I LOVE watching reality shows, especially reality singing competitions.
If there is one thing positive about the current onslaught of reality singing contests on television, it would have to be that it’s fertile ground for discovering new musical talents who might not have the chance to shine any other way.
One such pleasant discovery is Elha Nympha of ABS-CBN’s The Voice Kids. Elha had all the odds against her. She didn’t grow up pampered and privileged. She is now in her tweens, and is round and morena in a country that worships the svelte and fair skin.
Can you imagine if The Voice Kids didn’t come along? I’m pretty sure Elha will still be imitating her music idol divas for the entertainment of her attentive suki at the Kamuning Market in Quezon City. I imagine, her banana cues must be delicious because based from experience, anything cooked with love often tastes good. I imagine her belting to a Whitney Houston power ballad while deep-frying saging saba.
Elha has pure unadulterated talent going for her. Yes, she may not be a perfect singer as she really has to work with her intonation and sometimes her diction, but she’s definitely a diamond in the rough. With a bit of polishing from more lessons and experience, she can shine bright.
I’ve been a supporter of Elha since her blind audition in the just-concluded show. Her first line in her cover of Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love” was disastrous and on many occasions during that performance, she was singing above the note. But before the end of the chorus, she nailed it. The Voice coach Bamboo got it, too, because he turned around and pressed his button to claim the young singer.
Too bad the other Voice coaches, Lea Salonga and Sarah Geronimo, didn’t turn their chairs. Bamboo’s first question to her was: Besides singing, what else does you do as a kid? Elha answered with a bright smile, “Ako po ay nagbebenta ng banana cue po. Bibigyan ko kayo ng banana cue po!” It wasn’t a cheap trick to garner sympathy but she just wanted her idol coaches to sample all of her: her fabulous voice and her talent in preparing her banana specialty.
Elha powered through the battle rounds and into the semifinals, eventually bagging the grand prize. Why not? When Elha starts to sing, she can make even the harshest critics of her technique (or lack thereof) feel optimistic for the beleaguered music industry. Inspired, really because there is something uplifting about the power of her voice and what she represents: that everyone in this world can dream.
Now that she has won the second season of The Voice Kids, I’m pretty sure she can no longer roam the Kamuning Market hawking her banana cue without being mobbed. Besides, she doesn’t need it anymore as her winnings include P1 million in cash, a trust fund (also amounting P1 million), a house and lot, a car, plus a recording deal and many more.
But even though she may have everything now, even more than me (mautangan nga itong bata na ito!), I still want to wish a few more things for her.
First is that for her to always sing from her heart. She may have a powerful voice but I hope she transcends the Celine- or Mariah-type of singing because as she is, she is already a dazzling singer who can impress the most finicky people. Her grand finals interpretation of “Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin” proves just that.
Second, that she will be unruffled by the hurtful criticisms (especially from the fans of the other Voice Kids contestants or the fans of their coaches) and turn such negative comments into something positive and constructive so that she can further improve.
Last, my wish for Elha is to have bigger and brighter prospects so that she can continue more to inspire people like her. That they, like Elha, can choose to live happily ever after.