RIYADH, 19 April 2006 — When singing contestant Stephen Fuentes faltered in his first song during the recently concluded 4th Evaluation Round of the TFC Popstar Riyadh at the Philippine Embassy, not a few seemed to have ruled him out of running.
The medical technologist of King Abdulaziz Medical City National Guard Hospital drew a blank several times in the middle of his rendition of “There’s No Easy Way” by James Ingram, drawing murmurs from the audience.
But Fuentes snapped out of his slump in the second category in his interpretation of Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” and took the last slot in the Magic 3, which entitles him to represent Riyadh in the national finals.
“I was totally disappointed, I lost my confidence and I just prayed hard that I will do good in my next song,” an ecstatic Fuentes said later after his name was included in the Magic 3.
The judges may have seen Fuentes’ potentials as a winner and glossed over his momentary failure.
“We give them hope, we give them the future,” an enigmatic Albert Martinez, one of the judges said of Fuentes after the show.
Supporters of Fuentes carrying placards bearing his name jumped with joy when his name was announced.
“It’s unbelievable, but I know Stephen has got big faith in God,” Mary Ann Mendoza, one of Fuentes’ supporters said.
One of Fuentes’ admirers is his own co-worker. “Stephen has a wonderful voice. It’s like listening to the radio when he sings. I didn’t even notice that he goofed,” said Selvin Naidoo said.
Fuentes will join Cindy de la Cruz, a 14-year old student of Elite International School, and Richard Balgos Jr., an employee of Kodak.
Four teenagers battled it out but Cindy de la Cruz, noted for her powerful voice and graceful movement, won the nod of the judges.
The trio will slug it out in the finals with contestants from the Eastern and Western Regions. The first and second placers in the finals will represent Saudi Arabia in the grand finals, which will be held in Dubai.