KWC 2023 Panama is wrapped up – here are the winners!

KWC 2023 Panama was held in Hotel El Panama, Panama City. During the competition week we heard 132 sizzling solo performances and 44 glorious duets. In the Grand Final we got to enjoy 10 solo performances and 10 duets.

After a colorful and action-packed competition week in Panama City, finally we have announced the winners of KWC 2023 Panama!

2023 Solo
1st Ellie Butler, United Kingdom
2nd Rafaella Joy Berso, Philippines
3rd Zarina, Kazakhstan

2023 Duets
1st Luis Villanueva & Diego Mendoza Martínez, México
2nd Abdiel Josué & Ericka Rodríguez, Panamá
3rd Filipe Anacleto & Sara Braz, Brazil

2023 Viewers Choice Award
Marian Gel Pesigan, Philippines

During the competition, United Kingdom’s Ellie Butler sang Leona Lewis and Prince among others. Ellie topped up her competition by singing The Impossible Dream, originally performed by Jennifer Hudson and made her dream true – she is the winner of KWC 2023 Panama! How does that feel? “I can’t believe it!” says Ellie. “I’ve never done anything like this” said Butler just before re-doing her 4th round song, The Impossible Dream. “It seems so fitting for this. I just cannot believe that I’ve won!”

“The week has been out of this world. The love, the support, the community is unbelievable”, Ellie said. “It’s been what dreams are made of, honestly.”

Ellie also has a message to send. What is it?
“Enter this competition. You will not regret it. It is unbelievable!”

Rafaella Joy Berso from Philippines entertained us with Tones and I, Nancy Sinatra & Lady Gaga and Yano & Janine Berdin before blowing off the roof of the venue with her version of Rolling in the Deep, originally performed by Adele.

“I feel very happy now. The competition week has been a little bit stressful, but overall it has been very exciting. I’m very thankful for the experience and all the staff and other contestants.”

Did she have fun?
“Super fun!”

Zarina from Kazakhstan interpreted during the competition week Jamala and Sarah Connor among others before rocking out Bul Bul by Bibigul Tulegenova in the final round.

“I’m shocked. It has been stressful, but now I’m very happy.”

What about the future? “It is all about music”, Zarina concludes.

That’s a wrap for KWC 2023 Panama. Thank you everyone and see you next year in Turku!