I’ve been meaning to blog about something else but when I saw the latest American Idol episode which featured a Filipino contestant named Renaldo Lapuz, I realized I just have to write about it. Judging on the many video clips in Youtube that were posted about him, I suppose he has become a household name and perhaps, an international sensation. An entertainment phenomenon, dare I add.
People are saying that he might even surpass William Hung’s fame (all 15 minutes of it). Maybe Simon Cowell got it right when he predicted that Renaldo’s own composition " We’re Brothers Forever" will be a big hit. At least on the internet. One thing I can say is that after listening to it a few times, the song is kinda catchy and has a tendency to stick in your head. You might find yourself humming to it unconsciously or belting it out like you’re in a musical or drunken stupor. You might even get creative and produce your own version of his song.
When I first saw the introduction video clip on Mr. Lapuz, I immediately guessed that he might be a Filipino. I’m sure a lot of Pinoy viewers surmised that as well. Despite his strangely outlandish (I’m being nice here) outfit, I was really hoping that he will bowl us over with a great singing talent and prayed that he would not be torn apart by the judges. That was before I realized that he was 44 years old and not even really qualified to be a contestant anyway. Uh-oh!
For those who didn’t see it on TV, here’s how the audition went down. If you wish to get to the actual singing, just forward to the 2:50 mark. Note: Click Pause on the Radio Blog first before viewing the videos.
So, what do you think of Renaldo’s "AI" moment? Did it inspire the Pinoy pride in you or were you offended by the way he was treated and portrayed? Honestly, my reaction to this is kinda hybrid. I can’t decide if I’m impressed by his chutzpah or disappointed that he didn’t really quite "represent" the Filipino talent. Whichever it is, I have to commend him for his seemingly unaffected and sincere character. Despite the hilarity and absurdness of the situation, he appeared to remain dignified and genial. His positivity and genuine gratitude for the opportunity to perform was unmistakable and that authentically affable quality in his demeanor reflected well on us Filipinos, in general.
So he wasn’t a great singer but he wasn’t the worst either. In fact, his enthusiastic performance earned him a lot of admiration and attention that there is quite a plethora of videos dedicated to his act. Here’s just a few that I like that I was able to scour in Youtube. Click away and don’t blame me if you find yourself singing, "I am your brother, your bestfriend forever…" over and over and over again.
So, would you buy his record when and if it comes out? Discuss!
Hmmmmm.. I’m stumped. =P
As to whether I will buy his record if/when he does make one, parang hindi yata.
But he seems like a really nice fellow.
hahah … you’re right rose! i kept singing that line over and over since wednesday when i saw him in American Idol…”I am your brother, your bestfriend forever …”
It’s very funny! I enjoyed watching him actually. I knew him to be Pinoy at first, you know, the typical Filipino, I even guessed he’s a Kapampangan (just guess!). Well, I personally took it as a pride for us Pinoy. Simon, Paula and Randy’s reactions toward him seemed all constructive though. What was touching afterall was the sincerity and dignity in his speech. Not bad as a composer, huh!
Hi Rose, I did not see the AI episode since I am not really a TV person. But thanks to your you tube link here and I am able to hear his song and his AI moment. Personally, I am not offended with his appearance in AI. He may not be an eloquent speaker, but he seemed to speak from his heart, really honest in his desire to show off his composition to the world. As to why he was dressed like that, I did not understand too, but I think it was part of him thinking that it may get more attention. His costume bothered me at first since the costume looked so trying hard to me, I wished he had been more simple looking. But when he started to sing the song “Brothers forever”, I started to appreciate his costume, believe it or not. That regardless how we may appear, “we are brothers forever”. I am touched with his song, I think he has potential to be composer, but not very sure as a singer. But I think his desire was more of letting the world hear his composition for free, and he was very happy for that chance given to him. I feel proud as Filipino for his composition.
Hi Rose,
I will buy his record if it’s for charity..I think you might’ve overdone the you tube postings..One or two will do..
Keep blogging..Power to you..
I wish I saw that but unfortunately, school beckons and I only seem to heed its call. I look forward to your next blog.
LOLS! Very entertaining! I think he even sings better than our very own Max Surban and Yoyoy Villame. Thanks for sharing Rose!
I saw him when he performs, i was hoping he is not! But when reality strikes back, Hollllaaaaaa, kabayan pala. In this world there are good and bad eggs, its up for us to judge. He presented himself the best he could, Im just glad he still was able given the chance to do his part.
American idol by the way showed the worst, the best, the ugly, whatever, etc, etc, etc..
Thanks for sharing other You tube parts and tidbits. Sorry I will not buy if ever.
More power!
I saw him when he performs, i was hoping he is not! But when reality strikes back, Hollllaaaaaa, kabayan pala. In this world there are good and bad eggs, its up for us to judge. He presented himself the best he could, Im just glad he still was able given the chance to do his part.
American idol by the way showed the worst, the best, the ugly, whatever, etc, etc, etc..
Thanks for sharing other You tube parts and tidbits. Sorry I will not buy if ever.
More power!
I saw him when he performs, i was hoping he is not! But when reality strikes back, Hollllaaaaaa, kabayan pala. In this world there are good and bad eggs, its up for us to judge. He presented himself the best he could, Im just glad he still was able given the chance to do his part.
American idol by the way showed the worst, the best, the ugly, whatever, etc, etc, etc..
Thanks for sharing other You tube parts and tidbits. Sorry I will not buy if ever.
More power!
I saw him when he performs, i was hoping he is not! But when reality strikes back, Hollllaaaaaa, kabayan pala. In this world there are good and bad eggs, its up for us to judge. He presented himself the best he could, Im just glad he still was able given the chance to do his part.
American idol by the way showed the worst, the best, the ugly, whatever, etc, etc, etc..
Thanks for sharing other You tube parts and tidbits. Sorry I will not buy if ever.
More power!
.,”good.,! i love his song.,!
.,”the song touches my heart.,! w/ feelings niya kinanta toh.,! i luv it.,!
.,”go0d luck renaldo.,!