Filipino-Australian contestant Cyrus Villanueva impressed The X Factor Australia judges and viewers on the reality singing contest's first live show on Sunday. The 19-year-old graphic design student from Wollongong, New South Wales, played the guitar and sang Justin Bieber's Boyfriend.
“If this was the circus, this would be the time of the evening when we’d turn the lights down,” said veteran American singer Chris Isaak, one of the programme’s judges and mentors, as he introduced Villanueva. “We start the slow drum roll and we say: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, could we ask for complete silence because what you’re about to see is really special’.”
Villanueva’s performance, among the final 12 acts, was unanimously praised by the celebrity panel.
“I don’t need to say a lot. I think it’s pretty simple to say it in just one sentence: you’re a star,” said Guy Sebastian.
James Blunt agreed, saying: “You look like a pop star. I think the audience’s cheering said it all.” Dannii Minogue added: “The effect you’ve had on this audience is insane. There’s a sign over there that says, ‘I’ll be the Miley to your Cyrus.’ You’ve got them in the palm of your hand – just keep delivering.”
Isaak added, “You nailed it tonight. You’re fantastic.”
In an interview before his performance, Villanueva said he discovered music through his Filipino father, a professional musician. “I’ve been helping my dad set up his gigs for years now – he plays most Saturdays,” he said. “I’ve been helping him since I was 12 years old.”
Villanueva’s father said in a video shown during Sunday’s episode: “I thought after five years, he’d be ready. Well, he was ready now, after all.”
On Tuesday’s results show, viewers voted Villanueva through to Sunday’s top 11 show. Other standout acts include R&B quartet The Fisher Boys, folk duo Jess & Matt and pop singer Mahalia Simpson.
Taklub selected for London Film Festival
Acclaimed Filipino director Brillante Mendoza's latest feature film, Taklub, will screen at the London Film Festival on October 13 and 15. Starring actress Nora Aunor – dubbed by The Hollywood Reporter as "the grand dame of Philippine cinema" – the movie tells the story of survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines in 2013.
The festival’s programme notes describe the film as “a moving testament to a community’s spirit of rejuvenation.”
Taklub debuted in the Un Certain Regard section of this year's Cannes Film Festival, where it won a Jury Prize. It will also compete in the Official Section of the Gijón International Film Festival in Spain next month.
The 59th edition of the British Film Institute London Film Festival runs from October 7 to 18.
Margo out as four finalists return to Big Brother
Margo Midwinter was evicted from the Pinoy Big Brother house last weekend after receiving the lowest number of audience votes. As the results of the vote were announced, the Filipino-British model kept her composure, seemingly expecting and resigned to her elimination. She had been nominated for eviction by her housemates three times previously, but had been saved by the public each time.
Meanwhile, the four finalists from the first part of the season – teenage housemates Bailey May, Ylona Garcia, Franco Rodriguez and Jimboy Martin – have returned to the house to compete against the remaining eight adult contestants from the second batch.
Another eviction will take place this weekend. The three housemates up for the public vote are YouTube sensation Mikee Agustin and Filipino-American models Tommy Esguerra and Jameson Blake.
A celebrity houseguest is also expected to move in to the house on Monday.
Historical biopic wins big at FAMAS Awards
Enzo Williams's Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo (The First President) took home five trophies from last week's Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) awards. Based on the life of revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio, the historical epic won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Original Song and Best Production Design.
Allen Dizon bagged the Best Actor award for Magkakabaung (The Coffin Maker), while Toni Gonzaga won Best Actress for the romantic comedy Starting Over Again.
Sylvia Sanchez was honoured as Best Supporting Actress for the family drama The Trial. Gabby Eigenmann won Best Supporting Actor for his role in the crime thriller Asintado (Between the Eyes).
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the veteran comedy trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, who have been entertaining on the big screen and television since 1975.
artslife@thenational.ae