Fresh from her successful stint in Dangdut Academy (D’Academy) Asia 5, the biggest dangdut music talent show in Indonesia, where she placed 2nd runner-up, OST singer Hannah Precillas still couldn’t believe that she's able to harness her ability to outperform herself.
In D’Academy, which is considered to be the first and biggest dangdut music talent show created by Programming Indosiar, and has become one of the most successful talent search shows in Indonesia, she had to sing 20 foreign songs.
“ There were times that I only had a few hours to learn a song. It was a challenge. I didn’t really expect that I would get that far. I didn’t even think that I would pass the audition for the contest,” she told Manila Standard in an interview.
For her audition, the 21-year-old singer performed two songs, one in English and another in Indonesian.
“Dangdut is a music genre in Indonesia. It’s like our version of kundiman, but there are techniques that you have to learn and unlearn to be able to perform a dangdut. And even if I already sounded okay, locals would still tell me that I sounded different. I think that’s normal, parang tayo, we would easily know if a foreigner is the one singing a Tagalog song,” she explained.
The GMA Artist Center star raised the country’s flag in the international scene after capturing the hearts of the judges and the Indonesian audience with her singing prowess. She consistently wowed the crowd with her rendition of various Indonesian songs she performed throughout the competition.
Among the 35 contestants from all over Asia, she consistently received top scores, becoming the lone Filipino and female contestant to compete in the grand finals.
For reaching the finals, she brought home 50 million rupees or around P180,000. She said she’s using the prize money for her mom’s kidney transplant.
“After the contest, the management decided to give the top 3 an additional 50 million rupee. So, I said, wow, I’m already a millionaire in Indonesia,” she laughed.
“I always feel blessed for all the support. It’s a big accomplishment for me and it’s a great experience for me as a singer na ma-try din yung iba pang genre and to represent the Philippines international stage,” she said.
Hannah has been invited to perform again Indonesia for the 25th-anniversary celebration of Indosiar.
“It’s another opportunity. I hope I get more offers there. I’m just so proud and thankful that they also appreciate my talent,” she said.
Hannah, the winner of GMA’s talent competition Bet Ng Bayan in 2014, is the voice behind the well-loved theme songs of GMA entertainment programs including Hahamakin Ang Lahat,Kambal, Karibal, Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, Kapag Nahati Ang Puso, and Onanay.