Digital Reporter
Robert A. Vergara Jr.
AFilipino singing duo has won in Best Cover Ever, the first talent competition of video streaming platform YouTube.
Lesha Litonjua and Leo Malli (or Lesha x ELM) were chosen by American dance‑rock band DNCE as the artists with the best rendition of their popular song “Toothbrush.”
Best Cover Ever is a series where music artists such as Demi Lovato, Katy Perry, Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth, Keith Urban, Backstreet Boys, Flo Rida, Nicky Jam, DNCE, and Bebe Rexha choose artists with the best cover of their original songs.
As a prize, the two, who were the only Asians who made it to the contest, got to perform with the Joe Jonas‑led band in a video that will premier in the platform.
The competition, which was hosted by Grammy Award‑winning artist Ludacris and produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions and Endemol Shine North America, aims to give emerging artists worldwide a chance for international fame.
Finding harmony
The duo found the perfect harmony in college.
Litonjua, a marketing major, has a keen interest in singing, song‑writing, and music production while Malli, who studies music, ventures into rapping and production.
With their knowledge about electronic music production, the two in 2016 decided to collaborate and create their unique music, which they would post on YouTube later on.
The duo since then has also been performing at premier night clubs in Manila and opening acts for international artists who are having concerts in the country.
