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That song, "Could You Be Messiah and Take Me Out Of The Dark" are Gary V's original songs, written by him also. At the age of 14, he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes mellitus. Despite his condition, he is a successful musician, singer and dancer...a total performer. He is called "Mr. Pure Energy" here in Phil's. He's a strong believer of CHRIST, that's where he got his strength.🙏
It was years ago, but from what I can remember KZ had throat issues and lost much of her range after an operation. She didn't give up her dream, so she had to reinvent herself and maximize what was left with her voice. Since her range has narrowed, she rearranged the song according to what she can do best.
The Miss Saigon team had scoured the world for a young Asian singer who could play Kim -- flying from Paris to NY, London, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore. They did not hear an audition that they thought they could use. Finally, in desperation, they went to Manilla. Salonga had been performing with Repertory Philippines and recording albums since she was a small child and had her own TV music and variety show as an early teen; she was moderately well known in Manilla, but totally unknown outside of the Philippines. At her first audition, she sang "On My Own" for them, since it was also for a young girl and by Schönberg and Boublil. After this call-back that you watched, they put her through several grueling days of further auditions on stage at the gigantic Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and finally cast her in the role. Brutal! Months after the show opened in London (for which she won the Olivier Award), Salonga completely lost her voice due to over-singing and developed serious problems with her vocal cords. After vocal rest, she went to a voice teacher whom she has credited with "rebuilding my voice from the ground up" and saving her voice and career.
To add, not only was Lea been chosen for the lead role, but the Miss Saigon production group also got all Filipinos to play all the Asian characters in the production.
@@JoshmeBatongbakalThe rest of the original Asian cast of MISS SAIGON were not *all* Filipinos, but I do think the majority were from the Philippines. The guy who played Thuy wasn’t. I think there may have been a few others.
YES! the Team took all Filipinos who auditioned in Manila as part of the cast- from dancers to those who performed as soldiers. Even the understudy for Thuy was Robert Seña I guess or was it the other Filipino guy
What's amazing is no one expected her to perform Eponine at the concert. Most people thought that Francis Ruffelle would sing at the concert because she originated the role in the London and the Broadway production (where she won the Tony). I don't think people remembered that she had a secret affair during the shows run with the show's co-director John Caird (who was married and 17 years older than her) - and she got pregnant so she had to miss 4 months. Apparently Cameron Macintosh chose not to invite her, leaving the door open to bring in Lea Salonga - and the rest is history.
When Lea Salonga started talking, you'll never get tired of listening. It's like you're mesmerised already. Hearing her singing or just simply humming is a beautiful experience. LEA fan forever here.
Say Something - on the Singer there was a hitch and could not do the song slotted to be done. KZ was called in to figure out what to do she called in her friend the guitarist who was there and they sat on the floor and put this together with her distinct flavor - the docu was amazing to watch. It showed the concern by those who were there around her, if KZ and friend could pull it off. This is the result . If you can find this docu please also watch.
I WISH, out of many requests, you can also react again to KZ's See You Again and Royals performance in The Singer. Those were so spectacular performances that the whole Filipinos were so proud about it.
lea salonga is a theater gem well-loved by theatergoers and highly-respected by theater artists in both london's west end and new york's broadway circuits. she's been lucky not only to originate iconic roles (miss saigon, flower drum song, allegiance, aladdin, mulan) but also to break down racial barriers by becoming the first asian actress to perform both eponine and fantine in les miserables. hopefully she will be given more opportunities to add to her musical theater legacy.
Fall in love with her when I watched the original cast of Miss Saigon and Le Miserable in London many years ago. No one can compare. She’s really good.
Agree ... She's truly a magnificent, beautiful person with extraordinary artistic talent who mesmerized millions all over the world. Her voice as Princess Jasmine in Alladin and Mullan in Disney movies and award-winning performance in Miss Saigon in West End an Broadway plays will forever be etched in million fans and viewers.❤👏👏👏
Welcome to the land of the singers...the Philippines. No auto tune, no lipsync, no hiding the raw talents of my home country. Please add Budakhel to the list. This group consists of 3 individual artists that could comprose an entire series, BUgoy Drilon, DAryl Ong, Michael (KHEL) Pangalinan. When they collab with Katrina Velarde it's magic. Welcome to the Philippines 🇵🇭 ♥️
Absolutely your correct. The KZ autotune the object of which is to grab attention onstage and the Chinese music industry which defeated one of Hollywood's great singers-Jessie J.- in the first batting. The auto-tune crafted brilliantly to combine multi-genres masterpiece un precedented in world's music industry. Welcome to the world of KZ musicals - music that lost its luster decades earlier are re-invented to one peculiar android.
Absolutely youre correct. The KZ auto-tune crafted brilliantly to form an admix of un-precedented all-genre android defeated one of Hollywood's great singers- Jessie J. - in the first batting. Fantastic bombshell onstage.
Lea was a baby when she was chosen to be the first Miss Saigon. She was 17 but even looking at her you'd see her innocence. Her mother was known to be very protective of Lea and has sheltered her from the dark side of showbiz that her first kiss was actually with Simon, her co-star in Miss Saigon. She's also a good big sister and she paid for her brother's education. She has lived a very clean life and I admire Lea for that. And yes, she has the most pristine voice I've ever heard.
yeah, i remember that. it was a pastime to guess/joke f her mother would let her be kissed for d 1st time😅. also, whether she would wear the 2-pc bikini while dancing😂😅 then she settled w/ a sarong skirt wrapped around her hip. indeed, her mother Ligaya (or joy, fondly) became popular, too, w/ how strict she was, and if memes were around then, she would have had a lion's share of them on Ph internet!!!😄😄 didn't she also graduate as valedictorian both grade sch & high sch? and her bro summa cum laude fr uc berkeley?
And her brother Gerard is conductor of the Sydney Orchestra and is her musical director. As she was a conservative Filipina upon casting for Miss Saigon she had her first kissing scene on the West End run.
In one of her shows Simon joined her for a performance and she mentioned how safe he made her feel. In light of all that could have gone wrong she felt that she was so fortunate to have not had any issues in that department.
When KZ did Say Something at Singer, there was some issue with the arrangement and it ended up she got her colleague guitarist flown in from Philippines to do just this stripped down emitional version.
Hi there! When Gary started performing in the early 1980's when he was still a college student, he was known as Mr. High Energy and the Michael Jackson of the Philippines because of his energetic dancing as part of his performances.
Lea started young in the theater actually her first I think locally is The Sound of Music followed by Annie before she goes to movies. Her last call audition for Ms Saigon is a nice watch too she was just 16 then. She was doing Ms Saigon US at that time when she heard an audition for Disney. Everybody seems to be doing that so she just tried and luckily got it. A Whole New World is so iconic.
Lea was 7 when she did her first professional role: a small role in stage production of THE KING AND I. And Lea played her first lead role in ANNIE at age 9. I believe soon after that Lea was in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Lea released her first album at age 10 (which certified gold) and I believe she also did her first film at age 10. Lea and her younger brother Gerard co-hosted a musical variety tv show called “Love, Lea” when she was 12-14 years old. Lea mentioned in many interviews that she had heard women in the Broadway cast of MISS SAIGON talking about auditions for a new Disney project and eventually the casting people sent Lea a note at the theater to get in touch. She auditioned for the singing role of Jasmine (she sang “Part of Your World” and very soon after was recording “A Whole New World” for “Aladdin.” Fun fact: I had heard Lea talk about how other women in the cast had tried out for Jasmine, but for some reason I never put 2 and 2 together to think Liz Callaway (the woman playing Ellen in MISS SAIGON on Broadway) was one of them. I saw a TH-cam clip of Liz Callaway in a cabaret act talking about her association with Disney and voice over work. Liz auditioned for Ariel and got to the final 5 - but didn’t get it. Liz auditioned for Belle and got to the final 3 - but didn’t get it. And Liz auditioned for Jasmine and got to the final 2 - but her co-star Lea Salonga got it. Eventually, Liz would be the singing voice for the main character in “Anastasia.” (And Liz would also end up singing for Jasmine in the “Aladdin” direct to video sequel.)
Gary is like the Al Jarreau of the Philippines, a pop superstar but at the same time a Christian. A juvenile diabetic and still struggles with his health to this day but a very talented singer. A member of an all male highschool Kundirana choir and then was discovered commercially and one of the most successful performer in the country. Thank you for the appreciation.
