She started the competition as a nervous teenager, but 13-year-old Justine Afante finished it as a superstar as she was crowned the grand champion of The Voice Kids UK last August 29.
For her final performance, Afante gave a moving rendition of Beyoncé’s “Listen” which wowed both the show’s judges as well as virtual audiences across the world. She outdid three other young yet stellar performers George Eliot, Dara McNicholl, and fellow Filipina singer, seven-year-old Victoria Alsina.
Watch the performance that earned her the top prize:
As the crowned winner, Afante was awarded £30,000 to fund her music education, as well as an ultimate VIP theme park experience at the Universal Orlando Resort. For her, however, the real prize was how the entire journey transformed her into a full-fledged performer.
“I’ve never really experienced anything like this and so it’s the first big thing that I’ve ever done – and it’s just been amazing. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions and I’m just so grateful that I’m one of those people who got to experience it.” Afante said after winning.
Fans of the show will remember how Afante made all four judges turn their seats during her blind audition where she sang “Never Enough” from the film The Greatest Showman.
Even amid this pandemic, Pinoy pride delivers! With Afante’s victory, and with all the Filipino talent that shined through on the show, we’re all eager to see them perform on local soil.
