The 18-year-old's sultry Pearl Harbour-inspired music video beat out competitors from all over the world to take home the title, including X-Factor UK contestants Jedward and US finalist Josh Levi.
“Winning this competition has been the highlight of my career so far and to have the support from the media and public both in South Africa and overseas has been mind blowing,” the newly matriculated teen gushed.
The competition ran from January this year and was driven by public votes. Filipa was approached by Ryan Seacrest's production team to ask if she would enter the competition.
PHOTO: Provided
Filipa, who recently moved to Cape Town to pursue her studies in performing arts, matriculated in 2013 at Cornwall Hill College in Pretoria.
The brunette beauty is currently working on her debut album, with her first single out in March.