After much speculation, ABS-CBN’s TV Production Entertainment Head Laurenti Dyogi confirmed that a deal is currently in the works to get world-renowned Fil-Am singer-rapper Apl de Ap (Allan Pineda Lindo) as the fourth coach of ‘The Voice of the Philippines’.

“We are in the final stages of negotiating with the management of Apl.de.Ap for him to be the fourth coach of ‘The Voice of The Philippines,’” said Direk Lauren in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN.com earlier today, March 1.

This is the first time that the ABS-CBN management has spoken about Apl de Ap being part of the network’s highly-anticipated reality singing competition since there are still ongoing talks with his management.

Based on The Huffingtong Post U.K.’s May 2012 report, however, Apl.de.Ap was offered to headline a reality show here in Manila as early as last year. Although he didn’t exactly say what TV show it’s going to be, he seemed to be hinting at ‘The Voice PH’ since his fellow Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am (William James Adams) acted as coach in ‘The Voice U.K.’ last year.“

“I've been working myself up to do it because I'm not used to being on TV everyday... I've been offered a show for next year It's probably going to be [with] other Fillipino artists - definitely Arnel Pineda the lead singer of Journey, Cherise (Charice) and Bruno Mars. It will be funny if Will does it with me, right? He won't understand a bunch of the songs,” Apl.de.Ap was quoted as saying in an interview with the U.K. website.

In the meantime, the three confirmed coaches of ‘The Voice of The Philippines’ include Lea Salonga (The Voice of Disney and Broadway), Bamboo Manalac (The Voice of Rock) and Sarah Geronimo (The Voice of Pop).

Keep logging on to www.ABS-CBN.com for the latest updates on The Voice of The Philippines.

Photo taken from Apl.de.Ap's official Twitter account

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