Pinay 'Whitney Houston' wows judges in Turkey singing show

A Filipina singer wowed judges at a televised singing competition in Turkey last week, with one of the judges comparing her to the late American crooner Whitney Houston

Hannah Leigh Bilen, 21, was praised by Rising Star Türkiye jurors after singing "Listen" by Beyoncé on the reality singing competition.

"I was lost completely. It was amazing. I am speechless. I think your style is more like Whitney Houston rather than Beyoncé. I couldn’t believe my ears that someone who has a slender body like yours can have such a strong voice," juror Emina Sandal said.

Bilen, who married a tourist guide before migrating to Nev?ehir, Turkey, received 88 percent from all three jurors for her performance, the highest for the day.

Mustafa Sandal agreed with his fellow juror and praised Bilen's "very strong and powerful voice" and extensive career in joining singing contests while still in the Philippines.

Y?lmaz Morgül, meanwhile, called Bilen's voice "god-given" and billed her as "the most important rising star of tonight. "

Prior to her performance, Bilen said she began singing when she was three years old and had performed in school "all the time."

"My teachers asked me to sing so I sang. Afterwards, I started joining contests. For me it feels good to sing, that’s why I am confident," she said.

Filipinos based in Turkey may vote for Bilen on Rising Star Türkiye. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News