Filipina Singer Surprises ‘X Factor UK’ Judges By Singing Her Own Duet

A unique singer from the Philippines brought the house down during the latest episode of British talent show “The X Factor UK” after showcasing her versatile vocal prowess.

Filipina singer Sephy Francisco wowed the competition’s four judges by singing in both a female’s and a male’s voice in an episode aired over the weekend.

Singing a duet by herself, Francisco impressed her audience with a magnificent rendition of “The Prayer,” a song popularized by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.

Francisco pulled out a pleasant surprise by singing in a woman’s voice at the beginning and then shifting to a man’s voice around 50 seconds in.

While judges Simon Cowell, Robbie Williams, Ayda Field, and Louis Tomlinson (former member of One Direction) were already impressed at the beginning, they did not see the twist of her one-of-a-kind performance coming when she suddenly changed her voice.

“Well, that was a surprise,” Field remarked.

“I’ve never judged a duo who’s one person. This is incredible,” Cowell exclaimed.

“I save money, you made more money,” he joked.

Francisco earned her entry to the next round after getting a unanimous “yes” vote from all four judges.

It is worth noting that while her dual-singing voice act appears to be an unusual performance in an international stage, Filipinos are quite familiar with such singing.

A local television show has popularized the concept of “doble kara” (two faces) singing, in which performers wear half-male and half-female attire while singing duet songs in both male and female voices.

Viewers of “The X Factor UK’s” next round will see Francisco competing against fellow Filipina Maria Laroco, who also recently earned the “yes” votes from the four judges last week.