A different breed
Lea Salonga is positive the first edition of ‘The Voice Teens’ will prove to be more exciting than previous seasons of the show
Lea Salonga is positive the first edition of ‘The Voice Teens’ will prove to be more exciting than previous seasons of the show. Lea Salonga promises to be more meticulous in picking contestants for “The Voice Teens” from blind auditions onwards.
‘I promise you, this is fast becoming something that is incredibly exciting for watch.’ people at home to
Lea Salonga promises to be more meticulous in picking contestants for “The Voice Teens” from blind auditions onwards. “They’re older so we can afford to be more picky,” she explained in a recent interview. Lea described this season’s auditionees quite “animated.” Comparing it to the kids they handled in past seasons, she said, “I don’t know if it’s hormonal instability but sometimes the kids are just so cute and they’re just so happy to be there but the teenagers, it seems they are putting a little more pressure upon themselves.” That said, she admitted to have been surprised with the number of talents who joined. “There’s so much talent. It’s hard to keep from turning, it’s very difficult,” she said. “We have all kinds, except rappers obviously, because we need melodies, and we need voices. But I promise you, this is fast becoming something that is incredibly exciting for people at home to watch.”
According to Lea, she is looking for someone who will give her “goosebumps.”
“Sometimes I do find myself in a spot where I don’t know what to do with that artist but I’ll turn anyway just because they deserve to know that I like what they did,” she added.
Lea likes it that most of those who auditioned already know what they are capable of. “Talagang sementado na sa isip nila kung anong klaseng singer sila,” she said. “And I think they all have very strong ideas of which coach they want even before they step up on the stage to sing.”
Another run for the crown?
Lea was responsible for making Mitoy Yonting win the very first season of “The Voice Philippines.”
“Mitoy’s just massively talented, and I mean there is gonna be a lot of criticism regarding his age, and regarding his type of singing but for me a voice like that does not come often,” she said.
“And I like that his stint on ‘The Voice’ led to him getting more work, whether it’s acting on a sitcom or judging another talent competition,” she added.
Lea was also instrumental in turning Joshua Oliveros into a champ in the third season of “The Voice Kids.”
Is she pressured that one of her next wards would again win the crown?
Lea answered, “I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself to try and win. I just want to find artists that I could hopefully nurture right through the finals and even beyond.”
On Sarah
Lea expressed joy over Sarah Geronimo’s return to the show this season.
“Its just so much fun having her back, I really missed her,” she said of Sarah. “I love her energy, and I think her fans will really enjoy seeing her again on the show.”
The 46-year-old singer-actress predicts Sarah will be really gung-ho in getting the right people on her team this time around.
“I think she will really get into the ring and fight for the one she likes and not letting go until they pick her as coach. She’s got her weapons and she’s using them.”
Asked if she believes Sarah has an advantage over other coaches, Lea shared, “I think most would pick her because of her wealth of experience relating to singing contests. Personally, that’s something I don’t have.” (With report from Bhenj Agustin)