MANILA, Philippines – Robert Cozma, 36, got a standing ovation from The Voice Philippines’s coaches and the audience too, but unfortunately he did not make the cut to the next stage, because the four judges/coaches did not turn their chair around when he sang his first song.
Undoubtedly, Robert Cozma had the wrong song choice with his song “Habang May Buhay”, in his blind audition.
Robert Cozma’s father is from Syria and his mother from Angeles City, Pampanga. He looks more Caucasian than Filipino, and the coaches were surprised that he could speak Tagalog and Kapampangan fluently. He revealed that her wife was pregnant and was watching at home with their 10 year-old daughter.
Sarah Geronimo requested him to sing another song in English, and he sang “How Did You Know.” He dedicated his second song to his wife. He nailed the second song that it was evident from the coaches’ faces that they wish they had turned their chairs for him.
Lea Salonga expressed her thoughts:
“I felt na parang mas connectado ka kasi sa pangalawa mong kanta. (I felt that you seem more connected with your second song.) You clearly have something incredibly special.”
Apl.de.Ap said in Kapampangan; Apl.de.Ap is a Kapampangan himself and also speaks Tagalog and Kapampangan fluently, in spite of being a member of the international American band ‘The Black Eyed Peas.”
“You should have sung your second song first. It is apparent that you have your family in mind. Good Luck, men, good luck. You have your daughter to live for. I know you’re a strong person. Don’t take no for an answer.”
The coaches, Lea Salonga, Bamboo Manalac, Sarah Geronimo and Apl.de.Ap all embraced him and gave some words of encouragement. They advised him not to give up singing. Sarah was wiping her tears as she watched the equally teary-eyed Robert hug Apl.de.Ap tightly.
Hopefully, Robert Cozma would audition again next season for The Voice of the Philippines, or he might want to audition for X Factor Philippines’ Season 2, instead.
