Elha Nympha takes a big shot
‘Kinabahan din po ako sa performance ko kasi po sa Pilipinas po ay sanay ako na pag nag-perform, pumapalakpak po sila. Medyo kinabahan po ako kasi baka po sa international akin.’ audience, hindi pumalakpak sa
American TV host Steve Harvey couldn’t help but say this of Elha Nympha during her guest appearance on the second season of “Little Big Shots,” a talent show for kids: “This little girl can sing!”
American TV host Steve Harvey couldn’t help but say this of Elha Nympha during her guest appearance on the second season of “Little Big Shots,” a talent show for kids: “This little girl can sing!”
Elha was chosen along with other kids around the world to showcase their talents on the show. She wowed Steve and the audiences with her performance of Sia’s “Chandelier.” “’Yung taping po, okay po. ’Yung performance ko, good,” Elha humbly said at the press preview of “Little Big Shots” Season 2 at Privato Hotel late last week. On “Little Big Shots,” Steve also asked Elha on her life in the Philippines. The former banana cue vendor champion flew to the US last year to tape the show. “Sobrang happy po ako kasi nakakilala po ako ng madaming friends at nakapag-perform ako ng maayos,” she said. While Elha is used to joining competitions and talent reality shows, having bagged the grand champion title on “The Voice Kids Philippines” and currently starring in another singing competition “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids,” she admitted feeling nervous during her guest performance on “Little Big Shots.” “Hindi po siya competition.
Dini-discover lang po ’yung talent. Pero kinabahan din po ako sa
performance ko kasi po sa Pilipinas po sanay po ako mag-perform kasi pumapalakpak po sila. Kaya po medyo kinabahan po ako kasi po baka sa international audience hindi pumalakpak sa akin. Kaya kinabahan po ako.” Elha stayed in the US for three weeks and was able to go to theme parks, such as Disneyland, Universal Studios and Six Flags. Asked how she prepared for the show, “Kino-condition ko po ’yung voice ko kasi baka po ’yung song na ibibigay sa akin mahirap. Kailangan po mag- practice.”
“Little Big Shots,” hosted by Steve, is co-produced by him and Ellen DeGeneres. Elha talked about her conversation with Steve, who asked if he is popular in the Philippines.
Well, of course. Recall that Steve made a blunder during the 2015 Miss Universe when he mistakenly announced the wrong winner instead of Miss Universe-Philippines Pia Wurtzbach. Steve also endeared himself to many Filipinos during the 2016 Miss Universe in Manila last January.
“Sa backstage lang po kami naguusap, matagal po kami nag-usap. Tinanong niya po sa akin kung kilalangkilala siya sa Philippines. Sabi ko po, ‘Opo, kilalang-kilala po,’” Elha said. She is happy to have made friends with other kids from “Little Big Shots.” They still communicate with each other via email. Other kids that have participated on “Little Big Shots” as shown in the teaser, are an archer, basketball player, dancer, and drummer, among others.
“I have a lot of friends sa “Little Big Shots,” kasi sa du’n madaming kids na nadi-discover.
So, talagang lahat kayo friends. Meron isang playroom doon, pwede kayong maglaro doon kaya nakakapag-bonding kami,” she said. Elha is thankful for the recognition and the opportunity to take the international stage through “Little Big Shots.” She hopes for more doors to open and for her to appear as guest in Ellen’s show someday. “Sobrang ganda po ng opportunity po sa akin nitong ‘Little
Big Shots.’ Isa po itong way para dumami pa ’yung mga shows ko at ma-achieve ’yung mga gusto kong ma-achieve. Sana po magkaroon po ako ng international shows kasi iyon din ’yung isa sa mga pangarap na gusto ko ma-achieve, ang makapag-perform sa ibang bansa. Sana mag-guest po ako sa ‘Ellen,’” she said.
For all the achievements she received since her stint on “The Voice Kids Philippines,” Elha will always be thankful to her coach, Bamboo. Elha shared Bamboo still continues to guide her. “Lagi po ako nagti-thank you sa kanya. Kasi kung hindi dahil
sa kanya, wala po ako ngayon dito kung hindi niya ako pinili sa ‘The Voice.’ Ang advice niya po sa akin,
‘Be humble.’ ’Yung mga diction sa pagkanta, inaalalayan niya po ako,” she said. While her life has definitely changed since the days she used to sell banana cue to help her family, Elha remains grounded. They already have some investments, including a house and a car.
“Wala naman po masyadong nabago, ’yung ganito lang po na nagkakaroon na ng shows. Pero ’yung buhay ko po, normal pa din po, as a celebrity or recording artist lang po. ’Yung voice ko lumaki na at mas lalo pa pong dumadami
’yung mga followers ko at opportunities like this ‘Little Big Shots,’” she said.
The 12-year-old singer manages her time between singing and studying. Elha is currently promoting her eponymous album under MCA Music and performs in many shows while also studying at APEC School. “Kunwari, tapos po sa rehearsals
at may assignment, gawin niyo po kagad ’yung assignment. Para kapag may iba pang gagawin, pwede pang magawa. Pwede din na habang nagsho-show gawin din
’yung assignment,” she said. She has achieved so much at such an early age. Still, there’s no stopping Elha from reaching for the stars. She will have her second album soon and is open to doing musical plays.
“Sana mas ma-achieve ko pa ’yung kailangan ko ma-achieve at sana mas madami pa ako matutunan sa industry na ito.” Elha advises young aspiring singers to take a shot in achieving their dreams.
“Be you. Achieve what you want. Practice and do whatever you want. Para po kasi sa akin, kailangan hindi kayo matakot kung ano ’yung gusto niyong gawin. Kailangan ilabas niyo po siya kasi blessing po ni God iyan. Sayang naman kung hindi niyo tatanggapin,” she said. “Little Big Shots” starts airing today in the Philippines on DIVA TV. It is on Mondays at 7 p.m.