Singer Aia de Leon (left) and blog author Joyce Burton Titular
I know this is not quite my topic but I am a good friend of Aia de Leon and as far as I’m concerned, she’s an honorary beauty queen and one of the most amazing singers that I know. She was at my wedding and I hope to be at hers one day.
The song ‘Idlip‘ which she wrote was actually inspired by my son Wolf after she found him fast asleep on the sofa inside the DJ’s booth at NU107. At least that’s what she told me.
Come to think of it, this might not be so off-topic after all since all beauty queens and pageant contestants can learn a thing or two from Aia when it comes to facing rejection.
This article can also be seen on my hubby Ron’s project Radio Republic.
Music Fans have been abuzz on Facebook and Twitter all day, shocked with the news that Aia de Leon, the former lead singer of Imago failed to impress judges at the Filipino edition of The Voice. None of the judges – namely Apl De Ap, Sarah Geronimo, Leah Salonga and Bamboo Manalac – turned their chairs to signify a yes vote.
Aia de Leon sang “The Way You Make Me Feel,” a Michael Jackson song which is reportedly one of her personal favorites. But many felt that the song did not bring out the best in Aia’s voice. One disappointed fan of the singer said, “She should have chosen something more emotional with birit. Mas nakaka-impress kasi un.”
Heart of Gold… Aia de Leon at one of my charity events. We were decorating an orphanage in Pasig for Christmas
Another observer had this to say, “I think she over-performed the piece, the blind audition levels the playing field for unknown ordinary singers and a big risk and disadvantage to the already-popular singers.”
Meantime, her former band mates in Imago all expressed their dismay. Drummer Zach Lucero posted this on his Facebook: “Sayang.. I think it would be nice if Aia got in..I think she sang well, that Michael Jackson song is a fave of hers, she usually sings that in a slower tempo, oh well..I don’t think the show took anything away from her..if anything it just shows how hard it is to judge a singer based on 1 song.”
The singer herself seems to be unruffled by the setback with this posting on her Facebook Fanpage:
“There is a big difference between NON-VICTORY and DEFEAT. Non-victories are challenges you take but did not quite hit the obvious target. It is in these Non-victories that make me realize, respect and salute my unique set of gifts. It is these Non-victories that finally jolt me from the side streets I get lost in, perhaps stuck in, point the north of my own destiny. It is in these trenches that a new sense of bold will forges in my spirit. Allowing me a brand new pursuit armed with an uncensored passion. To truly enjoy and devour music. As it should first and foremost be.
Defeat on the other hand is when you hit the end game button, the power off, the pistol in your head.
When you say- you’re done. An overwhelmed me thanks you for your suppost and love for the time of my non victory. Ironically the sweetest non-victory I ever had. My love to you all.
Remember, even in candy crush: NO ONE STAYS IN ONE PLACE FOR LONG. Unless of course you uninstall the friggin’ Saga. Much much love and gratitude.”
What Aia de Leon will do next is anyone’s guess. But one thing is for sure, if we’re to go by the trending on social media, being rejected by The Voice has only made her more popular than ever. With the spotlight on Aia and public sympathy on her side, now could be a great time to release an album.
Aia de Leon is the second person from the right peeking out from behind Tabitha, the dark-haired girl. This was at my wedding…
