Whitney Houston died more than seven years ago, but her music is kept alive by fans, old and new. And one blind Filipino woman is amazing the internet with her nearly flawless rendition of Whitney’s version of “I Will Always Love You.”
The singer’s name is Elsie Balawang and according to the Facebook user, named Darrell Burnett, who posted the original video, outside of singing, she doesn’t speak any English. Elsie speaks only Tagalog, the main language in The Phillippines.
“This is Elsie she is totally blind. She has never been to school, never learned English. She listens to songs and learns the song,”
Singing in English
When it comes to learning English, slow songs are a big help. Actor Jackie Chan, who only spoke Chinese until he was an adult, credits country music with helping him learn English.
“Rap is too fast,” Chan explained to comedian and former talk show host, George Lopez. “So, I had to find a way to learn English. I thought, “Oh, country songs.” Slow.”
But Elsie decided Whitney Houston is for her. In another video posted by Burnett, Elsie is singing Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” at a table and once again, nails it.
“She has an awesome, amazing voice!” one person commented.
“I believe we will be hearing more from this young lady once she arrives in the US. Hope she joins THE VOICE or other singing contests and will guest in tv shows over there,” another wrote.
Elsie hasn’t made it onto American talent shows yet, but in December, she performed on “ASAP,” an entertainment show in The Phillippines. So, her talents are getting her some attention at home.
Being seeing impaired and uneducated, Elsie’s ability to make her own way in life was likely impossible. But her vocal talent is something she can build a career on, regardless.
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