Truth about X Factor's thrillers from Manila: Philippines sisters who wowed the judges have been on four talent shows - and won THREE
- Almira, 27, Irene, 25, Enemy, 23, Celina, 19, make up girl band Fourth Power
- Talented Cercado sisters have competed in talent shows around the world
- Wins included Philippines show, It's Showtime, and Korea's Superstar K
- X Factor has denied they asked the sisters to take part in show's auditions
Giggling sisters Fourth Power wowed X Factor last night, appearing to surprise the judges with a polished performance that had Simon Cowell gushing about 'the biggest four yeses we've ever given'.
But The Mail on Sunday can reveal the talented Cercado sisters – Almira, 27, Irene, 25, Enemy, 23, and Celina, 19 – are far from being starry-eyed newcomers to the music industry.
In fact, they have entered a string of global talent shows – winning three of them in recent years.
And an X Factor spokesman last night denied that the sisters had been asked to audition on the show.
Girl power: The talented Cercado sisters (pictured) wowed X Factor judges at tonight's auditions
Talented: But Almira, 27, Irene, 25, Enemy, 23, and Celina, 19, have taken part in several talent shows around the world - and won three
Standing ovation: Simon Cowell (right) gushed over their well-choreographed routine which got 'the biggest four yeses we've ever given'
The girls from Manila have previously gone under the monikers MICA and The Gollayan Sisters and are immensely popular online, with more than two million views on YouTube.
In 2012, they won the top-rated Philippine's X Factor-style TV talent show It's Showtime and made the final eight last year on Korean singing contest Superstar K.
They have also twice won the top prize at the World Championships of Performing Arts – watched closely by industry talent spotters in Hollywood – and have played private concerts for wealthy partygoers at lavish parties in Monaco and 'across half of Europe'.
Following the group's audition on last night's show, the first in the new series, Cowell defended the fact a foreign group had stormed the British X Factor stage, telling the sisters: 'I always say we welcome talent from all of the world and you are more than welcome.'
Asked by the MoS where he'd found the group, Cowell said: 'I really don't know.
Winners: In 2012, Fourth Power (pictured) won the top-rated Philippine's X Factor-style TV talent show It's Showtime
'We get submissions from all over the world but I do remember on the day looking over at the production team and thinking, "Whoever found this lot, you've done really well because they are bloody fantastic".
'It's just their energy,' the music mogul added. 'I've got two Filipino girls who work for me who came to see them and they were going mental when they got through.'
The sisters credit their success to a strong faith in God and reportedly pray before every performance.
An X Factor spokesman said last night: 'X Factor producers did not approach Fourth Power to audition – they flew to the UK to audition of their own accord.'
Rita's just Ora-some but, please Simon, where's the heart gone?
By Jaci Stephen
Oh, Simon, Simon, Simon – what have you done? As The X Factor launched amid a fanfare announcing the changes to the judging panel, what were we in for this season?
The usual banter between the judges as they argued the case for or against their favourite acts?
Relatively talentless, but hugely entertaining candidates who will somehow make it through to the last stages (Jedward and Wagner, to name but two)?
Mesmerising, but slightly spooky people like Chloe-Jasmine Whichello (currently appearing on Celebrity Big Brother) and the hilarious, OTT Stevi Richie, now Chloe's fiancé?
Weeping singers raising their eyes to the sky, performing for their dead mother/grandfather/dog?
Nope. It's all gone. And while the production values are still very much in evidence (it continues to be by far the best produced entertainment show on British TV), on last night's evidence the heart of the show has been ripped out. What we are left with is X Factor Lite.
Centre stage: New X Factor judge Rita Ora (pictured) appears to dance with a contestant near the judging panel
New girl on the block: British songstress Rita Ora (pictured) and Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw are new judges this year, alongside veterans Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini
This is a review I never thought I would write. It's certainly one I never wanted to write. Simon Cowell is a genius.
His instinct and judgment are rarely wrong; he knows what makes great television and he has the skills to make it. I have loved everything he has done (Red Or Black aside), and despite the changes over the years, The X Factor has consistently been the jewel in his ever resplendent crown.
So, what's gone wrong? The panel, for a start. It's a disaster. Louis Walsh and Simon were a great double act and, because of their longstanding friendship, Louis could give Simon as good as he got. They were always hilarious.
Newcomer Nick Grimshaw is on the radio for a reason. Opening your mouth like a stunned goldfish in a Jaws movie does not constitute a 'judgment'. And trying to up his part with backstage footage of him larking around was just embarrassing.
'I like working with you three,' said Simon to his fellow judges, in another redundant piece of backstage footage.
Yes. If you say it often enough, you might actually begin to believe it. The other newcomer, Rita Ora, is spectacular.
She was wonderful on The Voice and has insight, charm, sensitivity and wit. She completely carried last night's show and worked her socks off every second.
Judge: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (pictured) leaves the Picture House following the launch for the new X Factor series
Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell (pictured) were a great double act and, because of their longstanding friendship, writes Jaci Stephen
Now, to Cheryl Whatserface. I've always been a big fan. But what's happened? I'm seriously worried for her health.
I rarely make negative comments about people's looks but the woman is shrinking before our eyes.
This was also a very low-key performance from her. What's happened to her glorious smile and fun-loving nature? Her 'Eweoooh' (posh, sneering voice) at the news that 19-year-old Tom was reading politics was pathetic. Is having an education that bad?
Simon has been claiming in the press that she 'has her mojo back'. I can only say that mojo is not what it used to be.
Fatherhood has clearly made Simon a softer touch. He really is a lot gentler on the acts now, but he still knows real talent when he sees it.
At just 17, Louisa stole the show ('That's what you call a singer,' as Simon rightly said), and the four sisters from the Philippines were professional and brilliant. (If you haven't got the money to go buy a Philippine bride, guys, see if you can bag a ticket to The X Factor.)
For the first time, the show looked tired and (Rita aside) running on empty. Hosts Olly Murs and Caroline Flack are a great combination, but Olly's place should be on the panel.
You can't help asking if season 12 might be the last. Where once The X Factor had the ability to shock, now it's predictable. Changing the panel is all very well, but the viewers have changed, too. We still want magic. Now, though, we can spot the rabbit long before it comes out of the hat.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3215540/Truth-X-Factor-s-thrillers-Manila-Philippines-sisters-wowed-judges-four-talent-shows-won-THREE.html#ixzz3kFCwGJqN
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