BY NEIL RAMOS
It was quite an emotional moment for Justine Afante.
Looking as if she was about to faint, the 13-year-old Filipina belter fell on her knees, covering her face in seeming disbelief when she was announced this year’s “The Voice Kids UK” winner.
Apparently, she didn’t think she would win.
She was actually speechless for a few moments and when show host Emma Willis asked if she was okay, she panted: “No, I can’t breathe!”
It was only after gathering her thoughts for a bit that she uttered teary-eyed how she is in “so much shock!”
“They were all so good and I didn’t think I was going to be the one,” she stammered.
Indeed, it should be said that fellow finalists George Elliot, Dara Mcnicholl and yes, 7-year-old Victoria Alsina, who is also Pinay like Justine, gave their all as well in the contest but only one of them was destined to take home the crown and, obviously, Justine was it.
“I’m so, so, so, proud of you. You worked so, so, so, hard. The proof is in the pudding,” affirmed her coach Pixie Lott.
Prior to the announcement of the winner, Justine sang an amazing version of Beyonce’s “Listen.”
She also took to the stage with Pixie singing Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing.”
All of the finalists would be rewarded with a dream holiday to Orlando, Florida for their efforts.
Justine is to be given a £30, 000 grant (P1,937,110) towards her musical education.
Due to the pandemic, the episodes – including the auditions and battle rounds – were filmed a few weeks before the nationwide lockdown in March 2020.
The final was filmed last week with a virtual audience.
