Tag Archives: X Factor Australia 2014 Top 3

10.18.14
by

‘Impossible’ but ‘Girl On Fire’ Filipina teener Marlisa gets into ‘X Factor Australia 2014’ grand finals with ‘Help’ from viewers

Australia-born but full-blooded Filipino teener Marlisa Punzalan was always second to be declared safe in the ongoing X Factor Australia 2014 reality show.

During the Top 4 phase, she was the first to be sent by host Luke Jacobz to safety.

Marlisa sexyMarlisa Punzalan

However, for the Top 3, where the remaining contestants will battle it out for the Grand Finals, Marlisa was in the Bottom 2 along with Reigan Derry, as Brothers 3 and Dean Ray were safely sent to the penultimate showdown.

Mentor Ronan Keating chose Alicia Keys’ Girl On Fire for Marlisa, then X Factor UK 2012 winner James Arthur’s Impossible.

Click links to watch Marlisa‘s Top 4 performances: http://youtu.be/bUCHXgnSOzE (Girl On Fire); http://youtu.be/iq7317cpSao (Impossible)

“Not only have you stepped into your voice and your confidence and you’re mastering those runs and you’re singing the best songs around, so congratulations to you and to Ronan,” judge-mentor Dannii Minogue commented.

Marlisa with Ronan Impossible numberMarlisa with mentor Ronan Keating

As for Ronan, he said he was nervous during the rehearsals as Marlisa missed a key for the second song.

“You found this one a little tricky during rehearsals. You struggled a few times. You nailed it this time. I was really nervous. This is your last shot. This is the last song Australia could ever see you sing on the show. I hope they pick up the phone and vote. You deserve a slot in the grand finals. You are incredible and that performance was impossible so congratulations,” Ronan quipped.

On Live Decider Night, Reigan sang Hallelujah, X Factor UK 2008 winner Alexandra Burke’s grand finals song.

Marlisa sang Help (a Beatles original) by John Farnham. She said she chose the song because it fits her voice and that was what she needed at that crucial time – Help from voters to sail through the grand finals.

Click link to watch Marlisa’s rendition of Help http://youtu.be/iBzH-lrjkcs

The mentor-judges gave their verdict.

Marlisa on the cover of a local publicationMarlisa on the cover of a local publication

Dannii voted to send Marlisa to the grand finals.

Ronan’s unimpeachable decision was, of course, for Marlisa.

Redfoo voted for his ward, Reigan.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s vote for Reigan made it a deadlock, so Luke had to announce who between Marlisa and Reigan was voted by Australia.

The moment was so tense and silent, that even a pin drop and the heartbeats of the remaining contenders and their mentors can be heard.

Marlisa and Ronan exulted in jubilation when Luke announced it was Marlisa joining Brothers 3 and Dean Ray in the grand finals.

Meanwhile, Redfoo and Reigan accepted their fate with resignation.

Foo said he’s sure Reigan will become a star, as she already has become a LegenDerry (a play on the word legendary) in the contest.

For the grand finals Brothers 3, Dean Ray and Marlisa will be singing three songs each.

Marlisa birthday picMarlisa with some of her birthday gifts from fans and supporters

The Filipino-Aussie teener posted on October 13:

My BIGGEST THANKS TO YOU ALL!!! I am sincerely grateful to each and everyone of you who fought with me in this incredible journey! To all my supporters/fans in Australia and the world, thank you so much for voting and supporting me, believing in me and for defending me at all times showing your ongoing loyalty every single week! To my beautiful family, the Punzalan’s and the Ongkingco’s for standing by me through thick and thin, for the countless hours spent unselfishly to promote my cause whether near or far, you’re my rock and my strength. To my vocal coach/piano teacher Roxanne & Stephen Kiely for the passion and perseverance in making me who I am today, for trusting my ability and making me feel so much like a member of your family. To all our friends and relatives, for all the well wishes and encouragement to keep going, Mercy Catholic College for supporting my education whilst living my dream, the Press for helping me get the right exposure at all times, to all the organisers of the many charity and community events, AND to all whom I may have missed, thank you so much and my apologies to you all. To Reigan, this was not easy for both of us but you brought out the best in my performance, you are incredible and truly a professional. To Ronan for the trust and belief in my talent and for the excellent mentoring and for guiding me to reach the Top 3!! Most importantly I thank the Lord God for all these blessings and I thank God that you are in this journey with me. Without a doubt, we will keep on chasing this dream together according to God’s plan. Thank you so much, God bless and much Lve, Marlisa

Marlisa turned 15 on October 1.

Get to know more about Marlisa thru her Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/MarlisaMusic

Marlisa in Titamium costumeMarlisa in her ‘Titanium’ costume

Related stories in this blog: