KOREEN MEDINA WINS BIG AT THE COCA-COLA MUSIC: TALENT SEARCH THE FINALS!

After a yearlong search around the Metro for the freshest young musical talents – among hundreds who tried their luck and showcased their skill in singing and dancing – a winner has finally been chosen! Congratulations to Koreen Medina for winning the grand prize at the Coca-Cola Music: Talent Search The Finals held last Saturday, December 17, 2011, at the Riverbanks Amphitheatre in Marikina City!

The free event was packed with friends and supporters of each of the fourteen grand finalists that were selected from live auditions around Metro Manila, as well as digital auditions that were posted online. Male vocal group Nvoyz opened the show with some excellent renditions of well-loved pop songs, and congratulated all the finalists who made it up to that point, even joking that they should have joined the talent search themselves if they could. Afterwards, MYX VJs Bianca, Chino, and Joyce welcomed the crowd and took turns interviewing the close friends and support groups of all of the finalists, who each displayed their own talents, or demonstrated how they would cheer for their favored finalist.

After VTR presentations summing up both live and digital auditions were shown, the Soundvent Band announced its presence onstage by playing the opening lines of Coca-Cola’s “Jump Up” theme, and all of the fourteen finalists joined in, resulting in a superb production number. John “Sweet” Lapus, who dressed up as different pop stars like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber throughout the night, assumed his duty as the show’s main host and joined the MYX VJs in introducing the judges who would select the evening’s winner.

Soon, it was time for each of the fourteen grand finalists to show everyone what they were made of. First up was Rochelle Santos, followed by Rhyzza Nicol Kafilas, Koreen Medina, Charlene Mae Hernandez, Shane Anja Tarun, Marajane Hubilla, Alyssa Kate Quijano, Micah Llona, Jennifer Maravilla, Rodel Caparanga, Jo Marie Logdat, Boyz In The City (comprised of Christopher Angelo Villamil, Stephen Illustrisimo, Argel Angelo Santos, Carlo Caonis, and John Carlo Baguioso), Paquito “Jay-R” Arsolon Jr., and Abigail Jane Raterta. Before each performance, an AVP featuring the makeover of the finalists was shown. Memorable intermissions were presented by some of the more unique talents who auditioned for the search, performing special numbers for the crowd.

After each of the grand finalists had given their stellar performances, rising star and Party Pilipinas mainstay Julie Anne San Jose provided a couple of upbeat numbers to keep the crowd entertained while the judges deliberated on their decision. The finalists then joined the Soundvent Band for another memorable number, this time singing the Coca-Cola Christmas theme, “Shake It Up.”

Finally, the fourteen grand finalists remained onstage, and after receiving an iPod Nano and a pair of Coca-Cola headphones apiece, they were narrowed down to the top three. In the end, Shane Anja Tarun was named 2nd Runner Up, while Alyssa Kate Quijano bagged the 1st Runner Up trophy. But it was Koreen Medina who walked home with the grand prize of P250,000 and a Sony Music Philippines record deal. After a repeat performance of Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory” from Koreen, a reprise of “Jump Up” by Soundvent and all fourteen finalists, and a majestic fireworks display, a concert featuring Kaligta, Eevee, Letter Day Story, Gloc-9, and the Itchyworms was held to complete the evening’s festivities.

In case you missed it, you can watch the Coca-Cola Music: Talent Search The Finals in its entirety on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2NLiQHwbf8. Also, visit the other sections of this microsite for photos and featured videos of the event!