Among the male contenders, Alex Castro, deadringer of actor Dennis Trillo, is considered by many as one of the male contenders that might earn a spot in the top six.

Castro downplays being Trillo's look-alike, joking, "I have been told that we look similar. I don't mind if they call me as Dehins Tornillo though!" He hopes, however, that he will be appreciated someday for his own merits.

Castro has always loved singing, but he lost interest in his teens and only now felt the urge to explore the possibilities for his talent. "The (judges’) comments add (to my) self-confidence and inspires me to perform even better," he shares. "I guess they see my versatility and my vocal range impresses them. It feels wonderful to be part of the elite circle."

"My elder sister Chariz is very proud that I made it to the top 16 and she says her support to me is 100 percent and galingan ko raw po," beams Bobby Solomon, younger brother of the comedienne.

"I have my own singing style and I don't want to be safe anymore," he says. "I will take risks when it comes to my song choices, and I will also incorporate my dance moves."

This early, the young Solomon reveals his game plan. "I was the last guy called so muntik na po akong himatayin because I know that there are other very good contenders," he shares. "I have chalked a repertoire which is up to the grand finals. I am decided to win. My main focus now is to do well and choose my songs wisely."

The next most striking male contestant is Greggy Santos, a Management Economics graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University, who, by virtue of his good looks, supermodel fashion sense and rock songs, is slowly stirring the viewing public's consciousness.

"I know that the course suited me to do corporate work, but there is a part of me that nags me perpetually to try show business," says Santos. "When I won in You're Hired and I got a hosting job in Q Channel 11, it made me realize that this is what I really want. I really have to try it full time, get into the industry, and what better way to enter it but through this show? This is my priority now."

Santos admits his forte is the rock genre: "In a way, I think it's a big gamble on my part to sing rocks songs and with the past songs that I have performed, I think this musical genre showcases my uniqueness. I think the people liked it, too. I also did not strain myself to be different, hindi ko inabot ‘yung hindi ko maabot. Of course, people might think I have a very limited range so the next song I will be performing will definitely surprise everyone."

The female contestants

Two of the most celebrated contenders are Francheska Farr from Las Piñas City and Camille Cortez, who interprets jazz with her own personal flavor.

"I ask guidance from my parents on how to interpret a song, especially the meaning of its lyrics," says Nikki Gil-look-alike Farr. "I know that I am only 16 and before I sing any song, I ask Him for guidance, so that I would be able to bring out the emotions required. It is important for me to know the meaning of the songs that I interpret — what I feel, the audiences must feel it, too. The quality of my voice and my commitment and honesty to a song I think are my assets."

On possible winning pieces, Farr has a few on her list. "On the top of my head it would have to be the songs 'Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin,' 'These Dreams' and 'If I Believe' for they are within my vocal range. I am positive that I can give it justice. Through these songs, people will see that na may hatak rin ang boses ko," she replies.

Meanwhile, Camille Castro attributes her rise to the top 16 to her uniqueness. "My style is very distinctive. I know that I am the only one who can interpret my songs," she says. "I mixed alternative and soul. I think that is what the judges noticed, that I don't mind experimenting with various musical genres. Now that I’m part of this group, I will perform jazz numbers from the 1980s. I express myself fully, emotionally and musically with these signature pieces."

Like all the other contestants, Camille is determined to "wow" everyone.

Are You The Next Big Star? airs every Saturday night after Pinoy Records.

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