Contestant on 'Rising Star' highlights plight of his friend, born in Israel to Filipino parents and facing deportation, and reignites longtime debate

Singer, who opened for Maroon 5 in May, says breakup with pop superstar Noa Kirel is at the heart of new album

Members of group made up of musicians with disabilities say they'll give best possible performance after quitting race to represent Israel so as not to violate Jewish day of rest