KZ Tandingan on Life After X-Factor: I’ve Become the Musician I Wanted to Be

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It was not an easy ride for Kristine Zhenie Tandingan, the talented 24-year-old Davaoeña more popularly known by the mononym, KZ.

Before she tasted the fruit of her hardwork, she’d been through many ups and downs — from suffering from a throat problem to winning the nation’s heart during her triumphant stint on X-Factor Philippines to having her own album and hit songs that have become staples in radio stations and karaoke sessions.

Now, the endearing lady who wowed X-Factor judges Charice, Martin Nievera, Gary V and Pilita Corrales with her jazzy cover of “Over the Rainbow” back in 2012 is hailed as the country’s “Soul Supreme.”

“During X-Factor, I’ve learned to embrace various kinds of music genre,” KZ shared during her Roadshow guesting last August 1. “From the different artists and fellow musicians I’ve met during the show, I was able to pick up techniques.”

The “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako” singer remarked that it was the popular singing competition that helped her become the musician she wanted to be.

“My music became bolder. Before, I was afraid of what other people might say with the experiments I do; now, I really don’t care of what they might think about my music because this is me, this is how I am as an artist — what they see and hear is authentic."

From the learnings she acquired throughout the contest, her advice to aspiring artists is to “not stay in [their] comfort zones.”

“If you want to grow, you should take risks. There’s nothing to lose — it’s either you win or you learn.”

The OPM darling is set to release a new album this year following her 2013 self-titled debut musical offering. Along with Yeng Constantino, Kyla, Rachelle Ann Go and Angeline Quinto, she will also be at the Araneta Coliseum this November 11 for “Divas Live in Manila” concert.