Bryan Chong is a veteran of singing contests, although winning has been so elusive he almost quit. But Idol Philippines inspired him to revive his passion, and fight once more.

As if failures do wonders, Bryan showed up equipped with a grander vocal arsenal that includes stronger vibrato and lovelier falsettos. There’s no doubt he’s ready to claim the highest prize. Now it simply boils down to perfect timing.

Is this Bryan’s highly-anticipated season of winning? We’ll find out in the Idol Philippines Season 2 finale, on Sunday, September 18. For now, let us look back on the hopeful’s journey in the competition.

Audition

Those familiar with Bryan were elated to finally see him back in a singing contest on national TV. Most of them remember him as Sarah Geronimo’s apprentice in The Voice Teens Philippines (2017). His level of experience was evident in his performance of “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin” in front of Idol judges Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Moira Dela Torre, and Chito Miranda.

The judges knew he would deliver mind-blowing performances in the succeeding rounds. Regine further admired him for respecting the song’s original arrangement.

Group Round

Bryan’s team-player attitude was evident in the middle round when he performed with his group Sadboyz II Men. He harmonized yet stood out by balancing the song’s last part with a smooth falsetto. He listened when told by their vocal coach to loosen up.

Do or Die Round

He might be the smallest in the group but he sure had the biggest vocal prowess. It’s worth noting how Bryan enjoyed his moment on stage without sacrificing the overall performance.

Solo Round

The ‘chill’ attitude was more evident in the solo round with his rendition of “Ulap,” as if he was there to simply serenade his audience. “Aside from the fact na impressive ‘yung ginawa niya, it didn’t feel like he was trying to impress. Parang, ‘enjoy lang ako dito.’ Sobrang galing. Kahit saan niya ilatag ‘yung boses niya, solid, eh,” Chito commented. The other judges praised his great vocal dynamics and, of course, his heavenly falsettos. At this point, Bryan has already made his mark in the competition through his falsetto-laden style of singing. He sure knows how to play his cards well, and recover like a pro as he managed to deliver despite losing his voice right before his performance.

First Live Gala Night (Top 12)

Mentored by Ice Seguerra in the first live show, Bryan kept his rendition of “Paubaya” simple yet heartfelt. He traded his signature falsettos for a surprising ‘birit’ at the end, showcasing his versatility.

Second Live Gala Night (Top 10)

He ranked first on the scoreboard for the second live show that paid tribute to the music of OPM icon Ogie Alcasid. Bryan singing “Akala Ko” proves that contest pieces don’t necessarily have to be popular – as long as you’re performing to express than to impress. While it sounds too risky for a big competition like Idol Philippines, the dreamer from Pampanga City managed to use the song’s unpopularity to his advantage and even breathed new life into it, expressing his technical brilliance. Judge Moira called him a jack of all trades, while judge Regine was impressed with the altered elements in the originally ballad song.

Third Live Gala Night (Top 8)

“It’s okay for you to be comfortable on that stage because you belong there,” judge Chito told Bryan after his performance of “Hindi Kita Iiwan.” Meanwhile, judge Gary thanked him for entertaining their ears and touching their hearts.

Fourth Live Gala Night (Top 6)

Bryan took a heavy risk in the recent live show where he got the fourth highest percentage of combined judges’ scores and public votes. He rolled the dice with an out-of-this-world rendition of “Mundo” – high notes and all. But it was truly worth the risk. Moira called him a total package, while Chito prophesied a major concert for the Idol PH hopeful.

If you think Bryan will become the next Idol Philippines, select his name in this prediction poll:

To join the prediction poll, sign in using your Facebook or Gmail account. Choose your bet from the given list of Idol hopefuls. Watch the Idol Philippines Season 2 finale to know if you got your prediction right. Keep in mind that this will not guarantee victory for your favorite contestant. The final standing will be based solely on judges’ scores and public votes cast on UpLive.

The user with a correct guess will earn 1000 points and the TOP 3 players will be displayed on the leaderboard. You may cast your prediction once only.

Don’t miss the Idol Philippines Season 2 Finale, this September 17 and 18, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.