Ellen DeGeneres Show: Filipino Duo Got A Standing Ovation (With Videos)
The YouTube singer Aldrich Talonding got his long-awaited dream when he finally graced Ellen's top rating show along with his cousin, James Walter Bucong.
The YouTube Filipino duo captured the hearts of Ellen's audience and got their first standing ovation after Aldrich made his heartfelt rendition of Luther Vandross "Dance With My Father".
The duo's video "Dance With My Father" was uploaded before Aldrich father, a Christian minister was diagnosed of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and died last June which makes the song even more meaningful to him. Now the young singer can't believe that their small jamming is now his song for his departed dad, as he says, "means a lot to me, because I didn't realize the song would become true."
"I bet he's so proud of you right now," says Ellen.
The General Santos-based music duo was discovered when their video vent viral on social media and got the attention of host Ellen DeGeneres last April 30, 2013 and has been invited to sing on different TV shows in the country. Four months after Ellen's invitation, Aldrich Talonding and James Walter Bucong guested on the show last September 12, 2013.
When asked about how they handled the newly found fame, Aldrich says, "When the video got viral, people start to recognize us on the streets or in the mall. They even recognize us in the restrooms!"
"That's weird!", he quipped.
James are also getting a lot of attention especially from girls who are saying that they love him which makes the young musician feeling uncomfortable. He says, "Many people do recognize me, especially girls. So it feels awkward when they say that they love me!"
After the standing ovation performance of the duo Ellen says, "I'm so glad we found you," as he gave the talented young singer a guitar and piano so he can starting learning how to play and $10,000 check for his family. Aldrich Talonding and James Bucong has proven once again that Filipino talent is truly world class.
This is not the first time that a Filipino talent was invited in the show, Charice Pempengco was the first YouTube sensation who marked her international career when she performance on the talk show. Singer, Zendee Tenerefe and Rhap Salazar also performs on the show on two different times in late 2012.