MANILA –- Despite the loud cheers that greeted his performances at the Resorts World Manila, “The Voice of the Philippines” contestant Mitoy Yonting wasn’t feeling confident at last Sunday’s live show, where four more artists where eliminated.
Yonting was competing against the heavily favored ex-Kulay member Radha for the chance to represent Team Lea at next weekend’s grand finals of the hit TV talent show.
The vocalist of the band Draybers, who perform regularly at the casino complex, was visibly emotional after performing “The Power of Love” during Sunday’s episode, saying he was dedicating the song to his wife.
“Nung marining ko ‘yung binigay niyang porsyento sa amin ni Rhada -- medyo mababa nga ako -- siyempre nag-alala ako, nagworry ako na baka ‘yun na ‘yung katapusan,” Yonting told ABS-CBN News, referring to the score given to them by their coach Lea Salonga.
Although Salonga gave Yonting a standing ovation after his performance, the Broadway actress gave Radha the higher score of 55, compared to Yonting’s 45.
But it turned out that Yonting had nothing to worry about since the viewers overwhelming voted for him for a combined total score of 108.78 points.
“Pero luckily, pumabor naman ‘yung boto ng tao kaya masaya. Natanggal lahat ng pag-aalala. ‘Yung excitement, ‘yung pressure, nai-release ko nung malaman ko na ako ‘yung nagtagumpay," the popular contestant said.
In his home province of Calasiao, Pangasinan, Yonting’s relatives were elated with the news that the veteran singer has made it to the grand finals.
“Ang saya… proud na proud,” his nephew Jaymar Michael Labao told ABS-CBN News.
“Ipinagdasal ko,” added his sister-in-law Zeny Danico.
Yonting will compete against Team Bamboo’s Myk Perez, Team Sarah’s Klarisse de Guzman and Team Apl’s Janice Javier in the finals of “The Voice of the Philippines,” which will crown its first-ever winner on September 29.
