Rose Fostanes, a caregiver from the Philippines, has won the first season of X Factor Israel. Her emotional journey—from Filipina outsider to the winner of the popular music show—was guided by Eurovision contestant and mentor Shiri Maimon.
“I cannot say anything,” an emotional Rose said on stage after hearing the public’s decision.”Thank you so much for those people who voted for me. Thank you for all the Israeli who like my voice and like my song.”
Rose, who is an open lesbian, came to Israel in 2008 to care for a woman in her early 50s, and to clean her house. She recently told Reuters that she hopes she will shine the spotlight on the low-paid foreign workers in Israel.
“I think I will be a leader for them because of what I did and I think also they will be proud of me,” she said. “Everybody in the world will know that Filipinos, even working as a cleaner … can also share their talents.”
Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald has already described the 47-year-old as “The Next Susan Boyle”.
Shiri was moved by her mentee’s victory.
“I love you Rose,” she said. “I’m proud of you. Can you believe it? You won on the X Factor Israel. You are the first winner and you deserve it. I love you.”
The announcement
http://youtu.be/0cRN_-WDwFE
Rose’s full X Factor audition
http://youtu.be/Vvlm7D4rI8c
Singing “My Way”
Shiri Maimon, Rose’s mentor, represented Israel at Eurovision 2005, where she placed fourth with the song “The Silence that Remains”. You can watch her performance below.
Willy Lee Adams contributed this report from London. Follow him on Twitter @willyleeadams. You can also keep up with the latest Eurovision news and gossip by following wiwibloggs.com on Twitter and Facebook.
You are simply the best among the bests, a very humble woman with simplicity and that make you shine even more above the rests of the contestants. How you wre able to capture the hearts of all Isarelis, for this iti shows that they are not biased. Now, you are a star in a foreign land you consider your second home. I am deeply impressed and I admire you and the judges and the host, Oh yes, your mentor who sings just like you. Mabuhay Rose
Shalom
I enjoys Rose singing so much. She is so amazing She has a wonerful gift from God. I used to live in Israel and had met many nice people. I am so great that they give Rose a change to become something.
Rose am very happy for you greeting from Australia mabuhay ka rose..
Your voice very powerful you know show how to deliver your on fire… (Diva)
Go rose you already on the top..
Good morning from Australia
What a wonderful story!!!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you for sharing your great voice to the world Rose. You become an inspiration to not just to all Filipinos around the world, but for all the people who dream big. God Bless and more power to you!
Thank you all who supported and believed in Rose talent especially to the Israeli people.
After watching the full episode of XFactor Israel, I truly believe that Osang deserved to be the first in this singing contest. My salute to the musicians who accompanied and gave justice to the singing performance of Osang. To the folks of Israel specially to the judges, thank you very much for being fair in your judgment and giving chances to someone in joining this prestigious XFactor. Congratulations to all the contestants especially to Osang and her family.
ISRAEL X-FACTOR…….what an amazing talent from the Philippines and to the Israeli folks……million thanks to all of you.
to all organizer of the x factor israel thank you!!!! a hand salute to everyone of you!! and to all israeli who believe and vote rose..thanks you !!! NO RICH NO POOR … this is what i see for the judges…thank you!!
Congratulations! What a moving story!
so exciting 🙂 thank you for covering the story.
Wow, thanks for covering this story, Will! 🙂 This is amazing, especially coming from the perspective of a gay Philippine-American like myself. I’m so happy for her!!!