KZ’s X Factor

Every Friday night, I feel good knowing that I have done my week's work and that I will be treated to X Factor episodes the following two nights.  On the 7^th episode, I never expected that an auditionee would have a great impact on me.  Her name is KZ Tandingan. 

I watched her audition and I just admired her talent, her rapport with the audience, and something else which, I believed, was the X Factor that she possessed. As I watched it, thoughts ran in my head.  I also discovered interesting reactions of the judges, the host, and the audience.

Before going on stage, KZ revealed that she had had throat problems so she could not sing high notes anymore. That was a blessing in disguise, I must say. Because of that, she chose to sing songs in a different style.

Two purposes ~ KZ says that she has joined the X Factor to help her family and to prove that the Philippine music industry is not only for singers who are attractive, tall, with flawless skin, and able to belt high notes.  I believe she will accomplish both of them.

Just 5 seconds ~ KZ gets my full attention after her singing of the first line of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  I need to hear only about 5 seconds of her singing voice to say that she's got the voice.

Her own style ~ She sings the song in her own style and it is great. Despite the throat problem, she can still manage to sing high notes and she does some creative RNB-ish technique that makes Charice stand in awe  of her and the audience go wild.

Pilita and Gary ~ Gary looks speechless; his eyes seem smiling because of what he is witnessing. Later on, he is moving his body to the rhythm of the music—something that Pilita has already been doing. KZ’s fans are waving her banner and cheering.

Expect the unexpected ~ KZ ends the song with her own style, no high notes nor sustained notes—the kind of notes which must have been expected by the viewers spectators, including Martin whose joyous “Ohhhhohhh!” is followed by his clapping and giving her a standing ovation. Gary is the third to stand up (Charice seems to have not sat down since the time she earlier stood up). Pilita gives KZ a standing ovation, too. Then, Gary faces the cheering and screaming audience to say that KZ is their own (Read: KZ's hometown must be proud of her). At this point, KZ is already in tears. Meanwhile, Charice, with her closed hand on her lips, seems speechless and in thoughts of what to do. Instead of giving words of praise, she runs to the stage and gives KZ a big hug. The two ladies literally jump in joy while in a tight hug.

The anticipation ~ The audience is clamoring for more. Martin announces, “One more from KZ!” Then, the camera shows host KC with KZ’s family who are glued to a TV monitor at the backstage. KC raises her hand to give emphasis to what she says, “I’m a fan.” The one-note guitar introduction is heard and everyone is excitedly anticipating another great performance. The body language of Gary and Charice attest to this.

Montionless(?) judges ~ And there’s the ONE MORE. There’s yelling in the audience. The judges seem motionless at first. Perhaps, they’re thinking where KZ will bring the song. Then, their bodies automatically move to the slow rhythm, especially Pilita's.

Just surrender and go wild! ~ HEY!!! And the audience go wild! All the judges have their arms raised, as if in surrender to the one talented performer in front of them. Soon, Gary can no longer control himself and submits his ability to groove to the music of KZ.

Speechless ~ At one point, the judges seem physically tired, maybe more tired than KZ. When the performance is done, Martin and Charice stand up and all you can hear from them are the performer’s name and OMG. Gary stands up, folds his arms and just stares at KZ. It seems he is frozen there for a moment. Pilita stands up and claps before fixing her blouse, which must have twisted because of her constant body swaying.

Martin asks KZ if he can be the front act for her concert. Charice follows suit and asks if she can be a guest. Pilita wants to be her back-up singer. Gary finally gets out of the freezing point and says he wants to be the director.

KZ has it all ~ The judges are still standing. There is no hint of anyone of them wanting to sit down. Before calling to vote, Gary says KZ has it all—originality, attitude, voice…“You have it all, actually.” Martin counts 1-2-3! YYYYYEEEEESSSSS!!!!! 5 yeses, including the audience’s!  KZ gets emotional after hearing the unanimous decision. Then, she bows to the judges and the audience. The camera pans across the judges’ area. Pilita shows a big happy smile.

KZ goes to the judges’ table for handshakes and waves to the crowd before joyfully going backstage. Gary once more addresses the ecstatic audience, “You must be so proud, huh?”

Backstage, KC, the fan, greets KZ with a hug. She then realizes that KZ should hug her family first, so, she turns over the successful auditionee to her happy, excited, and proud family.

I agree with Gary. KZ has it all. And her voice has a tone that I really love. 

KZ definitely has THE X Factor!