By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Filipino Renaldo Lapuz who amused “American Idol” judges after performing his original composition “We’re Brothers Forever”—whle wearing a hat and a cape—made a comeback on the hit TV talent search even though he failed to pass the audition the first time.

Lapuz may not have been an actual contestant on the latest “American Idol” season (that saw rocker David Cook win the grand championship) but he was invited again to perform as a guest on the night of the finals on May 22.

Lapuz performed his original song in front of thousands inside Nokia Theatre and was watched by millions of viewers all over the world.

The 45-year-old, Nevada-based Filipino became an instant internet sensation after his audition for AI was uploaded on YouTube.  The video clip of his audition early January of this year shows how entertained judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell were over Lapuz’s rather distinct performance.

Cowell stated his verdict regarding Lapuz this way: “I’m going to make a rediction here. I have a horrible feeling that it’s going to be a hit record. You’re very entertaining. I actually like you but it’s going to be ‘No.’”

Before Lapuz’s live performance on the AI finals night, his famous audition video clip was aired. Lapuz was then introduced by the show’s host Ryan Seacrest. 

Lapuz, now known as the “Pinoy William Hung”, delivered his “We’re Brothers Forever” a capella with much gusto.  The moment was made more remarkable when judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson went up on the stage to dance with Lapuz.

As expected, Simon Cowell just stayed on his chair and watched.

In an interview Lapuz said that he wrote the song for Cowell, to spread the word that the latter is really a good person despite being known for his scathing, withering comments about the performances of AI contestants.