Marlisa Ann Punzalan[3] (born 1 October 1999), also known simply as Marlisa, is an Australian singer. She won the sixth season of The X Factor Australia in 2014, aged 15, the youngest contestant to have won the show. Punzalan subsequently received a recording contract with Sony Music Australia and released her debut single "Stand by You", which debuted at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association. This was followed by the release of her self-titled debut album Marlisa, which debuted at number six the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified gold. "Stand by You" was nominated for the ARIA Award for Song of the Year in 2015.

Marlisa Punzalan
Punzalan at the 2014 ARIA Music Awards
Background information
Birth nameMarlisa Ann Punzalan
Born (1999-10-01) 1 October 1999 (age 25)
Sydney[1]
GenresPop[2]
OccupationSinger
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
Years active2013–present
LabelsSony (2013-2017), ABS-CBN Film (2018-2019), Osetero Limited (2022-present)
Websitewww.marlisaofficial.com

Early life

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Marlisa Ann Punzalan[3] was born on 1 October 1999 in Sydney to Lito and Andrea Punzalan.[4][5] Her parents emigrated to Australia from the Philippines before she and her older brother Martin were born.[5] Punzalan lives at Gledenning, Sydney.[6] She began singing at the age of three.[7][8] In 2013, Punzalan auditioned for the seventh series of Australia's Got Talent but did not make it past the audition rounds, and also attempted to audition for the first series of The Voice Kids, but exceeded the age limit by one month.[8][9] Before entering the sixth season of The X Factor Australia in 2014, Punzalan was a student at Mercy Catholic College in Chatswood and a regular performer at charity events, eisteddfods and RSL competitions.[6][9] After becoming the winner of the sixth series, Punzalan left high school to become homeschooled and focus on her music career.[10]

Career

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2014: The X Factor Australia

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In 2014, Punzalan successfully auditioned for the sixth season of The X Factor Australia, singing "Yesterday" by The Beatles.[11] She received a standing ovation and four yesses from all four judges and progressed to the super bootcamp round of the competition.[6][8] For the first bootcamp challenge, Punzalan was placed into a group with three other contestants from the Girls category to perform a song together for the judges.[12] Punzalan made it to the second bootcamp challenge, where she performed "Never Be the Same" by Jessica Mauboy to the judges and a live audience of one thousand.[12] She then progressed to the home visits round in New York City and performed "I'll Stand by You" by The Pretenders in front of her mentor Ronan Keating and guest mentor John Legend.[13] Keating later selected Punzalan, along with Sydnee Carter and Caitlyn Shadbolt, for the live finals—a series of eleven weekly live shows in which contestants are progressively eliminated by public vote.[14]

After the eliminations of Carter in week five and Shadbolt in week nine, Punzalan became the last remaining contestant in Keating's category. During the semi-final week, she landed in the bottom two for the first time with Reigan Derry and performed John Farnham's version of The Beatles' "Help!" in the final showdown.[15] After the judges' vote went to deadlock, it was revealed that Punzalan received the most public votes and was put through to the grand final.[15] During the grand final decider show on 20 October 2014, Punzalan was announced as the winner of the sixth season, becoming the first contestant from the Girls category to win.[16]

Performances on The X Factor

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2014–2017: Marlisa

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After winning The X Factor, Punzalan's debut and winner's single "Stand by You" was made available to download on the iTunes Store.[28] She also received a recording contract with Sony Music Australia.[16] Four days after release, "Stand by You" debuted at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart.[29] It was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association for sales exceeding 70,000 copies.[30] "Stand by You" also peaked at number seven on the Singapore Singles Chart and number 21 on the New Zealand Singles Chart.[31][32] An official YouTube audio of "Stand by You" published on the same day of the winner announcement help garnered interest on the single which triggered the debut at number 29 on the Billboard Twitter Real-Time Emerging Artists Chart.[33] Punzalan's self-titled debut album, Marlisa, was released on 7 November 2014 and features studio recordings of selected songs she performed on The X Factor.[34] It debuted at number six on the ARIA Albums Chart and number 11 on the New Zealand Albums Chart.[29][35] The album was certified gold by the ARIA for shipments of more than 35,000 units[36] and was the 83rd best-selling album of 2014 in Australia.[37]

In late 2014, Punzalan performed two concerts at Rooty Hill RSL Club to thank her local fans.[38] In December 2014, Punzalan and other Australian singers recorded a cover version of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work" under the name "Hope for Isla and Jude", and released it as a charity single to help raise funds for two siblings who suffer from the rare disease Sanfilippo syndrome.[39] Their version debuted at number 79 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[29] To celebrate the Philippines' 117th Independence Day, Punzalan released a Filipino version of her second single "Unstoppable" in the Philippines on 12 June 2015.[40][41] Her third single "Forever Young" was released on 6 November 2015.[42] In 2017, it was speculated that Punzalan had been dropped by record company Sony Music.[43] She is no longer listed as an artist on the company website.[44]

2018-2021: Brave

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In June 2018, Marlisa released "Thank You", her first single in two and a half years, on the ABS-CBN Film Productions label.[45]

In March 2019, Marlisa released her second studio album, titled Brave.

2022-present: cover EPs

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In 2022, Marlisa signed with Osetero Limited and has since released several cover EPs.

Artistry

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Aside from singing, Punzalan also plays the piano.[46] She cites Eva Cassidy and Jessica Mauboy as her musical influences.[47][8]

Discography

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Studio albums

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List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and certifications
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
AUS
[29]
NZ
[35]
Marlisa 6 11
Brave
  • Released: 15 March 2019
  • Label: ABS-CBN Film Productions
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Extended plays

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List of EPs, with selected details
Title Details
Volume One
  • Released: 3 June 2022
  • Format: digital
  • Label: Ostereo
Volume Two
  • Released: 22 June 2022
  • Format: digital
  • Label: Ostereo
Volume Three
  • Released: 18 November 2022
  • Format: digital
  • Label: Ostereo
Volume Four
  • Released: 9 December 2022
  • Format: digital
  • Label: Ostereo
Volume Five
  • Released: 2 March 2023
  • Format: digital
  • Label: Ostereo
Volume Six
  • Released: 17 March 2023
  • Format: digital
  • Label: Ostereo
Volume Seven
  • Released: 8 September 2023
  • Format: digital
  • Label: Ostereo

Singles

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List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
AUS
[29]
NZ
[32]
SIN
[31]
"Stand by You" 2014 2 21 7 Marlisa
"Unstoppable"[41] 2015 Non-album singles
"Forever Young"[42] 72
"Thank You"[45] 2018 Brave
"Steel"
(with Moophs)
"Brave"
(featuring Markus)
2019
"You Are the Reason" 2023
"—" denotes a single that did not chart or was not released in that country.

Other charted songs

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List of non-single songs, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions
AUS
[48]
"Nothing Else Matters" 2014 87
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" 93
"Titanium" 96
"Yesterday" 67

Music videos

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List of music videos
Title Year Director(s)
"Stand by You" 2014

