Written by Efrain Cruz, Latin Media Gurus Contributor.
The first season of Univision’s singing competition “¡Vive el Sueño!” saw it’s grand finale close off with an array of stars, performances, and the much anticipated announcement of the season’s winner.
In a show where the winner was chosen by the people, the honor of being the people’s choice was up in the air, being representative of the battle that occurs in the music world.
Diego Dibos, Sergio Antonio, Cristina, Ojeda, Zone D’ Tambora, Ana Isabelle, and Fedro may have been relatively obscure names a few months ago, but after surviving weeks and weeks of an incredibly difficult season and the brutally honest comments from the show’s star judges, reaching the final was no small feat.
Star guest Alejandro Fernandez kicked off the night with his new singles Estuve and Se Me Va La Voz where he took the opportunity to greet legendary producer Emilio Estefan who was in attendance with his niece and “El Gordo y la Flaca” protagonist Lili Estefan, who received a peck from “El Potrillo.”
Luis Fonsi was also on hand to perform Llueve por Dentro and hit single No Me Doy Por Vencido. Although somewhat visibly affected by his current marriage struggles, he still took time to provide advice to the final contestants.
The Finalists
Diego Dibos was the first contestant responsible of performing, choosing the Mana’s Corazon Espinado to close off his season. The Peruvian, known for being untied to a single musical genre, having performed as a Salsero, Rockero, and even Ranchero throughout the season, unfortunately did not have enough to be in the final three, receiving 14.5% of the votes. Nonetheless his deep musical knowledge leaves him an open future in the world of music production and perhaps also as an artist.
Having been voted off once already, Sergio Antonio was brought back to the competition to demonstrate that he has a strong future as a singer-songwriter. On this night he performed Eso y Mas by his idol and mentor Joan Sebastian, unfortunately with 8.6% of the votes, he also did not have enough votes to become a top three candidate. However, with his ultra positive vibe, determination and legendary mentor, we can all rest assured that we will hear of him again in the Regional Mexicano world.
Being the most original contestant in the competition, the flamboyant Fedro took to the stage with Paulina Rubio’s Causa y Efecto. Combining a great act on stage with a talented voice, the Mexican talent was placed within the top three vote winners of the competition. Already being mentioned in the same breath as idol Juan Gabriel, he has an incredibly extensive road ahead to even reach a miniscule percentage of the accolades el divo de Juarez has acquired, but the potential to be unique like the legend is definitely there.
Next up Cristina showed the music world why she had already been the winner of another talent competition (Objetivo Fama) and became a top three finalist for this night. Choosing the classic Volver, Volver by Vicente Fernandez, she gave a performance that could only be topped by the legendary singer himself. Several times she dropped the mic low, as only Chente does, to showcase a very powerful voice that is worthy of the “big-time.”
Ojeda came up next to perform Mojado by Ricardo Arjona, a song that is representative of his own life as an immigrant who came to the United States looking for success. The world of Regional Mexicano should have a new talent on in its hands, being known as a “showman,” he combines his singing with a very rousing dancing act that has the potential to stir paying audiences in the future. Unfortunately with 14% of the votes, he did not have enough to move into the top three.
With only two acts left to perform, Puertorriqueña princess Ana Isabelle performed Creer en Ti, showing what she has shown throughout the competition that she is truly a complete artist. Her humble spirit, undeniable talent, and charm placed her within the top three vote getters of the competition.
Puerto Rican quartet Zone D’ Tambora were the last to perform in the initial round of performances, with the well-known classic La Bamba. A group that has an explosive positive energy and performs remarkably well on stage as a group gives them the potential to star as the next Latin group sensation. Unfortunately for them in this competition, they did not place within the top three vote getters, receiving 11.1% of the votes.
The Top Three
The fans votes determined Fedro, Cristina, and Ana Isabelle as the top three vote getters, meaning they got to perform one last song each before the winner was announced.
With each of the last songs performed chosen by the fans, Ana Isabelle sang Yo te Recuerdo; Fedro, Yo Naci Para Amar; and Cristina, Ya Lo Sé Que Tu Te Vas.
Finally the time to announce the winners had come, with Fedro coming in at third place with 15.5% of the votes, Cristina placing in second place with 16.4% of the votes, meaning Ana Isabelle had become the first winner of “¡Vive el Sueño!” with 19.8% of the public’s votes, in a week where double the amount of votes were cast.
Ana Isabelle maybe have been the winner of $200,000 as the first winner of “¡Vive el Sueño!” however, as this competition showed, she won’t be the only contestant with the potential to rise to stardom.
Keep these names in mind, because this is just the beginning for them as they work towards reaching their sueños.
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I just want to let you know that I finished an interview with the great master/guru José María Napoleón and I am now in the works of getting it transcribed and also translated into English.