Filipina teen is X Factor Australia champion

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MANILA – Fifteen-year-old Marliza Punzalan is the champion of the recently concluded X-Factor Australia. The final, which was held on Monday night, saw some of the best singers in Australia battling it out for the top prize.

Punzalan was born in Western Sidney to Filipino parents. During her audition, she wowed the judges by singing The Beatle’s “Yesterday.

” On Sunday, she sang the same song and two others including “Stand By You” and “Never Be The Same” with Australian performer Jessica Mauboy. Her mentor was former Boyzone member Ronan Keating.

On announcement night, Punzalan shared the stage with competitors Dean Ray and Brothers 3. Afterwards, they were narrowed down to two with Punzalan and Ray.

Punzalan sang “Titanium” before she was announced as the winner.

She will take home the grand prize which includes a recording contract with Sony Music Australia.

In January, Rose Fostanes, another Filipina won in X Factor Israel.