4th Impact: From X-Factor Stardom to Online Controversy—What Really Happened With Their Viral Dog Drama?

Once hailed as the Philippines’ next big global pop sensation, 4th Impact—composed of sisters Almira, Irene, Mylene, and Celina Cercado—rose to international fame after their jaw-dropping audition on The X Factor UK in 2015. Their explosive vocals, synchronized performances, and undeniable charisma earned them a devoted fanbase not only in Asia but also in the United Kingdom, the U.S., and Latin America.

But years after the lights dimmed from their reality TV stardom, the group found themselves under fire—not for their music, but for a completely unexpected reason: a viral dog controversy that shocked fans and critics alike.

So how did one of the most promising girl groups go from standing ovations to social media backlash? And where are they now after the dust has settled?

The Rise of 4th Impact

Before the controversy, 4th Impact’s journey was the stuff of dreams. Formerly known as 4th Power, the sisters auditioned for The X Factor UK with a powerhouse rendition of Jessie J’s “Bang Bang.” The judges—including Simon Cowell—were stunned. The group instantly went viral, amassing millions of views and becoming a global talking point overnight.

Throughout the competition, the girls consistently wowed with their harmonies, costumes, and confidence. Though they didn’t win, their journey opened doors to global tours, brand endorsements, and a loyal fandom called “Dreamers.”

They later released singles such as “Unleash the Diva” and collaborated with K-pop and international artists. They built a strong online presence through YouTube covers, livestreams, and fan engagement.

But in early 2023, a seemingly innocent vlog would begin to tarnish their carefully nurtured image.

The Dog Controversy That Shook Their Reputation

In a routine YouTube vlog titled “A Day in the Life with Our Pets,” 4th Impact introduced their followers to their household of beloved dogs. The vlog showed behind-the-scenes clips of their daily life—including feeding routines, playtime, and grooming.

At first, fans gushed over how adorable the dogs were. But as the video spread, a few sharp-eyed viewers raised concerns. Allegations began to surface online that:

One of the dogs appeared malnourished or underweight
Another was kept in a small crate for extended periods
The dogs were not walked regularly
The food portions seemed too small

What began as concerned comments quickly snowballed into accusations of neglect.

Several animal rights groups from the Philippines and abroad picked up the issue, tagging the sisters in posts calling for “accountability and better pet ownership.” Within days, the hashtag #JusticeFor4thImpactDogs began trending on Twitter and TikTok.

Public Backlash and the Sisters’ Response

Faced with mounting criticism, 4th Impact responded with a public apology video. In the emotional clip, Almira, the eldest, addressed fans directly:

“We never intended to harm our pets. We love them dearly and consider them part of our family. But we understand that we may have made mistakes in how we care for them, and for that, we are deeply sorry.”

The sisters promised to:

Consult with veterinarians
Hire a certified pet trainer
Share regular health updates about their pets
Donate to animal welfare organizations

Despite the sincerity of their message, the internet remained divided. Some fans defended the girls, insisting the backlash was overblown:

“They’re singers, not vets. They made a mistake, but they’re trying to fix it.”

Others weren’t so forgiving:

“Celebrities have a responsibility. If you show pets online, expect people to speak up if something seems wrong.”

Fallout and Silence

Following the incident, 4th Impact went quiet for several months. Their YouTube uploads slowed, Instagram engagement dropped, and their public appearances became rare.

Rumors swirled that endorsement deals had been paused or dropped entirely. Although unconfirmed, some brands that previously collaborated with them were noticeably absent in their social media content after the incident.

Their fanbase, “Dreamers,” remained active but fractured. Internal debates raged on forums and fan pages, with some calling for blind support and others demanding accountability and transparency.

A Quiet Comeback

In late 2024, 4th Impact resurfaced with a subtle yet meaningful return: a stripped-down acoustic single titled “Redemption.” The track, written by the sisters themselves, touched on themes of regret, self-growth, and resilience.

Lines like:

“We tried to shine, but the light got too bright / We lost our way but we’re still alive…”

…resonated with fans who saw it as a reflection of their turbulent year.

They followed the release with a mini-documentary titled “Backstage Truths,” where they discussed their journey post-controversy. It featured interviews with their vet, animal trainer, and a tour of their newly redesigned pet space at home, complete with outdoor runs and feeding stations.

The gesture was praised as a mature, thoughtful comeback. While not all critics were won over, many acknowledged the effort to grow and do better.

Where Are They Now?

As of mid-2025, 4th Impact is actively rebuilding their image and reconnecting with fans. They’ve begun touring small venues in Southeast Asia and plan to release an EP titled “Second Wind” later this year.

The group has taken a more grounded approach to content—focusing on music, advocacy for animal welfare, and promoting responsible pet ownership.

They’ve also launched a new foundation called IMPACT PETS, aiming to educate young Filipinos about humane treatment and proper care for animals.

In a recent interview, Celina shared:

“We’ve learned a lot, and we’re still learning. We believe that growth comes from listening, admitting mistakes, and choosing to be better.”

Final Thoughts

4th Impact’s journey is a stark reminder that fame doesn’t protect anyone from public scrutiny—and that responsibility comes with the platform they hold. While the dog controversy may have shaken their reputation, their response, actions, and humility have helped them slowly win back the trust of their fans and community.

Their story—though marked by setbacks—remains one of strength, sisterhood, and survival in an age where one viral moment can define you. What matters most is how you rise from it.

And 4th Impact seems determined to rise—with their music, values, and beloved pets by their side.