After Charice Pempengco, Arnel Pineda and Maria Aragon, another Filipino artist has wowed host Ellen DeGeneres during her performance on the famous US talk show.

Zendee Rose Tenerefe, sang “And I am Telling You I’m not Going” from the musical Dreamgirls, which earned her a standing ovation when she guested on the show on October 26, which incidentally coincided with that of Hollywood actress Halle Berry.

A part of the show’s statement posted on their website read: “A star will be born on Ellen’s stage.

You’ll never forget where you were the first time you heard Zendee Rose Tenerefe perform! She was a young woman who liked to sing at a karaoke display in a mall, but after a video of her set the Internet on fire, Ellen knew she needed to bring her here! Don’t miss this jaw-dropping, once-in-a-lifetime performance from a young singer who is about to be the next big thing!”

The 21-year-old belter from General Santos City, first became internet famous as “Random Girl” after a video of her singing in a mall became a viral hit on YouTube earlier this year. The video has already been viewed more than 2.2 million times since it was uploaded in July.

During her interview with DeGeneres, Zendee admitted that she always sang in malls and shared that it had always been her dream to become a famous singer so that she could support her family and help send her cousins to school.

“I love this story,” DeGeneres said. “(Zendee) went through hard times.”

Zendee told the TV host that she and her mom used to live in a fire station in Manila and that they could only stay there during the night time.

While the YouTube video gave Zendee her big break, the newest member of Warner Music Philippines artist roster admits that she frequented karaoke bars inside the malls to showcase her talent to anyone who cared to listen.

She is also a “veteran” when it comes to joining various singing competitions such as ABS-CBN’s X-Factor Philippines, Pilipinas Got Talent, Pinoy Dream Academy, among many others, but had no luck getting into the final roster of contestants.

She recalled having high hopes after making it to X Factor’s boot camp, after hearing judge Charice say she was impressed by Zendee’s performance.

“Sabi niya sa akin, ‘I think you’ll be the next me! Sabi ko, ‘Wow, eto na!”
Unfortunately, she would again be eliminated from the show.

It seemed fate had different plans for her path of success and as soon as her video went viral, it also generated a lot of interest from the people of Warner Music Philippines who signed her up for a recording contract. She is now a mainstay on GMA Network’s Manny Many Prizes with Cong. Manny Pacquiao (who regularly invited her to sing at his parties in Gen. Santos) and Party Pilipinas. She is also set to release a full album with Warner Music Philippines, with her sound more on Pop and Soul side of music.