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Kiddie singing competition Centerstage is just weeks away from holding its first grand finals and everyone can't wait to see who will be hailed as the first-ever grand champion.

To help our grand finalists Rain Barquin, Colline Salazar, and Vianna Ricafranca prepare for the highly-anticipated finale, Centerstage judges Concert Queen Pops Fernandez, Soul Diva Aicelle Santos, and Maestro Mel Villena laid out their judging criteria.

Source: popsfernandezofficial (Instagram), aicellesantos (Instagram), Centerstage Facebook page

But what kind of qualities are they looking for a winner?

“Siyempre it's the overall performance. It's the voice, the diction, the way he/she will carry themselves 'pag perform nila. It's also the choice of song, I think. Kailangan bagay sa kanila sa boses nila 'yung kanta.

“I'm looking for somebody who is not…kumbaga pagtapak niya sa stage alam niya na winner na siya. Kailangan maramdaman ko na pagtuntong niya sa stage ng 'Centerstage' alam na alam niya akin 'tong stage na 'to. Ako ang winner,” judge Pops shared.

For judge Mel, the most crucial thing in judging is how he will be affected by the contestant's performance.

“Most of 'yung kinikilingan ko na aspect when it comes to judging is how I will be move on that evening. Kung paano ako maa-affect ng kabuuan ng performance.

“It's how they would carry the song and how that song will move me through their voice through their interpretation. Basically, ganon 'yung order ng pag-iisip ko e 'pag nagdya-judge ng mga competitions na ganito,” he said.

The renowned musical director then emphasized that aspiring singers must carefully choose the best song for them to sing.

“It's important that they will be able to carry a song material that they will choose well.

“Important sa 'kin 'yung material because it starts there, e. Doon sa music and lyrics because it's a song competition. Ipikit ko man 'yung mata ko at one point pero ganon 'yung pakiramdam ko. Namo-move ako emotionally nung lahat ng nangyayaring 'yon.

“And then if I open my eyes and I see the contestant projecting well, doing the technical things, that would be probably going to be secondary for me,” he added.

Meanwhile, judge Aicelle considers that superior stage presence is one of the most significant factors contributing to the quality of performance.

“Siyempre bukod sa technicality, voice quality, maayos na pagkakanta ng bawat nota, gusto ko 'yung kung sino talaga 'yung kakausap sa 'kin sa pamamagitan ng pagkanta niya, 'yung magic. Kasi I'm sure lahat ng grand finalists magagaling sila. Pero on that night, merong isa doon na talagang nagtataasan ang balahibo ko, talagang masasabi mo na winner 'to.

“Also, confident on stage, overall performance, and someone's who's enjoying kasi when our Bida Kid is enjoying, I'm sure lahat ng nakakanood ay mag-e-enjoy sa performance niya,” she said.

The final slot in the grand finals

Now that there is only one spot left at Centerstage's grand finals, the panel of judges is more critical in choosing the contestant that would best fit their standards.

“Isa na lang po ang hinahanap natin for the finalist. Mas critical for us so parang we're discussing the points at kung ano talaga 'yung dapat hanapin namin.

“Kailangan po 'yung mga performers natin talagang top-notch and really really giving it their best kasi as we look back napakagaling po ng magiging kalaban nila,” the Concert Queen shared.

Judge Mel said that they are looking for someone who will stand a chance against the three equally impressive grand finalists.

Source: Centerstage Facebook page

“It's very crucial kasi tatlong makakasagupa nitong pang-apat na naghihintay at napakagagaling. Kailangan tayong makakita ng extraordinary or ka-match,” he related.

The Soul Diva then added: “Whenever we pick someone to win, lagi namin ilalagay 'yung picture nung tatlo tapos 'pag ba nilaban namin itong isang ito will he/she stand a chance o mas gaganda ba 'yung laban. We want a grand grand finals para sa 'Centerstage.'