Pinay singer Ivy Grace Paredes leaves 'The X Factor UK' in style

Filipina singer Ivy Grace Paredes left "The X Factor UK" in style after she received the best crowd reaction and praises from the judges alike during her last performance in the reality-singing TV show.
Paredes, 33, impressed judges Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell on Sunday (UK time) with her rendition of the Filipino-favorite "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston.

Scherzinger commented that Paredes' voice was "way too big for the Philippines" while Cowell said her performance was exciting despite not being "the most original thing" the judges have heard.
"I know why you left the Philippines because your voice is way too big for the Philippines alone, it's meant for the entire world to hear," Scherzinger said.
"Is it the most original thing we've ever heard? No. Is it exciting? Yes. Should you be in a chair, yes," Cowell added.
Though Paredes earned a slot in the next round of the show, visa troubles forced her to quit "The X Factor UK."
Paredes was refused an American visa, making her ineligible to continue to the US leg of the competition, according to a report on The Sun.
Paredes was a singer at a comedy bar in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates seven years ago and was supposed to sign a contract with a prominent hotel when she was invited to audition for the X Factor UK.
Paredes, who was from Malaybalay, Bukidnon, started singing in competitions when she was nine years old. She stopped going to school at age 14 to sing professionally to financially support her family. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

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