Ariella Arida in Prepares as Miss Universe 2013 Nears

'It's for the Philippines,' Laguna beauty says

MANILA -- Ariella Arida, the Philippines' candidate to Miss Universe 2013, was overwhelmed with emotions Thursday as she referred to her nearing pageant bid in Russia as a "great responsibility."
The 24-year-old Laguna-born beauty took the stage during a send-off press conference held by Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., the local license holder of Miss Universe, three days before her departure on Monday.

The 62nd edition of the international pageant, which will gather over 80 candidates, will be held on November 9 at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia.
"This opportunity is a great responsibility that I am facing," an emotional Arida said on Thursday. "I'm not just fighting for myself, but this time, it's for our country."
"So I'm doing everything, I'm doing all my best to meet the expectations of everyone. And I know si God na po ang bahala kung ano ang gusto niyang ibigay sa akin... It's all for the Philippines. I'm sincere, it's for the Philippines," she said.

Since 2010, the Philippines has produced three consecutive runners-up in Miss Universe -- in order, Venus Raj, fourth; Shamcey Supsup, third; and Janine Tugonon, first.
This year, two Filipinas were crowned winners in separate international pageants -- Megan Young as Miss World, and Mutya Datul as Miss Supranational.


Ariella Ara Arida - Miss Philippines 2013 - Stunning New Photos by jo2306
'My biggest strength'
Arida, a chemistry graduate from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, was also emotional as she thanked her parents, Alresito and Estella, for supporting her in her bid to bring pride to her country.
"They didn't expect where I am today," Arida said. "I came from a simple life. I never expected to be this huge. I'm really thankful that who I am right now is part of what they've taught me."
Arida's father, a retired public school sports coordinator and teacher for 44 years, was also a district coordinator for physical education for 20 years. The beauty queen's mother, meanwhile, began teaching in 1972 and has been a school principal since 2005.

Both are flying to Russia for the first time to support their daughter.
Speaking with ABS-CBN News' Dyan Castillejo, Alresito said he never thought his daughter would land this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of representing the Philippines. Estella, noting their family's background, echoed her husband's sentiment.

"Sobrang happy kami, masaya," Alresito said. "Even sa aming panaginip, hindi namin naisip na si Ara ang mapupunta sa pwestong iyan."

"It's unexpected," Estella added, "dahil napakadaming magagandang contestants, ano, sa Binibini, at ang anak namin ang nakasungkit from the small town of Alaminos."

Estella is particularly proud of her daughter's determination to bring home the crown. She noted that Arida went on an indefinite leave from work and invested fully in preparing for the big event next month.

"She is determined. Determined na siya. Naging gutsy na rin, dahil dati mahiyaan. Nag-devote na siya ng time at kinarir na niya talaga itong Binibining Pilipinas. Kinarir niya talaga," she said.
Referring to her parents as her "biggest strength," Arida said in her speech, "My mom and dad, salamat nang marami, para sa support na binibigay nila sa akin."

"Also to my relatives and friends, who never stop believing in me. From the start, they were there. Since the day I decided to join Binibini, they've been very supportive of me," she said.



Since being crowned Miss Universe Philippines in April, Arida has undergone rigorous training, focusing on her physique, walk and question-and-answer performance. She cited these, at the time, to be the areas she hoped to improve on.

Five months later and with only weeks before the coronation night, Arida said she is now focusing her attention on preparing emotionally.

"Hindi mo maiiwasan kung anong pwede mangyari, pero hindi ko siya iniisip eh," she said, referring to the results of the culminating event. "So positive na lang iniisip ko. Mas makaaktulong sa akin."
Part of this focus, Arida emphasized, is claiming the crown, "silently, in my mind."

Referring to herself as her "greatest competitor," Arida said, "It's just myself who will do everything. It's just myself who I can rely on in the competition. If you think positively and if you think you will get the crown, then you know, there's no way that you won't make it."

5 Modern-Day Filipinas Who Excelled In International Beauty Pageants from Year 2010 to 2013

When Venus Raj clinched 4th Runner-Up honors in the Las Vegas-hosted Miss Universe. The following year saw the Philippines claiming runner-up finishes in both Miss Universe and Miss World (c/o Shamcey Supsup and Gwen Ruais, respectively). And just last year, Janine Tugonon was named 1st Runner-Up to Olivia Culpo, with Stephany Stefanowitz a close 2nd in Miss Earth and Rizzini Gomez pulling a Miss Tourism International.

More than a week back, we finally bagged the Miss World crown via Megan Young, with the Mutya Datul victory in Miss Supranational adding more spice to a 2013 looking more optimistic than ever. And let’s not forget that this year’s editions of Miss Universe, Miss Earth and Miss International are still upcoming.

