Rose Fostanes’ ‘X Factor’ journey

 

MANILA, Philippines – With her soulful renditions of contemporary and classic songs, Pinay caregiver Rose Fostanes blazed to the top of reality singing competition X Factor Israel, winning the show’s first ever grand finals held Tuesday, January 14 (Wednesday, January 15 in Manila). 

From the beginning of the competition, 47-year-old had earned massive praise from both viewers and judges, becoming an instant phenomenon in Israel.

Fostanes now joins the list of Filipinos who have wowed the world with their singing prowess in reality TV.

Here’s a look at her rise to stardom:

1. Auditions

In Israel’s first glimpse of the Filipina, Fostanes revealed her hopes of changing her life through the competition. Like many other Filipino workers abroad, she dreams of a better life for her family in the Philippines.

The judges had only praises for her audition where she sang Shirley Bassey’s This is My Life and earned a standing ovation form the audience and the judges. Shiri Maimon, who would later on become her mentor, called it perfect, while Rami Fortis was rendered speechless. 

“You have the X Factor,” he declared.

2. Bootcamp and the Judge’s House

In the preliminary phases of the competition, hopefuls were narrowed down from some 80 contestants in the Bootcamp stage, to only 12 finalists competing in the live shows.

Fostanes’ first performance was her rendition of Lady Gaga’s You and I, which secured her a place in the top 40. After performing Prince’s Purple Rain, she advanced to the next phase.

Contestants were given the chance to perform for a judge in their own home. Fostanes chose Simply The Best  by Tina Turner and Without You by Badfinger.

During this phase, an emotional Fostanes opened up about insecurities in the competition, admitting she was concerned about being the oldest and “not having the whole package.”

Nonetheless, Fostanes gave her 155%.

You and I

Simply the Best

3. Live Shows

More than once did a standing ovation await Fostanes after her live show performances.

Starting off with a bang, her rendition of Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful was greatly lauded by the audience and the judges. The judges described her performance as amazing and perfect. Ivri Lider said she was “probably the best singer in the competition.” 

“You are beautiful. I love you,” said Rami Fortis.

The audience clamored for more, as would be the trend for her following performances.

Beautiful

Fostanes continued to woo the crowd with her own version of contemporary songs particularly Born this Way, by Lady Gaga and Because of You by Kelly Clarkson.

She also stood out and showed off her vocal range with her performances of classic hits Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and  I Who Have Nothing by Shirley Bassey, among others.

I Who Have Nothing

Born This Way

Bohemian Rhapsody

Because of You

4. Finals

Fostanes earned her first standing ovation early on in the competition, and on her final performance, the audience and judges were once again up on their feet.

With her sister Nancy, partner Mel Adel, and Filipino fans watching live, she sang Frank Sinatra’s My Way, a song which is said to bring bad luck when sung in karaoke sessions in the Philippines.

But no cursed song could stop her from claiming victory. Rose Fostanes, a Filipino, is X Factor Israel’s first winner.

If I Ain’t Got You

My Way

 – Rappler.com; All video clips courtesy of Reshet TV/X Factor Israel