X Factor 2017 contestant Alisah Bonaobra battled police to feed herself and her family in the Philippines.
22-year-old singer Alisah is from Manila, Philippines where she finished as runner up on their version of The Voice.
One of eight children, Alisah originally revealed her struggle at her first audition.
Alisah told the panel: “This X Factor journey is very memorable for me because I dedicate this fight for my family way back in the Philippines.
“I’m only here because of my mother’s friend, who contributed enough money for a plane ticket, just to audition here.”
Now ahead of her latest live performance, Alisah has told how her family have had to battle police to make money to eat.
“We sell food on the sidewalk but it’s illegal so the police always move us away,” she explained. “I’ve been caught by the police a few times.
“It’s hard to make money back home. We have to work in difficult conditions like floods. I had to continue selling with water to my waist.”
Alisah added: “There have been times when we weren’t able to pay our rent or electricity and they threatened to throw us out. Mum was crying, I knew I had to do something to change this.”
In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Alisah went on: “I want to earn money from my singing to provide for my family. My dream is to buy my family a restaurant with karaoke in it.”
The X Factor 2017 continues Sunday night on ITV from the earlier time of 7:05PM with the Overs and Girls performances.
Rita Ora will be performing plus another contestant will be heading home.
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