Pinay teenager Marlisa Punzalan emerged as the champion of the 6th season of “The X Factor Australia” beating rocker Dean Ray and boyband Brothers 3.
The 15-year-old singer almost missed the grand finals after landing in the bottom 2 last week together with another crowd favorite, Reigan Derry. After the two sang for their lives, the judges were divided as Ronan Keating and Danii Minogue voted for her to stay while Redfoo and Natalie Bassingthwaighte voted for Reigan, which invoked the deadlock, the result to be determined based on the public’s votes. Fortunately for Marlisa, she placed 3rd overall during the Top 4 polls eliminating Reigan in the competition.
Last Sunday (October 19), Marlisa sang her audition song “Yesterday” and her winner single “Stand By You” in her final bid for the title. She garnered standing ovation from all the judges for both performances with her mentor Ronan campaigning to the public to not let the ‘good guys finish last’ and let the ‘authentic’ Marlisa win.
Australia seemed to have listened to Ronan’s speech because after thousands of votes came in, it was declared that the Filipina girl won the competition. And it was literally close with only 0.001% difference between Marlisa and Dean.
“I just can’t believe it. I feel like I’m floating on a cloud right now,” she said.
“Thank you so much Australia, I could not have done it without you,” she added.
This is the first time in five years that Ronan’s protege win “The X Factor Australia.” On the other hand, this is the second year that a non-Australian win the Australian version of the reality talent show. Last year’s winner was Dami Im, a Korean born immigrant.
The X Factor Australia 2014 Winner Announcement: