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| Friday July 25, 2008 | 7:50am PHT |
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For better or worse, American Idol has produced another legend-in-the-making in 44-year-old Renaldo Lapuz. It was high impact at first sight as the Fil-Am contestant from Reno, Nevada walked down the hall with the stance of a matador in his showy get-up of plush white coat, silver cape and winged white hat with judge Simon Cowell's name emblazoned across its front.
After a brief repartee and bout of bowing with host Ryan Seacrest, Lapuz continued on to the audition room where judges Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson awaited him. Asked why Cowell's name was on his hat, he explained that "everyone, everywhere, as long as there is print media, television, radio, speaks the name of Simon," which prompted Jackson to stop Lapuz from explaining his other reason.
Lapuz then went on to sing his original composition entitled "We're Brothers Forever," a repetitive and LSS (last song syndrome) inducing tune that got Seacrest invited inside to join Lapuz and Jackson on the stage as Abdul danced about. At the end of his audition piece, Cowell stated, "I'm going to make a prediction here. I have a horrible feeling that's going to be a hit record." Unfortunately, Lapuz's talent was not quite what the show was looking for, and Cowell gave a consolation saying, "You're very entertaining. I actually like you but it's going to be no."
Lapuz proved to be a good sport, shaking Cowell's hand afterwards and receiving a hug from the normally acerbic judge. In his post-audition message, he also declared, "Simon, you are a great person. You give chance to everyone to sing to the whole world. Thank you. You are heaven's chosen to give chance to any talent for free of charge. Even if they throw you negative words, there are many people who really like you, who really admire you. One of them is me. You are a great person, Simon."
Well, it looks like Cowell's prediction was right on the money. Lapuz has already made web star status as the video of his audition has been appearing all over the Internet, sparking an influx of comments and discussions. A variety of remix versions by enthusiastic fans have also cropped up, as well as a website claiming to be the new celebrity's "official" site.
Many say he's the Filipino William Hung, but Renaldo Lapuz is a legend all his own. Already, "We're Brothers Forever" has become an anthem of sorts; who knows when it will become that hit record?
OTHER
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