Filipino singing sensation Rhap Salazar wows Ellen DeGeneres

The Mindoro Post

MANILA, Philippines–“Wow!” “You’re unbelievable… unbelievable.”

Emmy-award winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres was in awe as studio audience sprang to their feet following a powerful performance of 12-year-old Rhap Salazar on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

“Your voice is incredible,” DeGeneres told Salazar, the singing sensation from the southern Pinamalayan town of Oriental Mindoro in the Philippines. “So much power and emotion. We can feel everything.”

Salazar’s live performance on the syndicated talk show on November 17 was his debut on US television. His voice seems seamless even as he hits the high notes in his rendition of Celine Dion’s “All By Myself.”

The Star Magic talent was chanced upon by Ellen DeGeneres on YouTube, exactly how she found the now world-famous Charice Pempengco. Aside from Salazar and Pempengco, Filipino singers Arnel Pineda of Journey, and Rin on the Rox guested on DeGeneres’ show.

Just recently, Salazar also wowed his international audience when he bagged two titles—Junior Grand Champion Solo Vocalist of the World and Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World—in the prestigious World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).

Salazar, who got the 2005 Brightest Star award in the ABS-CBN’s “Little Big Star” singing competition, began belting out tunes when he was three years old. Then at seven, he was already joining music contests.

Today, the child singing sensation has his self-titled album already out in the market.

During a brief interview after his song number on DeGeneres’ program, Salazar told the visibly moved host: “I’ll never forget this.” To which DeGeneres, who replaced Paula Abdul as a judge of the ninth season of American Idol, responded: “I’ll never forget it either.”

So after The Ellen DeGeneres Show, will Oprah be next?

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