out ahead," judge and MTV managing director Jack Madrid said. "Hes got the vocal talent and dancing ability."
Flush from the success of his performance and from the major prizes, which included P250,000 and an iPod Shuffle from McDonalds, a recording contract with Vicor and an Ericsson k700i phone from Globe Gentxt, Zion was beaming from the stage.
"This is going to change my life," he said, almost speechless, after the show. "Ive got a recording contract! And Im performing at Araneta Coliseum!" Life cant get any better than this.