KZ Tandingan, Jessie J land in top 4
KZ Tandingan’s version of “Say Something” did not only land her at the top 4 of international singing contest “Singer 2018,” she was even praised by the song’s original singers, A Great Big World.
In a Twitter post, the American musical duo lauded the Filipina crooner, saying: “Wow. @KZofficial. wow,” referring to KZ’s dramatic performance.
In response, KZ told A Great Big World on Twitter: “Whoah. Thank you so much for appreciating.”
For KZ’s dramatic rendition of A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera’s “Say Something,” she landed fourth place from studio audience votes.
KZ’s idol, British pop star Jessie J, placed third for belting out Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much.”
It was KZ’s third week in the Chinese TV show, which is now on its seventh week. Last February 16, KZ became a regular contender after placing sixth for her medley of Mandarin songs.
KZ told ABS-CBN that she was surprised at placing fourth last week because the audience was quieter compared to her Mandarin song medley performance, when she placed sixth.
KZ made headlines after she placed number one on the show’s February 9 episode for her jazzy performance of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Jessie came in second after singing Rufus Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody.”
The Star Music artist hopes more OPM artists will be invited to compete in the next season of “Singer 2018,” which attracts over 200 million viewers weekly.
“Singer 2018” is China’s most popular reality TV singing competition and pits professional singers from around the world against each other as they vie to win audience votes.
For her first appearance on the show, KZ said she defied recommendations to sing other songs, and ultimately chose to perform her unique version of the Adele hit — a personal decision that she believed would showcase who she is as an artist.
“I went to China and I was pretty sure no one knew me. Now they know a small Filipina girl who is singing her heart out in China’s number one show. That makes me very proud. That’s the kind of impact I want to make as a Filipino and show the world. Your dreams will come true as long as you believe that you can do it and you do what you want to do,” she said.