There was a bit of tension at the auditions for “Idol Philippines” after judges Regine Velasquez and Moira dela Torre had conflicting opinions about a contestant’s singing style.
As seen in the May 5 episode of the show, an auditionee named Leann Ganzon performed her original song titled, “Karagatan” before the judges.
While Ganzon received praise for her good voice and ability to write songs, Velasquez said her “airy” tone is a common singing style among current singers, including her fellow judge.
“My problem is, you guys have the same sound to me. I know that it’s current but you sound the same and the thing is, I know you’re making the sound, it’s not something you’re born with. You make the sound. It’s the tone that you make.
“As I was explaining to Moira, it comes naturally for some people like her [pointing at dela Torre], but for some, it’s not,” Velasquez said.
Velasquez went on to say that there were already existing singers in the industry who sing just like the way Ganzon does.
“We already have Moira, we have Yeng [Constantino], it’s the same sound. But like I said, maganda naman yung pinakita mo. I’m just a little frustrated because it’s the same sound,” she said.
Dela Torre, who is also known for her “airy” style of singing, came to defend Ganzon from Velasquez’ critiques.
“I understand yung pinanggagalingan ni Mama Reg [Regine] na yung generation natin, ang daming ganito ang sound.
“But also Mama Reg, gusto kong i-defend si Leann because for me ang dami ko na din naisulat na kanta, yung mga kanta ko pare-pareho ang tunog until I brought it to the studio and na-arrange na,” dela Torre said.
Velasquez then interrupted and said: “No, no. I’m not talking about the genre, it’s the voice. It’s the singing style, the way you curl your tongue when you sing and you make it airy and it’s all the same.”
Judge Vice Ganda then decided to ease the seemingly budding tension by cracking some jokes.
He said there was a time when all aspiring singers would choose to sing high notes and copy Velasquez’ style. Now, people are copying dela Torre’s style and that made him wonder why no one copied his own style of singing.
When the judges gave their verdict, Velasquez gave a challenge to Ganzon.
“Tsina-challenge kita. Hanapin mo yung totoo mong singing style. I am going to say yes,” she said.
Dela Torre later told the auditionee: “I want to say yes to you. There are going to be people who appreciate you and may mga tao rin na hindi [pointing at Regine]. But whatever sound you decide to go for, make sure na ito talaga yung magpapakita kung sino si Leann.”
In the end, Ganzon was able to move onto the next round of the competition after she was able to get all four “yes” from the judges.
After the episode aired, Velasquez and dela Torre took to Twitter to clarify that there is no rift between them.
Velasquez posted a tweet which reads, “It’s the same sound!”, to which dela Torre replied, “Tama na po. Haha. Love you, Mama Reg.”
