From singing, dancing, playing instruments, and performing out-of-this-world acts, applicants from North, Central, and South Luzon, and Visayas regions showed what they got in hopes of making it through the first cut of the competition and be the country’s first ever got talent grand winner who will win a whopping P2 million jackpot prize..

“We were really amazed with what Filipinos can offer. They can really surprise you and blow you away when you least expect it,” shared Executive Producer Rancy Recato.

PGT indeed opened its doors to a diverse group of people. Hopefuls from the first two legs of auditions ranged from 3 to 65 years old and covered just about everybody including those with physical disability.

“Anyone who’s got talent can join the search and show what they can do to the whole country and even to the whole world,” said Production Manager Morly Nueva.

In 2008, single mom Madonna Decena showed the world that Filipinos’ got talent when she wowed the crowd and judges in “Britain’s Got Talent” including Simon Cowell. Her powerful rendition of “I Will Always Love You” was viewed heavily in YouTube and reported in local TV newscasts, making her an instant celebrity overnight.

She was working then as a club singer in Britain to provide for her kids when the opportunity that changed her life knocked on her door.

“I didn’t really expect to make it through the auditions. I think they liked me for my voice and for my story,” said Madonna, whose sterling performance during the auditions in the UK was reported in other Asian countries.

British viewers of the hit show were in awe with her singing prowess and even dreaded judge Simon Cowell was blown away. “For that one act, it was worth coming up her,” he said.

Even though she didn’t make it to the finals and win “Britain’s Got Talent,” Madonna is very thankful for the experience and feels fulfilled to have shown the world what Filipinos are capable of doing.

“It’s a big honor for me to have made it that far in the show especially that I am representing the Filipino people. I’m happy that I made my fellow Filipinos proud and increase the respect given by British people to our race,” she said.

This early, the 33-year-old singer is very excited for “Pilipinas Got Talent” so that other talented Filipinos like her will get their time to shine.

Madonna also gave aspiring artists or PGT hopefuls to give it all in their performance and just focus on improving their craft rather than comparing it with other acts.

If you think you got what it takes and if you got talent, catch the next legs of “Pilipinas Got Talent” auditions in Northern Mindanao at Cagayan De Oro City on Nov. 25, and 26; Southern Mindanao at Davao City on Dec. 1 and 2 ; and in the Greater Manila Area on Dec 5, 6, 12, and 13. For more information, log on to PGT’s official website at http://pilipinasgottalent.abs-cbn.com.

Watch out for the first and only nationwide reality and talent search “Pilipinas Got Talent” to be hosted by Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford airing soon on ABS-CBN.

‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ Auditions, A Smashing Success originally appeared on Starmometer on November 21, 2009.

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Arnel Pineda and Charlie Green on Sharon originally appeared on Starmometer on August 11, 2008.

Just like Fil-Brit Charlie Green who did great in the semi-finals, the judges didn’t approve for Madonna Decena to advance in the finals.

It’s a bloody travesty!

:: Watch the VIDEO here.

Madonna Decena – Britain’s Got Talent Semi-finals originally appeared on Starmometer on June 3, 2008.

Trembling and a little unsure of herself, Madonna walked onto the stage and told everyone her reason for being there.

Six months ago she flew out to Britain in the hope of creating a better life for herself and two young daughters. Agonisingly she had to leave her precious children behind with their grandparents in the Philippines, until she had raised enough money to send for them.

Her rendition of I Will Always Love You brought a collective lump to the auditorium’s throat.

“I know you were singing that song for your babies” said a tearful Amanda.

This audition was no Holiday for Madonna, it was potentially life-changing, and when the panel told her she had made it to the next round… it was as if all her dreams had been answered, just Like A Prayer.

:: Click HERE to watch the video.

Learn more about Madonna Decena.

Pinay Madonna Decena Wows England on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ originally appeared on Starmometer on April 22, 2008.

Madonna Decena, a Filipino performing artist in England, is currently the crowd’s favorite in the second season of “Britain’s Got Talent,” a reality competition produced by American Idol judge Simon Cowell with the same format as its US counterpart, “America’s Got Talent.”

Madonna has reached the semi-finals of the judges’ auditions for “Britain’s Got Talent.” If she makes it to the voting round, she will compete in live telecast of the final round on May 31, 2008.

Madonna is a 32 year-old single parent with two daughters (aged 5 and 6) from Project 8, Quezon City. She is a communication arts graduate from Miriam College.

Madonna has become a crowd favorite in the ongoing search, especially after the three judges – Simon Cowell, actress Amanda Holdren and journalist Piers Morgan (who is also a judge in America’s Got Talent) – picked her for the semi-finals during the live audition at Manchester theatre.

When interviewed by Piers during the first round of audition, Madonna said she joined the show to be able to provide for her two young daughters, then cried uncontrollably before the gallery crowd.

The female judge, Amanda Holden, cried in sympathy which turned into awe as Madonna sang Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and belted the last line with such emotion and conviction that knocked the audience off their feet.

Via Pinoy Power

Britain’s Got Talent is a British television show on ITV (also on TV3 in Ireland). The talent search premiered on June 9, 2007, and broadcast daily with a live final on June 17, 2007.

It is a search for Britain’s next best amateur talent act, featuring singers, dancers, comedians, variety acts, and other talents of all ages. Anyone who believed they have talent was encouraged to audition.

The winner of last year’s search received £100,000 and performed at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the Queen and members of the Royal Family at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool.

Pinay Madonna Decena, Favorite in Britain’s Got Talent 2 originally appeared on Starmometer on March 12, 2008.