Coach Billy Crawford shared his thoughts after ‘The Voice Kids Philippines’ won Best Adaptation of an Existing Format (Non-Scripted) at the Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA), a recognition that highlights the show’s global-caliber quality and heart.
“Syempre natuwa naman kami,” Billy said. “Just to be recognized anywhere, it’s definitely a group effort and a blessing. Thank you guys.”
Having coached in multiple seasons, Billy reflected on the kinds of performances that move him to turn his chair during blind auditions — and even surprise himself.
“What type of style that made me turn? Anything that’s with the soul, anything soulfully sung — ‘yun yung what makes me turn,” he shared. “Just because nahuhuli nila yung soul din ng isang tao.”
When asked how he emotionally prepares to make tough decisions during the battle rounds, where coaches must choose who stays and who goes, Billy admitted that it’s never easy.
“Honestly, you cannot emotionally prepare for it,” he said. “You can’t literally be prepared and also prepare the kids in advance because in life, gusto ko lang ituro din sa mga kabataan na it’s not all sunshine, rainbows, and birds, and all the beautiful things na inaasam natin.”
He continued, “Sometimes we go home with defeat, pero we should learn from it and trust the process, because it’s just gonna make you better and better. When I let go of someone, I feel like I’m letting go of someone that will grow — and balang araw, sasabihin niya, ‘Tignan mo si Coach Billy, di niya ako kinuha dati, but look at me now.’”
For Billy, ‘The Voice Kids’ is not only about discovering young talent, but also about shaping strong character and leadership among the contestants.
“That’s the kind of attitude I want them to have,” he said. “Because attitude sometimes reflects leadership. I want these kids to come out as leaders — ayokong maging sunud-sunuran sila. I want them to come really strong. Regardless if they win or lose, I want them to have a good mentality.”
Billy Crawford joins Julie Anne San Jose, Zack Tabudlo, and Paolo and Miguel Benjamin of Ben&Ben as coaches on ‘The Voice Kids Philippines’ Season 2, which premiered on GMA Network last September 14.
