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'Is that Bruno Mars?': 'Idol' judges send Fil-Am singer Francisco Martin to Top 20

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ABS-CBN News

Filipino-American singer Francisco Martin received a standing ovation from “American Idol” judges as he performed before them in Hawaii for a spot in the Top 20.During the show’s Sunday episode (Monday morning in Manila), Martin chose to sing the new Harry Styles hit “Falling” for the Showcase Round.Compared with his last performance, Martin owned the stage this time, showing no signs of nervousness, while playing the guitar and singing his heart out.After his song, the judges were up on their feet, with Luke Bryan even jumping up and down in his seat.“I don’t really recognize who you are anymore, especially what you did last night, and that’s a good thing,” Katy Perry told Martin, as the judges talked to the contestants individually about their fate the following day.Lionel Richie agreed, saying: “When the girls screamed, did you see what he turned into? I don’t even think he sang for a moment. He just kinda sat there and took it all in.”Martin’s performance even prompted Perry to liken him to another popular Filipino-American artist.“I was like, is that Bruno Mars? I like it,” she said. Meanwhile, Bryan said he’s proud how Martin is “figuring out how to be a real artist, somebody that you naturally root for.”“You check every box. I have a feeling that great things are just going to happen to you in this experience. You’re just a wonderful talent,” he said.It was at that point when Bryan told Martin that he made it to the Top 20 after they have decided to send him through to the next round.Watch how Martin impressed the judges with his performance below.<figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b4IDCCJDCTg?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

Filipino-American singer Francisco Martin received a standing ovation from “American Idol” judges as he performed before them in Hawaii for a spot in the Top 20.

Filipino-American singer Francisco Martin received a standing ovation from “American Idol” judges as he performed before them in Hawaii for a spot in the Top 20.