A 22-year-old singer from Butuan City was declared the winner of Fox Network Group Asia’s “Bolt of Talent,” a talent competition show headlined by American pop icon Michael Bolton.
Lance Busa bested seven other contestants in the competition including fellow Filipino Hans Dimayuga, who was eliminated last month, and Thailand’s Mild Nawinda Sittatikarnvech whom he competed against in the show’s finale.
Prior to joining “Bolt of Talent,” Lance was a contestant on GMA Network’s “To The Top,” a talent search competition designed for aspiring singers who wanted to become members of a new boy band.
“Music has always been something that I really love. Any opportunity that would open a door for me is something really big,” said Lance, who has been singing since the age of 5 and as of late has been performing in bars and corporate events before auditioning for “Bolt of Talent.”
Lance will join Bolton in his upcoming world tour which includes a Manila stop this November. He also won a record deal among other prizes.
Bolton, who mentored and coached the contestants, was helped in his quest by local co-hosts Morissette Amon in the Philippines, Sandra Riley Tang in Singapore and Lydia Sarunrat Deane in Thailand.
In making the final decision to choose Lance, the hitmaking singer-songwriter said he was impressed by the young singer’s rendition of his big hit, “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You?”
A post shared by MB (@michaelboltonpics) on
As in the first line of his winning song, Lance could hardly believe that he emerged victorious. He later took to Instagram and thanked everyone who contributed to his triumphant journey.
The competition’s other contestants were Gregory Ramanado and Cassandra Anne from Malaysia; Holly Wei-Chen Lou and Dena Tsui Fang Chang from Taiwan; and Paige Jutarat Mangkalarangsee from Thailand.