Filipino singers make their mark on Netflix’s Star Search finale
Filipino pride lit up the global stage as Filipina talents made a mark at the finale of Netflix’s Star Search.
Two acts with Filipino roots, Madison Lauren and H3rizon, stood out on the competition’s final night.
Madison Lauren
Ahead of the show, 11-year-old Filipino American powerhouse Lauren shared a message with her supporters.
“Standing on this stage is something I prayed about and dreamed about. By God’s grace, I’m in the Finals of Star Search tonight,” she wrote on Instagram.
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Expressing gratitude for the support she received throughout her journey, she added, “I’m so thankful for every message, every prayer, every vote, and every person who has stood with me on this journey. It truly takes a village, and my heart is so full.”
H3rizon
Meanwhile, Fil-Australian trio H3rizon, composed of three longtime friends bonded by more than a decade of sisterhood, continued to command attention. In a press statement announcing the results, Netflix wrote: “Dominating Star Search since week one, H3rizon is a Filipina Australian R&B-pop group built on airtight harmonies, self-directed choreography, and more than a decade of real friendship.”
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Although they did not clinch the top prize, fans flooded their pages with messages of admiration. One supporter passionately commented, “Y’all should’ve won the damn thing!!! Don’t matter tho, you 3 have the biggest & brightest road ahead. Excited to continue cheering you on, congrats on making it this far and doing so freakin awesome tonight.”
Moreover, Fil-Am JR De Guzman also made his presence felt in the competition, even though he missed out on the finale with his signature musical comedy and real immigrant experiences that hit close to home.
After four weeks of live performances, judges’ critiques and fan voting, the winner was ultimately decided entirely by viewers at home.
This is a first for the franchise, through Netflix’s new real-time voting feature. In the end, TJ Salta, a varsity athlete turned Las Vegas magician, was crowned champion and awarded the $500,000 grand prize.
