Thursday, January 17, 2008

RENALDO LAPUZ, FILIPINO AMERICAN IDOL




You knew it was just a matter of time. On the second day of American Idol Season 7 auditions, another Pinoy has made it to the show of shows.

Upon seeing previews of a contestant in a shiny silver cape and gaudy hat, I groaned knowing that he's Pinoy. I was afraid that the 44-year-old, 100% Pinoy, Renaldo Lapuz will do something completely embarassing. But as it turned out, he was so guileless and so sincere that he won me over.

Yes, he probably will be in the Worst list in the inevitable American Idol's Best & Worst, but unlike the completely deluded AI should-not-bes, Renaldo wasn't cringe-inducing (okay, maybe the costume was).

In fact, he did the most funny and entertaining audition so far. He even got the hosts to sing along and dance along with him.

The Reno, Nevada native didn't actually get the golden ticket to Hollywood (where many contestants wash out anyway) but he got something better: Fifteen minutes of fame and a prediction from his idol, Simon Cowell, that his audition piece - an original composition called "We're Brothers Forever" - will be a "hit record."

Okay, so Simon was laughing when he said that but it's not unthinkable: Renaldo could be this year's William Hung. And he already has one thing over Hung: Renaldo sings better, and I guarantee you, once you've heard him, for better or for worse, his song will stick in your mind like day-old malagkit. As one blogger described his performance: "He is freakin' hilarious!"

"If I were an American Idol, then I would give hope to those who are in despairs, and to be tough, to be strength," Renaldo said.

His English might be broken but his spirit surely wasn't when he tearfully thanked Simon after his audition for "giving a chance to everyone to sing to the whole world...to give a chance to any talent, free of charge."

Other kababayans might get crabby and start bagging on him but I hope for the opposite. Sure, talent-wise, he's no Jasmine Trias - not even AJ Tabaldo - but he just seems to be a happy Pinoy with a song in his heart so let's let him have the time of his life.

So - congrats, Renaldo! Idol ka namin.

And now, here are the lyrics to his song. All together now!

We're Brothers Forever

By Renaldo Lapuz

I am your brother
Your best friend forever
Singing this songs
The music that you liiiike!

Brothers till the end of time
Together or not
You're always in my heart
Your hurt, your feelings
And you will worry no mooore!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

He sure was funny with his costume , accent and whatever. Yet very entertaining! That's how show business is all about.

Anonymous said...

Good or bad, Renaldo made a mark,
an original song added to his hat.
HE MADE NEWS!

Anonymous said...

I had the greatest laugh watching this guy sing his song! LOL.

It's sad that Ryan made fun of him before his audition and the poor guy had no idea. He was even genuinely thankful when Ryan said he would "fit in" in hollywood. I've been to the Philippines 3 times and have met filipinos, most of whom are wonderful and kind. Good luck to you brother!

James Dobsha

Anonymous said...

he'll make the program a lot more entertaining til the end of time

Anonymous said...

so pure in heart! like a kid who just wants to make you happy!
I love it!

may C

David D'Angelo said...

Posted your article and also a write-up about it on www.pagodkanaba.blogspot.com and www.newzaroundus.blogspot.com ... and also at www.broodonline.com

Hope you can also add links to the 3 sites to your blog... Thanks and take care always!

Anonymous said...

Na touch si Simon sa remarks ni Renaldo.
Take note than Ryan also returned Renaldo's bow.
Coool.
Good show Renaldo.

Anonymous said...

What Reynaldo gave that program is undoubtedly a doze of effective Filipino humor, the first time I think that Filipino humor had hit American television prime time.

He is my idol too.

Anonymous said...

I wanna be really honest. I thought it was embarassing.