- Michigan-born singer impresses on “I Love OPM” contest with a Martin Nievera classic song
- He says he turned to OPM after the death of his cousin
- He dedicates the song to all Filipinos who have touched his life
- American joins Pakistani and German-Irish teen in next round
MANILA, Philippines – Music is indeed a universal language — and Ryan Gallagher proved it.
On Saturday’s edition of the “I Love OPM” contest, the American flawlessly belted out a classic OPM song to the delight of the judges and the audience.
In singing Martin Nievera’s “Kahit Isang Saglit,” Gallagher, who hails from Michigan, said he found solace in OPM songs after the passing of his cousin whom he also considered as his best friend.
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN
“Music is a universal language,” he said. “Many Filipinos have touched my life. Gusto kong magpasalamat sa kanilang lahat.”
Nievera, who was one of the three judges, praised Gallagher for singing a song he himself described as difficult.
“Napakahirap kantahin iyan. That’s one of the hardest songs to sing emotionally, the diction part. I think you did a very good job for someone who doesn’t sing Tagalog every day,” he told the American.
Toni Gonzaga also gave Gallagher her seal of approval.
However, songbird Lani Misalucha thumbed down Gallagher’s performance only because she believed he was holding back his real potential.
Despite getting two out of three nods from the judges, Gallagher still gets to proceed to the next round where he will face off against Pakistani Harris Dio Smith and German-Irish teenager Jeena Dimaandal.
Smith sang Smtih’s “Beep Beep” while Dimaandal belted out Sharon Cuneta’s “Bituin Walang Ningning” to book their slots for the next round.
The contest, which highlights Filipinos and other nationalities who can sing OPMs fluently, airs on Saturdays and Sundays after “Maalala Mo Kaya” and “Rated K” respectively.
Watch videos:
Post a Comment