If someone’s slaying a high note out of nowhere, there’s a good chance they’re Filipino.
This was exactly the case when Cynthia Erivo asked a random audience member to duet with her during her performance of Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” with The Philadelphia Orchestra at The Mann Center on June 21.
That “random” person turned out to be Filipina Marielle Alcantara, who absolutely delivered.
The “Wicked” star started belting, handed over the mic, and boom—Marielle hit those high notes like it was just another karaoke night, wowing both Erivo and the crowd.
Fortunately, Marielle captured the rare moment and gushed on TikTok, clearly still recovering from it.
“When Cynthia Erivo makes you sing, you sing,” she wrote in her post that has gone viral. “Still can’t believe i got to sing with my idol– and one of the best vocalists on earth.. i love you so much @Cynthia Erivo,” she added.
@maryyblairyy when cynthia erivo makes you sing, you sing. still can’t believe i got to sing with my idol– and one of the best vocalists on earth.. i love you so much @Cynthia Erivo 😩❤️ #cynthiaerivophiladelphia #cynthiaerivo #naturalwoman #arethafranklin #fyp #cynthiaerivoconcert ♬ original sound – Marielle Alcantara
Other concertgoers were also shook and immediately turned to TikTok to find out who the mystery singer was.
“Help me find this diva!!!!! She absolutely stole the show at the Cynthia Erivo / Philadelphia Orchestra concert,” said TikTok user @abev15.
@abev15 Help me find this diva!!!!! She absolutely stole the show at the Cynthia Erivo / Philadelphia Orchestra concert #cynthiaerivo #philadelphiaorchestra ♬ original sound – Mands
The internet had zero doubts about Marielle’s roots, agreeing that Filipinos are practically born ready for a karaoke moment:
“that is what will happen if you pass the mic to a filipino AHAHAHAHAH”
“I’m a white guy from middle Indiana and I immediately knew a Filipina the moment she opened her mouth. 🙌🙌”
“Our Filipina diva… that is just one karaoke song in the Philippines. Kudos sis… whitney, mariah, celine… their song is their baby sharks song”
“Filipina Throat Chakra activated”
Even SpotifyPH had to comment: “Filipina excellence in front of Cynthia Erivo herself 👏💯”
