Say What?! ‘The X Factor UK’ contestant Maria Laroco Was Denied A US Visa
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It’s the end of the ‘X Factor UK‘ road for contestant Maria Laroco. The 17-year-old Filipina powerhouse was unable to perform live at the Judges’ House due to her inability to secure a US Visa.
History unfolded right before our eyes as Laroco was able to perform via video for the judges instead of an in-person performance (an X Factor first).Unfortunately, that performance was not enough to solidify her spot within the competition.
“We got a problem fixing the visa because we applied for the wrong visa.” Laroco explained. In order to come to the US, Laroco would’ve needed to apply for a performance visa versus the visitors visa she originally applied with.
The singer continued, “To be honest they made me apply for a visitors visa. Before the interview at the Embassy, we had a meeting. They taught me what to say and what not to say to avoid issues and be denied a visa but when I got there, they told me that I applied for the wrong visa.”
It’s obvious to us and Laroco, that not being able to perform her piece up close and personal, is what ultimately led to her demise.
It was so sad to see this young hopefuls dreams shattered. Speaking of her X Factor experience she added,”It was heartbreaking for me, not going to LA. What’s funny is my song was California Dreaming. It was heartbreaking for me at first but I later realized that I am still lucky because I’m still here, part of the competition and all the judges.”
That’s definitely the right attitude to have. On a more positive note, music mogul Simon Cowell assured the young star that she would have the chance to return to the competition in the future.
Cowell asked Laroco for one promise, “Promise me you’ll come back next year. If not I will be the one to fly to the Philippines to get you here in the competition.”
The teen has no intentions of breaking that promise, and we can almost guarantee she will grace our television screens with her presence in the future.
We can’t wait to see you again Maria!
Check out Maria’s judges’ house performance below.
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