Lois Bersalona recalls shock after 'The Clash Teens' audition callback: 'Baka scam'

Seventeen-year-old singer Lois Bersalona is stepping further into the spotlight after securing a spot in the Top 12 of “The Clash Teens."

In an interview with GMA News Online, Lois said she still finds it hard to believe she made it this far in a competition that reportedly drew around 100,000 auditionees from both in-person and online screenings.

“I feel blessed because I’m in a room full of really talented people,” she said. “When I got the call back, I even double-checked the email. I was like, ‘Is this real? Baka scam?’"

Despite her excitement, Lois admitted that the pressure inside the competition is intense, with unexpected twists that require constant readiness.

“It’s a really pressuring competition. Anything could happen, so we really have to be prepared,” she added.

Looking back on her experience, Lois shared that one of her fondest memories was being with her team, especially during their early days in the competition.

“When the Yellow Team was still complete, we would always have kulitan in the room,” she recalled. “We would sing, joke around, and just enjoy each other’s company. I really miss that energy.”

She said the camaraderie inside the competition has become one of her biggest sources of strength, making the journey more memorable despite the pressure.

For Lois, one of the most important lessons she learned in “The Clash” is embracing fear rather than avoiding it.

“I think it’s okay to do something you love with fear,” she said. “If you’re not scared or nervous, maybe you don’t care enough. Nervousness is normal.”

She added that being too relaxed in a high-stakes competition can be dangerous.

“If you become too lenient and something unexpected happens, you’ll be shocked and won’t be able to recover,” she explained. “For me, the key is always being prepared for the worst-case scenario.”

Lois also shared that every performance she delivers is dedicated not just to one person, but to everyone who has supported her journey so far.

“I dedicate my performances to my family first, and to all my friends and supporters,” she said.

Currently pursuing a Music degree at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music, Lois shared that balancing academics and a rising music career is both challenging and rewarding.

She emphasized how grateful she is for her supportive environment, especially her parents, who allow her to follow her passion without pressure.

“They always tell me they’re not forcing me into anything,” she said. “They just support what I love. I’m really grateful for that.”

Meanwhile, as a performer, Lois draws inspiration from some of today’s biggest pop artists, particularly Ariana Grande, whom she credits for helping shape her vocal style.

“I’ve been a fan of Ariana Grande since I was a kid,” she said. “My riffs and runs, even my vocal techniques, I learn a lot from her.”

She also admires artists such as Sabrina Carpenter and Tate McRae, describing them as “pop girlies” who are able to balance catchy music with emotional depth.

“When they release emotional songs, it feels so ethereal and heartfelt,” she said. “That’s what I want to achieve in every performance—to make people feel something real.” —CDC, GMA News