Filipino singer Gwyneth Dorado wows on Sing Again 4

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Filipino vocalist Gwyneth Dorado (Contestant No. 59) delivered a show-stopping performance on JTBC’s hit reboot survival program Sing Again 4, winning praise from top Korean industry figures and advancing to the next round with her heartfelt rendition of the Korean ballad “1994년 어느 늦은 밤 (One Late Night in 1994).”

From her first note, Dorado captivated the judges and audience with her rich, resonant lower tones. As the song swelled to its emotional climax, she demonstrated extraordinary vocal control, navigating both technical and emotional peaks with nuance and poise.

Her interpretation earned her a 5:3 victory over Contestant No. 23 in the latest head-to-head round, securing her a place in the next stage of the competition.

‘We should no longer be surprised’

Judge Lee Hae-ri, the acclaimed vocalist of pop duo Davichi, lauded Dorado’s performance for its depth and artistry.

“Your diction and message were stunning. This song demands both strong lows and challenging highs, and you executed every difficult technique with confidence,” Lee said. “From the beginning the weight and tone were beautiful, and even in the highest notes your control and nuance were extraordinary. We should no longer be surprised by your expression in a foreign language—you deliver emotion like a native Korean singer.”

Referencing Dorado’s earlier performance of “If Time Goes By,” Lee added, “It felt like we were hearing the song itself through you. I was truly moved. Thank you.”

Producer and artist Code Kunst emphasized the emotional integrity of Dorado’s delivery.

“I wondered, ‘How does she deliver such deep emotion in a language that isn’t her own?’” he remarked. “When watching you, it’s not ‘I should sing this way,’ but ‘I am singing to someone.’ Your eyes showed that there is a clear person you are singing for. That emotion was transmitted directly to everyone in the room.”

Veteran singer-songwriter and industry heavyweight Yoon Jong-shin described Dorado as a once-in-a-generation discovery.

“From a producer’s perspective, we saw the kind of voice producers dream of,” he said. “It’s a tone you do not hear from Korean female singers—solid and rich in the mid-range in a remarkable way. Many composers grow up wanting to give their songs to Whitney Houston, knowing it will never happen. But today I feel that we may have discovered a voice that Korean songwriters and producers will be astonished by. It feels as if we’ve met another major artist.” 

Not a novelty, but an artist in her own right

Dorado’s performance is drawing widespread attention across South Korea and internationally, with audiences applauding her seamless Korean delivery and deep emotional resonance. Critics note that she is not simply a “foreign contestant singing in Korean,” but an emerging artist with a distinct musical identity.

Her ability to embody lyrics, channel sincerity, and connect with listeners continues to redefine expectations for international artists on Korean television.

With this latest success, Gwyneth Dorado’s journey on Sing Again 4 marks not only a personal milestone, but a new chapter in cross-cultural music performance—one where talent and storytelling transcend language.