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"Pilipinas Got Talent" (PGT) returns for its seventh season, promising to showcase world-class talent and make dreams come true.
Before the first batch of contestants takes the stage on the premiere weekend of March 29 and 30, the judges — new recruits Kathryn Bernardo, Eugene Domingo and Donny Pangilinan, along with returning head judge and former ABS-CBN president Freddie "FMG" Garcia — shared their thoughts on the elusive "wow factor" they seek.
"Asia's Superstar" Bernardo began by expressing the weight of their responsibility in shaping a contestant's dream.
"At the end of the day, I will think about whether the advice I gave to the contestants was right. Also, the 'Yes' and 'No' I gave that day. We have the power to change a person's dream or to make that dream come true. So our 'Yes' is so powerful. And it's also so hard to say 'No,'" Bernardo shared.
She then emphasized the importance of uniqueness, talent and passion in performances.
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‘Asia’s Superstar’ Kathryn Bernardo
Former ABS-CBN president, Freddie ‘FMG’ Garcia
‘Comedy Star for All Seasons’ Eugene Domingo
‘New Gen Matinee Idol’ Donny Pangilinan
"This is season 7, and so many talents have come through Pilipinas Got Talent. When I say uniqueness, it could be singing with your own distinct style or dancing — whether solo or in a group. But what we're really looking for is a talent so unforgettable that even if I watch it now and again five years from now, it will still leave me amazed. And that's not easy to find," she said.
Bernardo continued, "We're always surprised by the unique Filipino talents, even quirky acts that turn out amazing. Judging isn't as relaxed as I expected — it's emotionally draining because we talk to everyone and experience each performance up close."
Meanwhile, Garcia said he remains eager to discover new talent in the show's seventh season.
"I've been judging for the last six seasons, and this is my seventh year — I've become a bit jaded because I've seen it all. It's so difficult for me to look for that right talent that would make a difference, but definitely, there's only one word that would describe it — the wow factor. When it hits you, you just know this is it," he added.
"New Gen Matinee Idol" Donny Pangilinan also shared what he looks for in a performance, emphasizing its ability to captivate and leave a lasting impact.
The four judges face the tough task of narrowing down talented auditionees to find truly unforgettable performers. PHOTOS FROM FACEBOOK/ABSCBNPGT
"The type of performance that, after you watch it, the environment shifts. We see so many talents, and sometimes, it goes beyond that. You look at the charisma, you look at the personality. So I think we're also looking within — how strong their fire is, how badly they want this. Because we have also seen talents where the fire isn't as intense. So there's a lot that goes into it." Pangilinan said.
"Since this is my first time on PGT, I've seen that Filipino talent is on another level and truly deserves to be seen on the world stage. It's been a crazy experience so far — the most intense thing is that we never know what or who we will see next, and that's what makes it so good. So to be part of it, it's truly a blessing," he added.
As for Domingo, dubbed the "Comedy Star for All Seasons," PGT is an all-in-one entertainment spectacle.
"Every act gives me a different feeling personally. Sometimes, I really want to see someone super talented, but sometimes, someone stands in front of you who may not have an extraordinary talent, but their charm and sense of humor are overwhelming — they magnetize the audience."
As such, Doming said she cannot pinpoint what she is looking for among the contestants.
"Most of the time, it's gut feel, and most of the time, I go back to the basics: Are you enjoyable to watch? That's what I observed from the past tapings we already have," she added.
Hosting this season are Robi Domingo and Melai Cantiveros, who promise to bring humor and inspiration by highlighting the contestants' stories. Wize Estabillo and Lorraine Galvez will also join as hosts for "PGT Exclusives," an online show offering behind-the-scenes content.
"Pilipinas Got Talent Season 7" premieres this weekend, March 29 and 30. It airs Saturdays and Sundays from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z. On TV5, it airs Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. and Sundays from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
