Xia Vigor and Alonzo Muhlach are two of the eight contestants of the first Filipino kiddie version of 'Your Face Sounds Familiar,' which is hosted by Billy Crawford, the International Male Artist of the Year at 2003 NRJ Music Awards. (Photo : YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment)
Xia Vigor, 7, became an instant international sensation because of the viral video showing her impersonating Taylor Swift with the song "You Belong With Me" on the Filipino kiddie version of "Your Face Sounds Familiar." After this, Vigor impersonated Axl Rose on the show with the song "Sweet Child o' Mine."
Vigor's impersonation of Swift became even more controversial when "Good Morning Britain" host Piers Morgan, 51, criticized it and claimed that the show sexualized the Filipino girl. The child's British father Alan Vigor, 50, and Filipino mother Christy Bernardo, 42, were quick to defend their daughter and the show.
Alan told Daily Mail that Morgan is wrong and does not understand the context. The property developer added that the culture in the Philippines is very different and Filipinos see things differently.
"It's like a pantomime," Alan said. "It's been taken out of context. She's not going to a friend's birthday party in high heels and lipstick. It's not like that. She would never dress up like that on a normal day."
Bernardo also told the publication that Xia is very into everything. The mother described her daughter a very inquisitive girl who wants to do many things and said she wants to give her daughter the chance to do so.
Currently, Xia lives in Quezon City, Philippines, with her parents. She was born in Exeter, Devon, England on June 23, 2009.
After Xia's impersonation of Swift went viral online, the research team of Ellen DeGeneres's talk show contacted the staff of the Filipino kiddie version of "Your Face Sounds Familiar," Filipino publication Bandera has learned. DeGeneres reportedly wants to feature Xia in her show.
Several Filipinos have been featured as guests on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in the past. Among them are "Glee" alum Charice Pempengco and rock band Journey member Arnel Pineda.
Watch Xia impersonate Rose with the Guns N' Roses song "Sweet Child o' Mine" here:
