FULL RECAP: ‘The Voice Kids’ grand finale weekend

Alexa Villano

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

All the details from the finale – what they sang, who said what, and reactions to the big win

TOP 4. Screengrab from YouTube

MANILA, Philippines – Like professional performers, the top 4 finalists of The Voice Kids gave it their all in the season’s grand finale weekend. 

On July 26, Saturday, and Sunday, July 27, Darlene Vibares, Darren Espanto, Juan Karlos Labajo, and Lyca Gairanod sang for the win in the three-round competition, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila.  

Day 2: Darren and Darlene

The show kicked off as contestants from the first season led by Mitoy Yonting sang “You Get What You Give “ by The New Radicals and  “Best Day of My Life” by the  American Authors with coaches Lea Salonga, Bamboo and Sarah Geronimo.

After the introduction by hosts Luis Manzano and Alex Gonzaga, they reminded the audience and fans that voting will only open after the final round, where the four kids will sing with a guest artist.

First up was Darren Espanto, who sang “You Are My Song,” with the concert king Martin Nievera.

DARREN. The young star sings with Martin Nievera. Screengrab from YouTube

Footage of their rehearsals was shown, which showed Martin advising Darren to “sing from the heart.”

After the performance, an amazed Luis jokingly asked Darren “Tao ka ba?”  (Are you a human?) to which Darren said “’Di ko po alam.” (I don’t know.)

Sarah congratulated Darren for a job well done. 

Ako malaking karangalan na naging bahagi ako, naging parte ako ng pagtupad ng mga pangarap mo. At talaga naman ngayon gabi, matutupad talaga ang mga pangarap mo. Para naman sa aming lahat, karapat dapat kang maging the Voice Kids grand champion,” she said.

(It was an honor for me to be part in achieving your dream. And tonight, your dreams will come true. For all of us, you deserve to be the Voice Kids grand champion.)

DARLENE. She sang her heart out with Lani Misalucha. Screengrab from ABS-CBN

Next up was Darlene, who performed “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” with Asia’s Nightingale, Lani Misalucha.  During the rehearsal, Darlene said she was starstruck when Lani came to help her. Lani, for her part, said that Darlene knew how to make the song her own.

After her performance, Alex came in and told the youngster how much people love her, and that “nakasabay ka kay Lani.” (She was able to sing well with Lani on the song.)

Lea said that by far, it was her best performance.

Pinakita mo na you will not give up without a fight,” Lea said.  (You showed that you will not give up without a fight.)

“Ipinakita mo ngayon na deserving na deserving ka na maging Grand Champion ng The Voice Kids,” she added.

(You’ve shown that you really deserve to be Grand Champion of The Voice Kids).

Day 2: Juan Karlos and Lyca 

It was definitely a song and dance number for Juan Karlos when he performed no less than with Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano. Singing “Eto Na Naman,” Juan Karlos shared that he admired Gary V for a long time.  

HATAW NA. Gary V and JK perform 'Eto Na Naman.' Screengrab from ABS-CBN

Gary told Juan Karlos that it was his time to shine on stage. 

Bamboo said that Juan Karlos was great to watch, and thanked JK’s family for trusting him to coach him.

“Thank you JK for listening to me. Thank you for being such a good pupil,” he said, listing the qualifications on why the young Cebuano deserves to win.

Finally, Lyca was the last to perform “Basang-Basa sa Ulan” with the group Aegis, whom she has said she admires. Lyca said it was her dream just to say hello to the group.

The group said that they see Lyca in themselves. Dressed in jeans, a snappy jacket, and boots, Lyca definitely looked like a member herself. The crowd went wild as she poured her heart into the song.

SUPERSTAR. Lyca sings with Aegis. Screengrab from ABS-CBN

Sarah, Lyca’s mentor, proudly said that indeed that she was their superstar.

“That’s my superstar! Lyca alam mo naman na nasa grand finals ka? Hindi lang pang grand finals ang performance mo ngayong gabi kung hindi parang concert mo,” she said.

(Lyca, you know thay you are in the grand finals right? Your performance is not just for the grand finals, but it is like your concert already.)

Victory 

After all 4 performances, the voting opened again, which was closed when the show resumed. While waiting for the tally, a dance performance led by It’s Showtime host Jhong Hilario took place onstage. 

