KZ TANDINGAN WINS “THE X FACTOR PHILIPPINES”

KZ Tandingan, a band vocalist from Digos City who was mentored by international singing sensation Charice, was voted as the first grand winner of "The X Factor Philippines" during the final results night held last night (Oct 8) at the PAGCOR Grand Theater.

KZ garnered a total of 54.77% of combined text and online votes, beating second placer Gab Maturan (32.33%) and third placer Daddy's Home (12.90%).  While bursting into tears, KZ thanked everyone who supported her all throughout the competition and reiterated her goals for joining the show.

"Simple lang naman ang goal ko—ang mapaayos ang church namin at mapatunayan na hindi lang biritero't biritera ang puwedeng manalo," said KZ.

KZ had been an early favorite in the competition ever since she sang her own rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in her audition. She gave such a unique vibe and flavor to the Judy Garland classic that totally blew away judge-mentors Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Pilita Corrales, and Charice. Gary even quipped "a star is born in Digos City."

Since then, KZ had been conquering every challenge in the competition week by week and consistently delivered, impressing both the judges and the viewers.

KZ would not have pursued her singing career after she suffered throat problems in high school. She lost her confidence in singing when her vocal range changed due to her condition. From belting out high-pitched songs, she shifted to singing low-key songs. But through the encouragement of her family and friends, KZ was able to push herself to find her new identity as a musical artist. She has since been determined to prove to everyone that one doesn't have to hit the high notes in order to make it big in the music scene.

Gab, who placed second, was the only finalist who didn't land in the bottom two throughout the season. During the final performance night, Gab attempted to win over the viewers by singing Fantasia Barrino's "I Believe." He also surprised the crowd by rocking it out with Bamboo.

If Gab was consistently safe, Daddy's Home had been in the bottom two many times, making the group the dark horse of the competition. As always, the quartet blended perfectly during final performance night after they sang "Gaya ng Dati." They also brought the house down as they shared a duet with soul siren Nina and hit the high notes flawlessly.

Most Filipinos watched the two-night finale of "The X Factor Philippines" over the weekend after its ratings won over rival programs. The final performance night that aired Saturday (Oct 6) hit 19.2% vs GMA's "Kapuso Movie Night" with 13.9% and TV5's "Artista Academy" with only 3.7%. Meanwhile, the final results night that aired Sunday (Oct 7) rated at 24.5%, higher as compared to GMA's "Protégé" (10.5%).

"The X Factor Philippines" finale, which was the most talked about topic online by netizens after it trended on micro-blogging site Twitter, opened with an energetic performance from host KC Concepcion. The four judge-mentors also gave their solo performances and performed alongside their finalist mentees.

The final three also shared the stage with famous Kapamilya singing champions. Gab sang "On my Own" with Star in a Million champion, Erik Santos; KZ sang a powerful duet of the song "This is my Now" with 2005 grand champion Performer of the World, Jed Madela; and Daddy's Home serenaded the crowd together with "Pilipinas Got Talent" grand winner Jovit Baldivino, singing "Win." "Star Power" grand champion Angeline Quinto closed the number and joined all finalists in singing "The Climb."

Meanwhile, the top 12 reunited on stage singing "Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko." Kedebon Colim, Modesto Taran, and online favorite and semi-finalist Osang also gave a comic musical number with Pooh, April Boy Regino, and K Brosas.

First introduced in the UK, "The X Factor" has conquered more than 30 countries as of mid-2011 and produced more than 50 winners around the world, including Melanie Amaro, who became the first season winner of "The X Factor USA" last month. KZ adds up to the roster of "X Factor" winners all over the world and the first representative of the Philippines in the array of world-class talents from the worldwide hit franchise.