December 18, 2011, Top 3 proteges RnB Sistah Krizza Neri, Pop sweetheart Lirah Bermudez and Singing Cinderella Lovely Embuscado performed for the last time to have that shot for the big break. All judges and even the guest judge was there to witness the show's finale. The 7 eliminated proteges with their mentors were also present that evening and rendered a separate number during the show. The Competition was divided into 3 rounds.
And this is my review regarding the Protege's Last Episode
ROUND 1 (Duet with my Mentor)
1st Performer was Krizza and mentor Aiza. They sang a mashup of the songs I'll be there for you and There you'll be by Martin Nievera and Faith Hill respectively. For me It was the BEST! Best performance of the night, Krizza's Best Performance throughout the show, Best Duet, everything is best. A heartfelt number and there's nothing I can say but totally the Best.
2nd Performer was Lovely with Mentor Jaya. They sang a mashup of the OPM songs Handog by Florante and Minsan ang minahal ay ako. It was a great performance, for me, seems like I am watching a Mother-Daughter performance, plus the meaning of the songs perfectly described their journey for the past months since the protege began.
3rd performer was Lirah and Mentor Janno. They sang a mashup of the songs Iris by Goo goo dolls and I'm with you by Avril Lavigne. I find it great as well, because it seems like they are not competing but just performing, enjoying while performing. For me this time, It's just like a Father-Daughter tandem performance.
What's My Review's Ranking for Round 1?
Round 2 (My Greatest Performance)
Krizza sang Grown-up Christmas list by David Foster and Natalie Cole with the Mandaluyong Children's Choir. No doubt with the ability of this performer, the clarity of her voice was there, the song fits the season since it's Christmas time and for some reasons I know it is dedicated for the typhoon Sendong Victims on their area. Perfect performance.
Lovely sang another mashup. A mashup of the songs Nais Ko by Basil Valdez and Kayganda ng ating musika by Haji Alejandro. What I love about this performer is that she always imply the importance and the essence of OPM hits with her song choices for the evening. It was obviously seen with her performance how she really wanted to win. She gave all the best to have a great performance, very powerful, though there are some pitch problems, just a bit.
Lirah sang another mashup as well. A mashup of the songs Nakapagtataka by APO Hiking Society and Bakit Pa by Jessa Zaragoza. Though ideally it's not really a perfect choice for a competition, but the arrangement made it sound like it's really suited for a competition, plus Lirah's clear lines while singing and hitting all the notes correctly, for me she nailed it. Great performance as well.
What's my Review's Ranking for Round 2?
Round 3 (Final Triple Showdown)
All 3 proteges sang for the last time together, singing Perfect by Pink. Krizza for me is so consistent. From the start of the protege up to the final battle, I ranked her 1st not only because she's one of my favorites but also I can't see any problems and mistakes with her performance, and I'm sure majority of the viewers will agree. Lovely obviously struggling with this round, and why is she crying? and also there are some lines that she didn't sang. She's a great performer, a well-deserving member of the top 3, she has a very touching life story but it's a singing contest she needs to give it all and set aside her life story because at the end of the day people will automatically notice it and praise her on how strong she is in surviving her everyday lives with her mom and family. Lirah was also consistent of not sounding like a "biritera" and for that, Janno for me wins upon not developing her protege as a biritera or a power belter singer. Lirah truly deserves the title Pop Sweet heart. She enjoyed her performance on round 3 and for me she had proven the judges wrong upon saying that she was the weakest among the top 3.
What's my Review's Ranking on Round 3?
All 3 proteges received a 5 year exclusive contract with GMA Artist Center and a 4 year scholarship grant from STI so no one goes empty-handed. 2 special awards were given, texter's choice award worth 50 thousand pesos and Sky Flakes Biggest break worth 100 thousand pesos all goes to Lovely Embuscado.
And the winner is.....
Krizza Neri! Mentor Aiza's Protege from Cagayan de Oro. A well-deserved finish, consistent total performer from day 1 to Final Battle. Congratulations! :)
AGAIN: No offense meant to them and for their fans, remember, I'm also a fan of them and the show.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PROTEGE'S OFFICIAL FANPAGE ON FACEBOOK :)