Are we looking at another Golden Age while establishing the Pageant Powerhouse status of the Philippines? Will the winning streak run till 2015? Or will it even go beyond that? I say yes. For sure, the element of luck will still come into play. But with the diligent training and preparations being given to our carefully-chosen representatives, there’s no reason to slide back and be relegated to anonymity anymore.


5 Modern-Day Filipinas Who Excelled In... by jo2306
Things are definitely looking up. There’s no room for resting on our laurels. It’s full steam ahead for the Philippines!

Adele Calls X Factor's Ella Henderson 'Absolutely Incredible'Songbird

tweets support to contestant

The 'Someone Like You' singer, who previously backed Rebecca Ferguson back in 2010, called the 16-year-old "incredible" in a Twitter shout-out during the show yesterday (October 13).

She wrote: "Ella Henderson on X Factor is absolutely incredible! I LOVE her!! Good luck xx" But Ella, who has over 200,000 followers on Twitter, has been having plenty of celebrity support. Last night she retweeted praise from Made In Chelsea's Millie Mackintosh, Andy Merry from The Risk, Big Brother's Luke Scrase and former X Factor singer Lloyd Daniels. She wrote: "Thank u everyone for the support last night! It really put a smile on my face! U guys are the best! #lyrics #TeamElla" Ella is considered 200/1 outsider to be eliminated tonight, and remains the clear frontrunner to win the show.

Relive her breathtaking performances below.

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Darius Campbell wins Popstar To Operastar

POP singer Darius Campbell won ITV's Popstar to Operastar contest, beating Bernie Nolan of the Nolan Sisters in a close contest.
Nolan hugged Campbell to congratulate him on his win last night and he said: "I've had a ball, it's been a privilege, I've enjoyed every minute of it, I'm going to carry on with opera."
Then Campbell repeated his performance of Non Piu Andrai from the Marriage of Figaro by Mozart and called out his thanks to the viewers.
After his first rendering of that song earlier in the evening, panel member Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins told him: "It was your usual standard, brilliant."
Designer and critic Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, another panel member, told him: "I think that was you back in form. That was a very cheeky, very sexy, very Darius performance."
Nolan performed Les Filles de Cadix by Delibes and Llewellyn-Bowen told her: "I thought that was absolutely wonderful, I think you are bringing a new audience to opera."
Former Pop Idol contestant Campbell also performed a duet with another panel member, the tenor Rolando Villazon, while Nolan and Jenkins sang Somewhere from West Side Story, prompting the fourth panel member, rock star Meat Loaf, to declare: "Bernie just rocked! Unbelievable!"
Campbell, Nolan, Villazon and Jenkins joined together to sing Brindisi by Verdi from the opera La Traviata.

X-Factor USA 2012 - Judge's Homes Performances Recap

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No introduction. No time.

All sorts of things went down on Wednesday night's "X Factor" so lets get into it right away, starting with who made the top 24 and were shipped off to the judges' houses round.

Below the Top 24 is the recap of the "young adults" and "groups" categories who performed on this episode as well.

TEENS Mentored by Britney Spears
 • Beatrice Miller: Let's go, Jersey Girl! Maplewood native Beatrice, the soulful little 13-year-old was a judges' favorite despite being boring during boot camp.
• James Tanner: We haven't seen much of this kid. I think he raps and sings? I guess we'll find out together...
• Carly Rose Sonenclar: No surprise here. Carly's audition was phenomenal, she was awesome in boot camp and is a front runner to go very far in this competition. She is one to watch, as Simon would say. • Diamond White: Again, no shocker. Diamond might be better than Carly. Her version on "I Have Nothing" in boot camp was killer and she has the look, the swagger and she is only 13. Another contender for sure.
• Reed Deming: This is a "we want the young audience right now" move. The kid has the Justin Bieber thing going, has a pretty good voice and might do well, but he is not a superstar.
• Arin Ray: Good thing they said Arin's name. My remote may have went flying. A strong contestant last year, Arin has stepped up his game this season as a solo artist and I look forward to seeing more of him. He is a real talent.

