Filipina singer Maria Laroco impresses The X Factor UK judges, gets a standing ovation from Simon Cowell, Louis Tomlinson, Ayda and Robbie Williams

Maria Laroco, 17, from the Philippines, wowed all four judges of The X Factor UK with her rendition of Purple Rain sung by Prince on the second week of the competition. Maria flew to UK all the way from the Philippines, sharing it was just her third time to get on a plane.

Before her performance, Judge Simon Cowell asked Maria what gives her the strength to come all the way from where she lives to perform in front of them. The young lady immediately answered “Since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to be an international superstar and I want to be big! That’s why I’m doing this because I love to do this, and this is my dream!”

Deep into Maria’s performance, as she hit on the high notes, the crowd started cheering loudly and were on their feet, the judges then followed one by one started by Robbie Williams, Ayda Williams and Louis Tomlinson. Simon Cowell was also on his feet at the end of her song.

Host Dermot O’leary expressed his awe by asking Maria’s companions “Is there anyone in the Philippines who can’t sing?”

“That was absolutely incredible, incredible.” Former One Direction member and Judge Louis said. “To do what you’ve just done at 17, vocally, you absolutely, blew me away! Well done!” He added.

Judge Ayda gushed “O.M.G! You just bossed that stage, well done!”

Judge Simon asked “Was there ever one moment where you doubted this?”

Teary eyed Maria responded “No, I never gave up on my dreams, a lot of times people tell me that I can’t do it, that I’m not good enough.”

“Look what you did to the audience, that hasn’t happened a lot!” said Judge Robbie. “You’re amazing! I’m going to kick this off, and I’m going to give you a massive yes!” He added.

Judge Ayda followed saying “I’m gonna give you all the yeses I can possibly give you, Yes!”

“Maria, thank you so much for auditioning for this show, it’s a yes!” said Judge Louis.

“So you are 17 years old, and you’ve flown all the way [from the Philippines], which is a long trip, you’ve taken on probably one of the biggest songs in the world, I’m gonna go beyond the billion yeses, I’m gonna give you infinity yeses!” Judge Simon expressed.

Maria Laroco now moves on to the next round of The X Factor UK. 

The X Factor UK airs first and exclusive, same day as the UK on Blue Ant Entertainment every Sundays and Mondays at 7:55 PM. Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37(SD) and 313(HD).