Awards and nominations

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Year Type Award Result
2015 ARIA Music Awards Song of the Year ("Stand by You")[49] Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Up Close And Personal: Marlisa Punzalan, X-Factor Australia 2014 Grand Winner". The Digital Spy. 21 October 2014. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  2. ^ "X Factor Recap – Grand Final Live Performance Show (19-10-14)". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 19 October 2014. Archived from the original on 19 October 2014. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  3. ^ a b "The X Factor Australia 2014 – Audition: Marlisa Punzalan". The Philippine Times. 16 July 2014. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014.
  4. ^ "Pinay teen on X Factor Australia marks 15th birthday". ABS-CBN News. 3 October 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  5. ^ a b Moran, Jonathon (26 October 2014). "Marlisa Punzalan: From schoolgirl to star". The Daily Telegraph. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  6. ^ a b c Nicastri, Danielle (29 July 2014). "Mercy Catholic College Chatswood student and talented singer Marlisa Punzalan completes X Factor bootcamp and is ready for next TV show performance". North Shore Times. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  7. ^ "Pinay teen among X Factor Australia's 3 finalists". GMA News. GMA Network. 13 October 2014. Archived from the original on 17 October 2014.
  8. ^ a b c d Stevens, Kylie (21 July 2014). "X-Factor: Marlisa has the 'voice of an angel'". St Marys-Mt Druitt Star. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 21 October 2014.
  9. ^ a b Harris, Amy (13 July 2014). "Marlisa Punzalan, 14, touted as next big thing on The X Factor". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  10. ^ Lee-Longhetti, Chloe (28 November 2014). "X Factor winner Marlisa Punzalan will stay homeschooled: 'I don't have time to go to normal school'". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
  11. ^ Jarvis, Danielle (15 July 2014). "Glendenning singer Marlisa Punzalan wows judges of The X Factor with her version of Beatles classic 'Yesterday'". Mt Druitt-St Mary's Standard. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  12. ^ a b "It's time for Bootcamp!". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 27 July 2014. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  13. ^ Lu, Anne (5 August 2014). "'The X Factor Australia' Home Visits Final Performances Recap". International Business Times. IBT Media. Archived from the original on 12 August 2014. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  14. ^ "The X Factor Top 12 Revealed". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 5 August 2014. Archived from the original on 13 August 2014.
  15. ^ a b "X Factor Recap: Reigan Derry is sent home in shock decision!". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 13 October 2014. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  16. ^ a b c "Marlisa takes out the X Factor Australia title for 2014!". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 20 October 2014. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
  17. ^ "Week 1: Judges' Choice". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 9 August 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014.
  18. ^ "Week 2: Legends". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 16 August 2014. Archived from the original on 29 October 2014.
  19. ^ "Week 3: Decades Challenge". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 20 August 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014.
  20. ^ "The Top 10 Do Top 10 Hits!". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 29 August 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014.
  21. ^ "Week 5: Latest and Greatest". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 5 September 2014. Archived from the original on 29 October 2014.
  22. ^ "Week 6: Rock Week!". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 10 September 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014.
  23. ^ "Week 7 Song List: Judges' Challenge". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 18 September 2014. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014.
  24. ^ "Aussie Week Song List". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 26 September 2014. Archived from the original on 16 October 2014.
  25. ^ "Killer Tracks and Curveballs Song List". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 3 October 2014. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014.
  26. ^ "Power & Passion Song List". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 10 October 2014. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014.
  27. ^ a b c "X Factor Recap – Grand Final Live Performance Show". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 19 October 2014. Archived from the original on 19 October 2014. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  28. ^ "Stand By You – Single by Marlisa". iTunes Store (Australia). Apple. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
  29. ^ a b c d e "Discography Marlisa Punzalan". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  30. ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2014 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  31. ^ a b "Top 30 Singles Chart Singapore – Issue date: 27 October 2014 – 2 November 2014". Music Weekly Asia. Music Services Asia. Archived from the original on 27 October 2014.
  32. ^ a b "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 10 November 2014. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  33. ^ Anderson, Trevor (17 November 2014). "Marlisa, SIYA & Shamir: Emerging Picks of the Week". Billboard. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  34. ^ "Marlisa by Marlisa". iTunes Store (Australia). Apple. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
  35. ^ a b "NZ Top 40 Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 17 November 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  36. ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2014 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  37. ^ "End of Year Charts – ARIA Top 100 Albums 2014". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  38. ^ Stevens, Kylie (17 November 2014). "Marlisa to perform at Rooty Hill RSL to thank fans". St Marys-Mt Druitt Star. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  39. ^ Adams, Cameron (5 December 2014). "Natalie Bassingthwaighte breaks her music silence to help sick siblings Isla and Jude". News.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  40. ^ iMb (12 June 2015). "Marlisa 'Unstoppable' (Official Single Cover)". iMusicBuzz. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  41. ^ a b "Unstoppable (Filipino Version) – Single by Marlisa". iTunes Philippines. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  42. ^ a b "Forever Young – Single by Marlisa". iTunes Australia. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
  43. ^ "X Misses The Spot: The Sad Underachievement Of 'The X Factor' Australia".
  44. ^ "Artists – Sony Music Australia".
  45. ^ a b "Thank You – single". iTunes Australia. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  46. ^ "X-pect to be impressed by this crew: The X Factor final 12 for 2014". The Daily Telegraph. 6 August 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  47. ^ "Marlisa Punzalan – Contestant". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. Archived from the original on 12 October 2014.
  48. ^ Peak chart positions for X Factor performances on the ARIA Singles Chart:
  49. ^ McCabe, Kathy (7 October 2015). "ARIA Award nominations announced in Sydney". News.com.au. Retrieved 8 October 2015.

Further reading

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Preceded by The X Factor (Australia)
Winner

2014
Succeeded by