Ivy Jane Paredes, a devoted mother working as an entertainer in United Arab Emirates (UAE), bested six other Overseas Filipinos (OF) who competed at DZMM’s Global Pinoy Singing Idol last February 3 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.

Paredes, who first gained fame as fan favorite in United Kingdom’s “X Factor” show, sang her way to the title and the $2,500 grand prize with an average score of 93.67%, wowing distinguished judges led by “Your Face Sounds Familiar” judge Ogie Alcasid, The Company’s Annie Quintos, and Pinoy Prince of Pop Erik Santos.

Karl Tanhueco, also from the UAE, won 1st runner up and Saori Matsuo from Japan won 2nd runner-up in the annual competition first organized by the leading AM radio station in Mega Manila seven years ago to discover new singing talents among Filipinos living or working abroad. The finalists were determined after holding separate contests in the United States of America, UAE, and Japan during DZMM’s “World Caravan,” where the station picked the top two contestants per region.

Just like DZMM, which overseas Filipinos are able to access via TFC.tv and dzmm.com.ph, the Global Pinoy Singing Idol serves as a link to home for our kababayans who are also looking for a venue to showcase their talents. This year, DZMM even gave the finalists a grand homecoming, bringing them back to the Philippines to be with their family and friends for the finals.

Adding to the star-studded lineup during the GPSI finals, which was hosted by DZMM anchors Winnie Cordero and Ahwel Paz, were Angeline Quinto, actress Sue Ramirez and BoybandPH.

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