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In 2010, Filipina classical singer Gerphil Geraldine “Fame” Flores failed to amaze Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) judges Ai-ai delas Alas and Kris Aquino for her performance of Via Dolorosa at the competition’s semifinals.
Here’s a video of Fame’s performance in PGT.
Who would have thought that five years later, the 24-year-old singer would impress Grammy award-winning songwriter David Foster in the regional version of the PGT franchise, Asia’s Got Talent.
Fame was able to captivate the hearts of the audience and the judges with her heartfelt rendition of the song “Speak Softly, Love”, a soundtrack from the classical movie “The Godfather”. Foster was so impressed with Fame’s rendition of the song originally performed by Andy William that he finally hit the golden buzzer.
In AGT, the golden buzzer automatically advances contestants who showcased a “Golden Act” to the semifinals. Each judge has one chance to press the golden buzzer.
Hitting the special button, Foster decided to give Fame the chance to “fame”, an opportunity she lost when she was ousted in PGT.
Watch Fame make David Foster press the golden buzzer in AGT.
Aside from Fame, PGT’s season 3 finalist El Gamma Penumbra earned a golden buzzer from Indonesian pop singer Anggun.
Does Fame’s story sound familiar?
Well, that’s because you have probably heard of Charice Pempengco’s story of conquering the international music scene despite failing to win in a Philippine singing competition. In 2005, Charice joined ABS-CBN’s Little Big Star where she only snatched the third place. Undaunted by the result of the competition, Charice pursued her craft and became a YouTube singing sensation. Eventually, Hollywood hosts Ellen de Generes and Oprah Winfrey asked her to perform in their shows catapulting her to stardom.
Interestingly, Foster produced Charice’s songs for several years. It looks like Foster has the ability to recognise underrated talents in the Philippines.
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