 YOUNG ADULTS (17-24 years old) Mentored by Demi Lovato
 • CeCe Frey: First in this group is fiesty CeCe, who despite her attitude, which I am still convinced is largely a product of editing, has a very strong voice and deserves the spot. Her rendition of "I Will Always Love You" in boot camp was top-notch.
• Willie Jones: Not sure how I feel about this one. The judges see more in him that I do. I have to agree with Britney Spears that his natural singing voice just isn't that strong. Maybe he just hasn't found his niche yet. We'll see how he does. • Jennel Garcia: The sexy, little Latina rocker chick made it through. She's another from this age category who has shined and absolutely deserves a spot. If she keeps choosing the right songs, she can go a long way.
• Nick Youngerman: WHAT? HOW? WHY? The kid who rapped Vanilla Ice in his audition and forgot his words in boot camp is going through? I did not see this one coming. I assumed he was going back to clean toilets ... WOW.
• Paige Thomas: Anyone who watches enough reality TV saw this coming. The rivalry between Paige and CeCe has been front-and-center so far this season and will continue full-force. Paige deserves it, I guess. She has a good look and a pretty good voice. I'm still Team CeCe though.
• Jillian Jensen: And last but not least is the sentimental favorite, Jillian. I can't lie, I smiled pretty wide when they said her name and beyond all the crying, weeping, sobbing, wailing and running mascara, Jillian does have a strong, raspy voice. Good for you, Jillian! Screw those bullies! OVER 25's Mentored by L.A. Reid
• Jason Brock: Yes, he's flamboyant and a little too over-the-top sometimes, but Jason does have an awesome voice. Not sure if America will go for him if he gets that far, but he has proven he deserves some more attention.
• Daryl Black: Oh, yeah. I forgot about Daryl, who L.A. Reid called the next Nat King Cole in auditions. Daryl got little airtime if any in the boot camp episodes, but his audition was fantastic. I look forward to hearing him again.
 • David Correy: No surprise here for the Brazilian Bruno Mars. Yes, I am the only one calling him that right now, but it might catch on! Anyway, David has been very strong this whole time, is likable, his higher register is very powerful and should do well going forward. • Tara Simon: Ugh. I knew this was coming. Tara, who by no means deserves to be kept is just one of those feather-rufflers the judges keep around to be a spark plug — in a bad way. Tara has over-sung every song, almost screwed Jennel and I hope she crashes quickly.
• Tate Stevens: Good for Tate, his rosy cheeks and his cowboy hat. Tate is by far the best country singer on the show and adds some diversity to group. Even if you're not a country fan (like me), you can't deny his voice and his passion.
• Vino Alan: Great choice in keeping Vino around. His tones are so unlike anyone else in the competition and he is definitely unlike anyone else. Another plus: Now Vino doesn't have to beat Simon to death on network television.

NOTE: Definitely bummed that Jeffrey Gutt didn't make it through. He seemed a bit dull in boot camp but his audition was freaking amazing. Too bad.

 GROUPS Mentored by Simon Cowell
• Sister C: They have annoyed me a little throughout this whole process. Not sure how they will do.
• Dope Crisis: Who? I don't think I've seen them once...
• Emblem3: The only group with any real pizzazz in this competition. I assume they'll make it to the live shows. How could they not?
• Playback: A bunch of guys thrown together by the judges, including Johnny Maxwell and Austin Camini.
• Lylas: A bunch of girls thrown together including Ally Brooke and Dinah Jane Hansen.
• Lyric 145: A rap group made up of Lyric Da Queen and 145.

----------- JUDGES HOUSE PERFORMANCES:

YOUNG ADULTS
Jennel Garcia: She sang "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry and it was good, but not as good as before. It was a little too subdued considering the content of the song and Jennel works better with a whole stage to move around, not just Demi's living room.
 Willie Jones: Gutsy move by Willie re-singing "Nobody Knows," the song that he flubbed in boot camp. It wasn't mind-blowing but it wasn't bad. He still hasn't sold me. At least he remembered the words this time.
Jillian Jensen: She gave a great rendition of "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles and cemented herself as one of the top acts in this group. Very strong voice that is even stronger when she's not crying. And Demi loves her like a sister.
Nick Youngerman: He rapped "Tik Tok" by Kesha. No, I will not spell it with the dollar sign. And I still don't buy Nick as a serious act. I would like him better at karaoke night after a few drinks.
Paige Thomas: She killed an acoustic version of "Turn Up the Music" by Chris Brown. Demi didn't like it, but she was awesome. I'm afraid she is too similar to other artists, though.
 CeCe Frey: CeCe sang an almost jazzy version of "I'm Sexy and I Know it" by LMFAO and honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Out of the six in her group she has by far the strongest belting voice and this showcased her ability to pull it back a little. I cannot see Demi cutting her.

