GenSan YouTube sensation cousins Aldrich Lloyd Talonding and James Walter Bucong made their American TV debut on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Thursday, September 13, four months after DeGeneres discovered the video.
The Filipino boys whose video was uploaded on YouTube and became viral with their live performance of Luther Vandross hit “Dance With My Father” were flown by comedienne-host Ellen DeGeneres to the United States recently, to perform on her show.
During Thursday’s episode, DeGeneres interviewed the two cousins, who are B’laan natives from General Santos City. She asked them about how their life changed after their YouTube video became an online hit.
"People started recognizing us along the streets on in the malls. They even recognize us in the restrooms. That's weird," Talonding said.
Bucong added, "Many people do recognize me, especially girls. So it feels awkward when they say that they love me!"
Talonding, 14, and Bucong, 20, then performed live the song that made them famous in the internet, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
After their performance, DeGeneres gave Talonding a set of musical instruments and $10,000.
The GenSan boys now join the growing list of Filipino talents that have appeared on the popular talk show, who include Charice Pempengco, Zendee Rose Tenerefe, Arnel Pineda, Rhap Zalazar and Fil-Canadian Maria Aragon.
Watch the video below: