Cover From ‘The Voice’ to the stage: Morissette Amon on becoming “Asia’s Phoenix” (Photo: Underdog Music)
From ‘The Voice’ to the stage: Morissette Amon on becoming “Asia’s Phoenix” (Photo: Underdog Music)
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You either make it or break it when joining musical survival shows. Singer-songwriter Morissette knows this a little too well
The first season of The Voice Philippines was truly one for the books. In a country renowned for its love of singing and karaoke, anything related to music is almost always a guaranteed hit, and this show was no exception. The stage was set for an unforgettable run with Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, Apl.de.ap, and Bamboo rounding up the panel of coaches. But the true stars were the talents who took a chance and auditioned, bringing nothing but their voice and dreams with them. Among these hopefuls was a young woman who impressed the judges with her rendition of Beyoncé’s Love On Top. Her name was Morissette.
Growing up in a family immersed in music and the arts, it was inevitable that Morissette would tread this career path. She has been surrounded by music her entire life. Her father naming her after the renowned singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette probably sealed the deal; she was predestined for this. “I want to sing for the rest of my life,” she tells Tatler.
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Above Her unrivaled vocal prowess has given her the title of “Asia’s Phoenix” and has opened doors for her to collaborate with industry legends (Photo: Underdog Music)
Her unrivaled vocal prowess has given her the title of “Asia’s Phoenix” and has opened doors for her to collaborate with industry legends (Photo: Underdog Music)
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The Philippines has a plethora of musicians—from singers and songwriters to producers. What sets Morissette apart from most is her ability to interpret a song in an entirely different way. “One of the things that I would always get from people is they don’t only admire my voice, but they admire how I interpret a song,” she shares. “People think I’m a great storyteller.”
With almost 14 years in the industry, it is clear that she has honed her craft since then, continually evolving as an artist. In fact, she has amassed multiple awards and accolades, including Best New Female Recording Artist at the 2015 PMPC Star Awards for Music, Female Artist of the Year at the 1st Wish Music Awards in 2016, and Female Artist of the Year by ABS-CBN’s M.O.R. Pinoy Music Awards, among many others.
Above ‘Gusto Ko Nang Bukitaw’ by Morissette (‘The Broken Marriage Vow’ OST)
But it’s not always sunshine and rainbows for the artist. She almost gave up, and she did so when she didn’t win in The Voice Philippines. “At that moment, I didn’t want to sing anymore. It hurts,” she says, even laughing it off. She recounts how she even fought tooth and nail to cover Jessie J’s Who You Are for the semifinals. But because she lost with that song, she didn’t want to sing it anymore, much less hear it.
Two years later, however, things took a surprising turn. “Jessie J came to Manila for a concert,” Morissette shares. “My mum surprised me with a ticket to watch her live.” That same day, Morissette received a call from her manager, who had become like family over the years. They told her she would have the opportunity to interview Jessie J backstage.
“When it was finally time for me to meet her, I told her I was also on The Voice. She said, ‘Oh, really? What song did you sing?’ I told her I sang one of her songs.” Jessie J then asked Morissette to sing for her right there. “I panicked but sang Who You Are with my shaky voice.”
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Above Morisette interviews singer-songwriter Jessie J
Jessie J was impressed and invited Morissette to join her on stage during the concert to sing the same song that had once been a source of disappointment. “It was really a dream come true. I learned that there’s a time for everyone, and everything happens when it’s supposed to. Even when milestones don’t happen at the time we want them, they happen when we’re ready.”
Morissette’s experience taught her to be patient and continue working on her craft. “When it’s time for you to share that, you’ll be ready because you worked hard while waiting for your moment to happen.”
Now, she holds her own concerts and has even launched her independent record label and talent management company, Underdog Music.
Morissette’s 10th-anniversary concert, Phoenix, was a testament to her growth and resilience as an artist. Her upcoming concert, titled Ember (once again a nod to her “Asia’s Phoenix” moniker), promises to be another unforgettable experience. The show will feature a mix of her memorable covers and original compositions, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
In addition to her musical endeavours, Morissette has ventured into acting, notably starring in the film Song of the Fireflies, where her musical talents were highlighted alongside the Loboc Children’s Choir.
As for her dreams for the local music scene, Morissette is confident that it’s just a matter of time before someone truly from the Philippines represents the country on a global stage. “And it’s already starting—there are so many amazing artists who are already putting up the Philippine flag wherever they are,” she says. “The Philippines is more than just the singers; we also have great creatives and brilliant minds that deserve all the recognition they can get.”
Morissette’s journey exemplifies this belief. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to inspiring others underscore her role in encouraging young talents in the Philippines and beyond. Driven by a desire to share her stories and melodies with the world, she continues to be a powerful symbol of the talent emerging from her home country.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
