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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Pinay power: Kristel Herrera brings Britain's Got Talent to its feet with breathtaking Whitney Houston tribute

Pinay power: Kristel Herrera brings Britain's Got Talent to its feet with breathtaking Whitney Houston tribute

Published Apr 5, 2026 03:48 pm

A Filipina singer from West Yorkshire has taken Britain’s Got Talent by storm, walking away with four unanimous yeses after an audition that left the judges — and the entire audience — completely breathless.

Kristel Herrera, 32, originally from Sampaloc, Manila, poured her heart into a stunning rendition of “Run to You” — a song made iconic by the legendary Whitney Houston — and the result was nothing short of electric.

Kristel Herrera (A screenshot from Britain's Got Talent YouTube)
Kristel Herrera (A screenshot from Britain's Got Talent YouTube)

Before she had even reached the final note, the crowd was already on its feet. Cheers filled the auditorium as Kristel soared through the song’s most demanding passages with what seemed like effortless grace.

Adding an extra layer of emotion to the moment, Kristel’s husband was in the audience, watching proudly as his wife fulfilled her lifelong dream on one of the world’s biggest stages.

The judges were visibly moved. One described her voice as effortless and emotionally commanding, calling it “one of the most stunning auditions” of the season.

“Unbelievable! Your husband must be so moved. I want to see more of you,” another judge gushed.

Another judge commented, “You turned into a complete diva, baby!”

Kristel, who moved to the United Kingdom several years ago, said she had always dreamed of a moment like this. “I just wanted to show people what I’ve got,” she said backstage after her audition. “This means everything to me and to my family back home in the Philippines.”

She was a familiar face to local audiences, who remembered her as a contestant on Tawag ng Tanghalan, the singing competition segment of It’s Showtime, during the pandemic.

Her performance has since exploded on social media, with clips racking up millions of views within days. Filipinos around the world have rallied behind her, flooding comment sections with messages of pride, love, and fierce support.

“My biggest dream is to perform in front of the king. I feel like today is my big day,” she said before she performed. Asked how she felt when she woke up in the morning, she said, “Scared.”

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Kristel Herrera Britain\'s Got Talent BGT Whitney Houston Run To You
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