The K-pop stan-to-idol pipeline is a trajectory that most fans around the world can only dream of achieving. The most experienced performers in the field still encounter hurdles in their careers years after their leaps of faith into the highly competitive industry. Sometimes, aspiring artists’ debuts aren’t even certain, much less a chance to let their talents see the light of day.
For 14-year-old Filipina trainee Elisia Parmisano, however, even the challenges of idol life are no match for her undeniable skills and star power. On Jan. 10, she ranked first in the semifinals of SBS’ global audition program “Universe Ticket.” She also earned a guaranteed spot in the show’s debut lineup ahead of next week’s live finale.
The “Universe Ticket” mentors, which include seasoned idols Kim Sejeong and Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon, have praised Parmisano for her stellar vocals and dance moves in every mission. It’s no surprise that the young woman’s talents, paired with Filipinos’ unwavering support, already reaped exceptional results before the program’s final episode.
Parmisano garnered over half a million votes from fans worldwide—gaining her the most points out of 24 semifinalists. Her fellow Pinay contestant Gehlee Dangca followed close behind, ranking second and leaving fans with high hopes for her debut to come next.
The Filipinas’ feats are highly worthy of global recognition, standing out in a Korean competition against multinational idol hopefuls and participants who’ve already debuted before.
Now a sure member of “Universe Ticket’s” global girl group, Parmisano looks forward to fostering meaningful connections grounded on her K-pop fangirl moments and experience as a child actress.
“I started dreaming of singing and performing through musicals,” Parmisano shared on the show’s pilot episode.
After developing a strong interest in K-pop, she started learning Korean and practicing choreographies of her favorite groups. “I knew that K-pop was for me, and that the universe was giving me signs to pursue my dream [in the industry],” she said.
Perhaps one of these universal signs was Parmisano’s younger cousin Marcus Cabais debuting in ABS-CBN’s 2022 audition program “Dream Maker.” He became the youngest member of the all-Filipino boy group HORI7ON under the Korean agency MLD Entertainment. Talk about talent running in the family. Do we sense a collaboration in the works?
Parmisano is about to become the first Filipina trainee to debut under a Korean audition program. Primetime Queen Marian Rivera-Dantes even congratulated her in a recent Instagram story, confident that the idol-to-be will reach new heights in no time.
Parmisano joins Katseye’s Sophia Laforteza in representing and bringing pride to the Philippines in the K-pop world this year. Fans are certain that their much-awaited debuts will become certified highlights of 2024.
Who will accompany Parmisano in “Universe Ticket’s” eight-member girl group? Tune in to the show’s live finale on Jan. 17 to find out.
Photo from Universe Ticket on X
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