Afterwards, it was time for the announcement of the winners. ABS-CBN’s Cory Vidanes had the honor of announcing Lyca as the first ever grand champion of the contest.

Prior to the announcement, both Lyca and Darlene were already crying.  All 4 finalists also hugged one another. Things became more emotional when Lyca’s parents joined onstage, hugging their daughter. The camera even caught Lyca’s mother crying before going up on stage.

After receiving the trophy, Lyca once again went on stage to perform “Narito Ako,” which got a lot of applause from the audience.

Indeed, it was the night of the superstar from Cavite, whose life is about to change forever.

Day 1

Just a day before the grand finale, the top 4 competed in the first and second round of the finals, which saw them singing one power ballad and one upbeat number each.

The Saturday show opened with the kids singing an OPM rock medley.

 

 

Here’s a brief recap of their individual performances:

Day 1: Darlene and Lyca

Described as the “girl on fire,” Darlene sang Charice’s “Louder” and Sharon Cuneta’s “Sana’y Wala Ng Wakas.” Bamboo said that her second-round performance was very good, and that she gave it her signature style.

“You just gave it your signature Darlene, whatever it is. ‘Yung suntok, ‘yung energy na nabibigay mo sa kanta, ikaw lang talaga nakakabigay noon eh,” he said.

(The punch, the energy that you gave into the song, you’re the only one who can do that.)

Lea, Darlene’s mentor in the show, praised Darlene’s performance, though she noted the challenges that the singer went through.

Ang importante nahanap mo ‘yung nota at nung nahanap mo na, tuloy tuloy na. Ang ganda,” Lea said adding that Darlene was a “champion” when she sang the song “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas.”

(What is important was you found the note, and when you found it, it went great. It was beautiful.)

 

 

Lyca, described as the “superstar” of the group sang, “Narito Ako,” a song popularized by Regine Velasquez for the ballad portion, and performed Carly Rae Jepsen’s hit “Call Me Maybe,” for the upbeat portion.

Sarah Geronimo said that she was happy with Lyca’s performance of “Call Me Maybe.” 

Ang galing galing naman ng English mo. Sabi sa akin nung bata, okay na po, aaralin ko ‘to. Nagawa mo naman, at ang mahalaga, nag-enjoy ka,” she said.

(Your English is very good. This child told me, ‘Okay, I will study this.’ You did it, and what is important was you enjoyed it.) 

 

 

May nakita kaming bago sa’yo. Kahit anong gawin mo, mamahalin at mamahalin ka namin, kasi talagang you have the makings of a superstar,” Sarah added.

(We saw something new in you. Whatever you do, we will love you, because you have the makings of a superstar.)

Day 1: Juan Karlos and Darren

On the other hand, Juan Karlos showed off his signature charm when he sang the songs “Runaway Baby,” and “Yesterday.”

Lea said that with Juan Karlos’ charm and voice, he will definitely make it in the business.

“You have the looks, the charm, and the heart. With those three, you’re guaranteed a future in this business,” she said.

“I see a singer, an artist, and possibly an actor. I see someone who has the charisma to do it all,” Bamboo said of his protege. 

 

 

Darren, who hails from Canada, wowed the judges as he perfromed “Ngayon” and “Somebody to Love.”

Sarah, who coached Darren, said that she believes he’s ready to perform big time.

Hinog na hinog na hinod ka na. Wala nang dapat pang i-coach sa’yo. Darren, masayang masaya ako na nagkaroon ng ganitong round, kasi naipakita rin ‘yung, forte mo ito eh, lahat na lang forte mo, ano ka bang bata ka,” Sarah said, adding that Darren was a mixture of Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera.

(You are ready. There is nothing to coach you on. Darren, I am so happy that there is a round like this because you were able to show your forte. All of this is your forte.)

 

 

 

It all came to a head on Sunday night as Lyca was crowned the winner – but all seems to be well between the 4 as Darren, Juan Karlos, and Darlene, though disappointed, cheered her on. 

And of course, stars took to Twitter to share their opinions on the winners: 

 

 

   

Congratulations LYCA!!! 9 years old palang sya, winner na ung boses nya. Congrats din, Coach Sars,” KC Concepcion posted on her Instagram account.  

Did your favorite win? Let us know in the comments below. – Rappler.com

 

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Alexa Villano

Alexa is one of Rappler's Lifestyle and Entertainment reporters, covering local entertainment news to a wide range of topics from beauty pageants to reality shows.