Powering up ‘The Voice Kids’ coaching lineup in all-new season

September 11 ------ Singing competition “The Voice Kids” returns on GMA Network with new faces occupying its iconic red chairs — Miguel and Paolo Guico of the OPM folk-pop band Ben&Ben, and singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo, who first joined the competition as a 12-year-old contestant in 2014.

The twins will make franchise history as the first “double chair” coaches, while Tabudlo’s return marks a full-circle moment. They join seasoned mentors: Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose and international singer, dancer, and host Billy Crawford.

For Tabudlo, stepping into a coaching role for the first time has been meaningful. “There’s an overwhelming feeling coming into the studio for the first time. You can’t really prepare for things like this, especially if you never really expected it,” he said in an intimate interview with the press. Looking back at his own journey, Tabudlo explained that the role comes with the responsibility of influence.

“It’s a very different experience because I’ve never been in a position to judge before or to give advice to the kids. It’s also a good transition for me because, while they [the seasoned judges] have been in the industry longer, I started later. Still, I’ve had certain accomplishments that give me the background and perspective to talk to these kids,” Tabudlo explained. “I think the most important part is being an influence on these kids and having them look up to us as coaches. At the same time, we need to say what has to be said and guide them properly. That’s why it’s so important for us to have that background as coaches — so we can give fair and meaningful feedback,” he continued.

Tabudlo added that returning to The Voice Kids stage, after once being on the other side of the competition, has been deeply personal. Being here with these coaches — the same people I looked up to when I was younger — it feels unreal. Sometimes I even ask myself, ‘Do I really deserve to be here?’ But then I remind myself of all the work I’ve put into being part of this show,” he said.

For Miguel and Paolo Guico, the opportunity to mentor on national television is equally humbling. Paolo said they sought advice to ensure they use their platform responsibly. “We also asked for advice on how to give our feedback, what the right words to use are. But as long as the intention is to share what could be good for their lives, somehow the right words come out,” he said.

Miguel reflected on how joining a TV competition differs from the live shows they are used to performing. “What makes this experience so different is that it’s our first time really being part of a TV show. Both live gigs and TV are entertainment, but the experiences are worlds apart. Here, everything is fast-paced and involves so many people working behind the scenes to make it happen. It’s a real team effort. And even though our role is to share what we know, we’ve also been learning so much for the first time,” Miguel shared. “So, we just take things one day at a time, absorbing everything as it comes. When we’re asked to share our thoughts and experiences, we give our best. Every day really is a rollercoaster of emotions. I’m not exaggerating when I say you go through so much, especially when you’re working with kids,” he added.

Their fellow coaches praised the new additions. San Jose, who returns to her red chair, said the collaboration has been inspiring. “I have always been a fan of these guys. I’m personally a fan. It’s such a breath of fresh air when I work with these guys. They’re inspiring and talented artists. It motivates me to work better because they always bring something new to the table. I learn a lot from them. In the same way, they learn a lot from us. I personally enjoy working with them, and they feel like brothers to me,” she said.

Crawford echoed her enthusiasm and shared, “Julie and I have been in the industry for so long. We’ve met and worked with so many people. But these guys stand out because they’re incredibly humble and talented. They deserve to be in those chairs. These kids look up to them, and they’ll grow into amazing songwriters and performers like them.”

Source: manilatimes.net