12 Contestants move on to semifinal on Telemundo’s ‘La Voz Kids’

During the second night of the Final Phase of TELEMUNDO’s “La Voz Kids” (The Voice Kids), the 18 finalists were once again welcomed to the stage at Universal Orlando Resort by hosts Daisy Fuentes and Jorge Bernal, and their Coaches Daddy Yankee, Natalia Jimenez and Pedro Fernandez. 12-year-old Dominican singer and second season winner Amanda Mena returned to the stage for the premiere of “Alma Gemela” (Soulmate), her first single under Universal Music Latin Entertainment, the recording contract granted as part of her winning prize. The 18 finalists also joined her on stage to perform “Uptown Funk” (Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars).  Following the show, the music video of Amanda’s “Alma Gemela”, premiered on “Suelta la Sopa Extra.”

Coach Natalia also took the stage during the highly emotional night for the television premiere of new single “Tu y Yo.” Adored by all for her prodigious voice, passionate songwriting, astonishing style and personality, Natalia’s new single is a romantic ballad, from her latest album “Creo En Mi” (I Believe in Me).

The voting results from the first night of the Final Phase were revealed, and six contestants went home after heartbreaking goodbyes, and twelve “voices”, six males and six females, remain in the competition. Viewers from across the United States and Puerto Rico began voting immediately after the conclusion of the episode to help their favorite contestant move on to the next gala this coming Sunday, May 31 at 8pm/7c, where voting results will be announced and six more voices will be saved.

For #TeamNatalia:

• The finalists “saved” by the audience voting were:
  • Jesus Esquer, 15 years old from Heber, California
  • Jonael Santiago, 11 years old from Miami, Florida
  • Alberto Castro, 15 years old from Miami, Florida

• Coach Natalia saved:
  • America Vazquez, 13 years old from Los Angeles, California

• Causing the elimination of: Antonella Henao and Priscilla Naranjo

Resulting in extraordinary performances by #TeamNatalia:

• Jesús Esquer, sang: “Me Dedique a Perderte” (Alejandro Fernández)
• América Vázquez, sang: “Chacacha del Tren” (Dora Maria)
• Alberto Castro, sang: “Dísparo al Corazón” (Ricky Martin)
• Jonael Santiago, sang: “Hilito” (Romeo Santos)

 For #TeamYankee:

• The finalists “saved” by the audience votes were:
  • Jersen Ruiz, 14 years old from Humacao, Puerto Rico
  • Franser Pazos, 14 years old from Portland, Oregon
  • Jorge Cruz, 13 years old from Trujullo Alto, Puerto Rico

• Coach Yankee saved: Samantha Rios, 13 years old from Washigton D.C.

• Causing the elimination of: Janely Rosa and Arnold Cruz

Resulting in brilliant performances by #TeamYankee:

• Jersen Ruiz, sang: “Que Manera de Quererte” (Gilberto Santa Rosa)
• Jorge Cruz, sang: “Por Amarte Asi” (Cristian Castro)
• Samantha Rios, sang: “Who’s Loving You” (Jackson 5)
• Franser Pazos, sang: “Corre” (Jesse & Joy)

For #TeamPedro:

• The finalists “saved” by the audience votes were:
  • Brianna Arteaga, 13 years old from Tyler, Texas
  • Shanty Zumaya, 11 years old from Penitas, Texas
  • Milenia Pérez, 14 years old from Clinton, Oklahoma

• Coach Pedro saved: Wildania Aquino, 14 years old from Bronx, New York

• Causing the elimination of: Estefani Lopez and Monica Canedo

Resulting in unforgettable performances by #TeamYankee:

• Wildania Aquino, sang: “Madre Tierra”-‘Oye’: (Chayanne)
• Brianna Arteaga, sang: “Amorcito Corazon” (Lila Downs)
• Milenia Perez, sang: “Oye”-‘Listen’(Beyonce)
• Shanty Zumaya, sang: “No Soy un Pajaro” (Gloria Trevi)

During this Final Phase of “La Voz Kids,” the television audience has the opportunity to vote for their favorite contestants, and along with the Coaches, decide who will remain in the competition and who will go home. In the end, only one kid will be named the winner of the third season of “La Voz Kids,” receiving $50,000 cash prize presented by AT&T to reach their dreams and continue their education. Also the winner will receive a recording contract from Universal Music Group Latino to record a song and a video.  The Sunday night singing competition gives the audience the opportunity to witness the discovery and development of tomorrow’s stars, as the competition’s Coaches search for the nation’s best voice of the season.

For exclusive access to all the behind-the-scenes action of “La Voz Kids,” fans can log onto LaVozKids.com and Telemundo.com and follow the excitement through Facebook.com/LaVozKids, Twitter.com/LaVozKids and Instagram.com/LaVozKids using #LVK, #TeamYankee, #TeamNatalia and #TeamPedro.

After “La Voz Kids,” viewers can enjoy “Suelta La Sopa Extra,” hosted by Jorge Bernal and Erika de la Vega, featuring behind-the-scenes and exclusive moments, contestant reactions and previews of the upcoming episode.

Download photos at NBCU Media Village: http://www.nbcumv.com/telemundo/33144/la-voz-kids?network=33144