The Voice Kids Italy: 13-Year-Old Filipino Gets Four Chair Turns

Cover image courtesy: The Voice of Italy Youtube

ITALY—A 13-year-old Filipino boy, Gabriele Angelo Montalva, successfully impressed the judges and passed the blind auditions of The Voice Kids Italy, with a captivating rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” on 17 January 2026.

Born in Italy to Filipino parents, Gabriele—who hails from Bassano in Teverina—won over the hearts of the judges with his moving performance, according to Italian newspaper La Provincia. The judges included Loredana Bertè, Arisa, Clementino, Rocco Hunt, and Nek, all of whom turned their chairs for the young singer.

Nek praised Gabriele, saying, “You have the voice of an angel.”

“It’s my grandmother’s favorite song,” Gabriele replied.

Gabriele dedicated his performance to his grandmother, who raised him in the Philippines for the first eight years of his life while his parents worked in Italy.

“I’ve been dreaming of this moment for a long time. I’m so excited and thrilled,” Gabriele said.

His parents and younger sister were present in the studio to support him, visibly proud and emotional. “We’re finally united; there’s strength in unity. This experience is wonderful for the whole family. For us, he will always be our winner,” they said.

Following his impressive audition, Gabriele chose to join Team Arisa.

With reports from Maryann Jarin Vidal