Classical crossover artist Gerphil-Geraldine Flores captured viewers’ hearts during “Asia’s Got Talent’s” inaugural season with her powerful vocal performances. (Photo courtesy of Gerphil-Geraldine Flores)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
This season, the Got Talent franchise celebrated 10 years on the global airwaves!
America’s Got Talent just wrapped up its tenth anniversary celebration, while their British sister series (Britain’s Got Talent) is preparing for its massive 10th anniversary celebration that will air next year on ITV. Halfway around the world, another Got Talent series marked a milestone. During Asia’s Got Talent’s inaugural season, judges Melanie C, Van Ness, Anggun and legendary music producer David Foster found the show’s first shining star in the form of Gerphil-Geraldine Flores.
The Philippines classical crossover singer won international acclaim with her cover of Andy Williams’ “Speak Softly, Love,” which not only received a standing ovation from the four judges and the studio audience…. but also the Golden Buzzer from her musical idol: David Foster.
Throughout her journey on Asia’s Got Talent, Gerphil’s performances including her beautiful interpretation of “Love Story (Where Do I Begin?)” and her star-making cover of “The Impossible Dream” amassed over a combined 16,000,000 views on YouTube.
After finishing in second on Asia’s Got Talent, Gerphil reunited with David Foster and joined Natalie Cole, Boyz II Men, Ruben Studdard and Charice for a stop on Mr. Foster’s Hit Man: David Foster & Friends Asia Tour on August 18, 2015.
In this edition of The Five Question Challenge, Gerphil talked about the life changing moment when David Foster hit his Golden Buzzer and which artists she wants to work with in the future.
Jacob Elyachar: When did you get interested in opera? How did that passion evolve into a desire of having a career in the music industry?
Gerphil-Geraldine Flores: I was born in Germany and my mom would often bring me to opera houses when I was around 2-years-old. At the age of 3, I was already humming and singing “The Queen of the Night “aria from Mozart’s The Magic Flute. My grandfather was also a classical guitarist so I guess their love for music and my exposure to this genre at an early age is what influenced me.
JE: What drew you to audition for “Asia’s Got Talent”?
GGF: I wanted to represent fellow classical musicians who do so much for classical music to be recognized and appreciated. I also want to inspire people of all ages especially young ones through singing a genre where I can really express myself and that is, classical crossover music, and that is why I joined. Little did I know that it was going to be a big journey and I never expected the appreciation I received from the judges especially when Mr. David Foster hit the Golden Buzzer! When he hit it, I thought I was in Wonderland.
JE: What was your favorite performance that you did on “Asia’s Got Talent”?
GGF: Among the three rounds (audition, semis and finals) on Asia’s Got Talent, I really liked the audition round. I was literally watching some of my dreams become a reality. I received a standing ovation, I met one of my idols, Mr. David Foster, he pressed the golden buzzer and he went on stage to congratulate me. It was all so surreal!
JE: Who are some of your dream collaborators (singers, producers, songwriters, et cetera)?
GGF: I would love to work with Josh Groban, Michael Buble and Andrea Bocelli in the future.
JE: If you had the chance to meet with someone who wants to pursue a career in the music industry, what advice would you share with them?
GGF: It is not always a smooth ride for every musician’s life but in order for you to survive, you must believe in yourself. Reach for your dreams!
You can connect with Gerphil on social media! Visit her Facebook, Instagram & Twitter accounts.
Thanks for finally writing about >The Five Question Challenge
with Gerphil-Geraldine Flores <Loved it!