By Cynthia De Castro
FEBRUARY 22, 2008
Asianjournal.com
From Janitor to AI Sensation
It’s unbelievable that an American
Idol aspirant who gets a unanimous and
resounding “No” from the judges comes
out of the audition room with a big smile
as if his dreams had just come true. Much
less with great hope for the future. Pero
iba talaga ang Pinoy!
A former tricycle driver for 11 years in
Quezon City who migrated here in 2004
and worked as a janitor at Greyhound and
Walmart, Renaldo Lapuz auditioned for
American Idol Season 7. Fifteen minutes
later, AI judges instantly turned him into
a worldwide celebrity.
Never mind that the American Idol
judges seemed patronizing. Never mind
that they don’t think Lapuz has any place
in Hollywood. Never mind that people
are saying he’s another “William Hung” (A
previous American Idol aspirant who was
rejected because he obviously couldn’t
sing and dance, but became popular
nonetheless.)
What matters is that 45-year old Lapuz as the judges wrapped up their long happening now to me, thank God.”
and his original song We’re Brothers day. Uniquely clad in a white leather suit Lapuz’s story goes to show that if you
Forever have both become a hit after last with a shiny metallic cape and a hat with plant a dream in your heart and work
month’s season premiere of American the name “Simon” on it, he obviously at it as best as you can, trusting God to
Idol, rocking the YouTube and American amused American Idol judges, Simon bring it to pass, you could really see
Idol websites and earning him instant Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, it come true. Renaldo related that he
fame. with his costume which, according to started singing at age 5, when his father
Lapuz’s fame after the audition Lapuz, was inspired by the film Gladiator. taught him the US National Anthem,
have really hit the roof. Renaldo has As he sang his original song over and the Star Spangled Banner, though he’s
been featured in Star World, Fox News over, Randy, Paula, and even Ryan Filipino. Through the years, though no
and other popular media channels. A Seacrest, joined him onstage, dancing opportunities came his way in the field
phenomenal 2.5 million people watched and singing “I am your brother, your best of music, he kept composing songs.
his 15-minute audition in 2 days over friend forever”. His style of music is ballads, adding “I
YouTube. Almost 7 million from over 120 When Simon jokingly predicted that like serenading. In 1998, I recorded and
countries have visited his website which We’re Brothers Forever might become a copyrighted 10 songs in the Philippines.
is now translated in 16 languages making hit record, Lapuz beamed and took the I’ve translated two of those into English.”
www.RenaldoLapuz.com more popular comment to heart, profusely thanking He recounted recording in a studio on V.
than the websites of Elvis Presley and first Simon whom he called “heaven sent for Luna Road near Sikatuna Village, his route
American Idol Kelly Clarkson (2002). judging talents free of charge.” as a tricycle driver.
Lapuz has also inked deals to sing in Lapuz still can’t believe his instant Renaldo is profuse in thanking all his
Cleveland, Puerto Rico and New York. The fame. fans, especially the Filipinos around
Maloof family, owner of Palms Hotel in “I was shocked that, in two days 2.5 the world who have supported and
Las Vegas and the NBA team Sacramento million people had watched the video [of encouraged him since his “15 minutes
Kings, have invited Lapuz to be their my audition] on YouTube. I’d like to thank of fame.” In his now famous song, Lapuz
special guest this basketball season. [everyone] who accepted my song, who sings about unity, a serenade, perhaps, to
Another promoter is keen on touring accepted me,” he said in an interview. his kababayans: I am your brother/your
Lapuz in Europe and a major worldwide “They give me the ‘big-time’ treatment best friend forever./Singing the songs/
record label will soon be meeting with here. What I think is going on now is the music that you like./We’re brothers
Renaldo for “ a possible recording deal.” the start of my dream. It’s a new start in till the end of time./Together forever till
A bachelor living in Reno, Nevada, my life. My singing career is just getting the end of time./ Together or not, you’re
Renaldo was the last to audition in Dallas started through American Idol. It’s all always in my heart. (AJ)
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