When Marcelito Pomoy stepped onto the grand finals stage of America’s Got Talent: The Champions, no one expected to hear both Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson’s parts of “Beauty and the Beast” sung flawlessly—by one man. But that’s exactly what the Filipino vocalist delivered: a solo duet that blurred the line between magic and music.
Pomoy, known for his rare ability to sing convincingly in both male and female vocal ranges, brought the house down with his rendition of the iconic Disney ballad. As the orchestra swelled, he moved effortlessly between a powerful baritone and a crystalline soprano, bringing both emotional weight and vocal precision to the classic.
Judges React: Awe, Applause… and Some Criticism
The audience leapt to their feet. Judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Alesha Dixon were visibly moved.
Heidi Klum called it “beautiful” and “always amazing to watch.”
Howie Mandel admitted he once questioned whether Marcelito’s dual-voice act was a gimmick, but now fully believed in his talent.
Alesha Dixon praised the vocal control and said he “absolutely nailed it.”
But then came Simon Cowell’s critique.
While he acknowledged Pomoy’s unique talent, Simon called the performance “predictable” and said he wished Marcelito had taken more risks. The comment drew visible disagreement from Alesha and audible gasps from the crowd.
The Truth About the Song Choice
Interestingly, Marcelito didn’t choose “Beauty and the Beast” himself. In post-show interviews, he revealed that AGT’s production team selected the song—believing it would please Simon.
This sparked outrage among fans, who felt Pomoy was unfairly criticized for a decision that wasn’t his. The hashtag #JusticeForMarcelito began trending across social media, with fans expressing frustration over the judges’ mixed messages.
Final Result: Fourth Place, First in Hearts
Despite the standing ovation and worldwide support, Marcelito finished as third runner-up (fourth place overall) in the competition. Indian acrobatic group V.Unbeatable took the top prize.
While some fans were disappointed, Pomoy handled the outcome with humility.
“I’m already a winner,” he said in a statement after the show, expressing gratitude for the chance to perform on a global stage.
A Hero’s Welcome
Back in his hometown of Calauag, Quezon in the Philippines, Pomoy returned to a hero’s welcome. He was greeted with a motorcade, cheers, and pride from fellow Filipinos, who consider him a national treasure.
More Than a Voice — A Legacy
Marcelito Pomoy didn’t just sing a duet alone—he proved that boundaries in music are meant to be broken. While he may not have taken home the AGT trophy, his performance reached millions, inspired global fans, and reminded the world that real talent doesn’t always need a first-place finish to be unforgettable.
You can check the whole performance in the Video below: