Filipina Teen Wins ‘X-Factor Australia’

MANILA, Philippines– Marlisa Punzalan, the 15-year-old Filipina based in Western Sydney, emerged as the champion of this year’s ‘X-Factor Australia’.

Besting two other candidates namely Dean Ray and Brothers 3  in the grand finale, Punzalan became the youngest champion of the reality talent search competition which has been running for six seasons since 2005.

For the finale, Punzalan rendered her audition piece ‘“Yesterday” by The Beatles.

The young singer also performed her upcoming winner’s single “Stand by You” which earned her a standing ovation from the judges.

Finally, the Filipina singer sang “Never Be the Same” with Australian R&B singer Jessica Mauboy.

Prior to the big announcement, Punzalan once again gave a powerful performance of the song “Titanium”.

Former Boyzone member Ronan Keating coached Punzalan throughout the show. During the finale, Keating commented:

“We’ve got a big show in our hands, we’ve got incredible performances on the way, from all of the contestants. But I tell you what — you’ve picked a great time to get a standing ovation. Wow. You have been such an incredible person throughout this whole journey, and as a mentor, I couldn’t have asked for a better contestant.”

Punzalan is the latest addition to the list of Filipinos making a mark in international singing competitions. Nine months ago, Pinay caregiver Rose Fostanes became X-Factor Israel’s first champion.