GROUPS:
Playback: Oh jeez, I can hear the girls screaming already. This thrown-together, cutesy boy band was actually really polished in their version of "Rich Girl" and might actually have a chance at success this season. Simon loved them.
Emblem3: Singing "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic," this trio of California guys warmed my heart. They are not the greatest singers in the world, but I can hear them on the radio and they have a style all their own. The guy without his shirt came in late on a verse, but who cares? Oh yeah ... Simon does.
 Sister C: I've more or less hated this group from the get-go, but they were much better in this audition, singing some country song I didn't recognize. This is probably a bad sign, but they are much, much better when they aren't singing together. The tall, blonde girl has a very strong voice. And it doesn't hurt that they are all beautiful.
Lyric 145: This was a match made in hip-hop heaven. This rap duo and solo artist turned group was on fire in their version of Miley Cyrus's "Party in the USA." Yes, they rapped Miley and it was very cool. Great chemistry right off the bat.
Dope Crisis: A cool mix of rap and singing on Nicki Minaj's "Superbass." Not sure if they stand out quite enough.
Lylas: Oh, the patchwork girl group. It didn't work last year and even though I loved a few of these girls as solo artists, I'm not sure they are going to work as a group. They're rendition of "Impossible" was largely five individual performances mashed together. Not bad, though. Simon thought it was "unbelievable." I need to see another performance.

They can't vote, but they sure can sing. Both the teen and over-25 groups sang Thursday night in the judges' houses round on "X Factor" and the half-dozen 13 to 17-year-olds really put on a show for Britney Spears, while L.A. Reid's group left their judge wanting more. On Wednesday, the judges have to narrow down their respective groups from six to four, rounding out the top 16 who will move on to the live shows. Both Britney and L.A. have some tough decisions, but for the pop queen, her losses will be much greater.

OVER 25's PERFORMANCES Mentored by L.A. Reid and special guest Justin Bieber Jason Brock:

I have enjoyed Jason's general vibe so far, but his rendition of Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry" was little too whiny. The extra-slow rendition coupled with his high tones just didn't quite work. Not sure America would vote for him with his flamboyancy and all.

David Correy: Singing Jessie J's "Domino," David sounded great, but his vocal tricks are a little too over the top sometimes. The performance was definitely heartfelt, but on occasion he seems to force the emotion. Also, I cannot stand all of these ridiculously slowed down versions of pop songs that everyone is singing. A little tempo, please!
Daryl Black: OK, "X Factor" clearly doesn't care much about Daryl. They didn't even show his whole performance. For the few seconds the did show, he seemed pretty good. Smooth voice. L.A. wasn't crazy about it.
Tate Stevens: Did the dude in the cowboy hat just sing Brian McKnight? I think he did. And it wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. Tate has a strong, country voice and I think it will get him to the live shows, but this was the wrong song choice. L.A. was digging the song, though.
Vino Alan: Killer. Great rendition of Pink's "Sober." Vino's voice is extremely powerful, soulful and sounds like no one else. His look is tough with all the tattoos on his head, but his talent is undeniable. Justin Bieber was feeling it. If there was a winner from the over 25's based on these auditions, it would be Vino.
Tara Simon: I didn't think I could hate "The Reason" by Hoobastank anymore that I already do. But Tara, the lone female in this category, helped me out. The diva continued her over-the-top style and butchered the song, belting far too much. Awful.

NOTES: If was a betting man, I'd say that Daryl and Tara will be the ones to hit the road on Wednesday. L.A. really wasn't into Daryl's performance and Tara is just awful. I'd say that Vino and Tate are locks to make it through, but who knows.

TEENS PERFORMANCES Mentored by Britney Spears and special guest will.i.am

• Diamond White: It's no secret at this point that Diamond is a complete beast. Her version of Avril Lavigne's "I'm With You" only solidified her status as one of the top dogs remaining. Her range for a 13-year-old is fantastic. will.i.am wasn't crazy about it.
• Reed Deming: Whoa, I underestimated this kid. His heartfelt rendition of "Hey There, Delilah" was much better than I remember him being. Britney thought he didn't deliver quite enough. I have to disagree. That was great.
• James Tanner: I didn't remember James Tanner before this performance and I probably won't after. Turns out he is a rapper and his uninspired version of "Party Like a Rockstar" was no more than decent.
• Arin Ray: This guy has got to make it through to the live shows. Singing an acoustic (what else?) rendition of Nicki Minaj's "Starships," Arin's tones were right on-point. He has the look and the moves. Strong performance.
• Beatrice Miller: Maplewood native Beatrice was a mess before hitting the mini stage, crying and ready to puke. Apparently her nerves went away in a matter of seconds, because once she started singing, the Jersey girl gave a great, bluesy performance of "Bulletproof" by David Guetta. The best she has sounded in this competition.
 • Carly Rose Sonenclar Carly has been the golden child of the competition so far — getting a lot of airtime. Honestly, I was rooting for her to fall a little, but her version of "Brokenhearted" by Karmin was sensational. Her voice is undoubtedly the most polished of this group. They saved the best for last with her. will.i.am called her a dragon. I think that's a good thing.

NOTES: After this showing, James Tanner is a definite goner, but the other elimination could go in any direction. I would say that Arin and Carly are definitely in, but the other four are all very close. Nothing will surprise me.