KZ showcase her other talent when she did a cover of Close To You in her US concert. She also did guest In BBC Radio Channel singing Nagiiss Ka nanaman. Again a mixed genre S she sing it as how she feels it should sound.
Ahh Lea Salonga and Gary Valenciano are both legendary Filipino singers.. I grew up knowing both and listening to their music. Listening to Lea still give me goose bumps. The unparalleled talent they have, I wish we see more local artists like them these days. The only other singer I saw the same talent is with Sarah Geronimo (I wish she's part of your Filipino Fridays) and Regine Velasquez whom I heard will be part of your program too so I'm looking forward to it. My eyes sweat with On My Own... brought back emotions from the past.. Leah sings effortlessly, you don't even notice when she breathes or not, there's no snag in her voice it's just so smooth. It's her natural born talent that makes it look easy. Ahh Gary V., he's one of the artists who I wish doesn't get old and be an eternal singer. He has this unique texture and quality in his voice that I have not heard from anyone else. He knows when to modulate and how to use his voice to push forth the emotions in the song. His album Rebirth and Revive have more songs about his Christian faith, a lot of beautiful songs including Warrior is a Child. He is also a great dancer, with 80s to 90s style - he has songs he danced to. Obviously, I'll keep updating this comment as I watch this. Thank you both for doing this, looking forward to Fridays!
I could never stand on the same stage with Lea, because I wouldn't be able to hold it together for a whole show. Her way of conveying a song's emotions just blows me away no matter how often I've heard her sing a song (like with her Gold Standard performance of "On my own"). Lea is certainly worth a whole extra reaction day. Please check out Lea's "A little fall of rain" from the same Les Mis concert in the RAH, her performance of "Too much for one heart" from Miss Saigon (they took it out of the show, but Lea performs it at concerts, here in a red dress), "Via Dolorosa", "Empty chairs at empty tables" from Les Mis live at a morning show and "Don't cry for me, Argentina". Lea is a Broadway goddess for me. I love your reactions, please keep going. Greetings from Europe.
I see “Lea Salonga” and I have to watch!!! You’ll see many comments about her crystal clear, pitch perfect voice. She doesn’t give the vocal gymnastics that get a lot more attention for singers, but her performances are so moving - you aren’t looking for or missing riffs or crazy high notes.
Thank you for this. They are 3 amazing artists. Lea is the GOAT. I still get goosebumps listening to her sing "On my own". Gary's "Take me out of the dark" brings so much emotion, got me in tears. KZ's awesome rendition of the 2 songs shows her power and versatility. Overall, what a great selection of songs to react to! Thanks.
Lea was 17 when she auditioned for MISS SAIGON (in 1988). And Lea was 24 when she played Eponine in the 10th anniversary concert of LES MIZ (the first video you reacted to).
Hello..😊.. i would just want to give an info about Gary V.. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes since 12 yrs old and he has been taking insulin since then.. This didnt hinder him from doing what he does best.. singing .. he became a star in his early teen and was even called the Michael Jackson of the Phils because he was the first one to dance mj's moonwalk.. back then. He got married very early and have kids but he never stopped entertaining his fans who never left him throughout all those years.. he is one of the most respected actors/singers and hosts.. but in the mid 2000s he was diagnosed with cancer which brought him even closer to his faith and that was when he started to compose Christian songs.. He was soon declared free of cancer after undergoing chemos.. and who you are listening to now is a true survivor and a real Christian whose life is a proof that miracles do happen to people who deserve it.
Gary is one Christian who truly lives his faith. He has inspired many, never fails to give all teh glory of his success and triumphs back to God. Gary had already composed and performed a number of Christian songs for his album SHOUT FOR JOY years before his bout with Cancer. HE became a Christian in 1985. Could You Be Messiah and Take Me Out of the Dark were in the Shout Album released in 1991. His Cancer episode was in 2018. Another note-worthy song of Gary in the same genre is THE WARRIOR IS A CHILD. He is pure energy personified when he sings and dances. Watching him in live concerts is an adrenaline rush. I hope you can react to one Gary V’s fast songs too.
Also, lea w/ martin/gary during lockdown & where she was fangirling. also, regine w/ martin broadway medley. these are the biggest in Ph and certainly the most in terms of longevity. just wish, too, that the 1st OPM og's with the legacy OPM music like basil, hajji, rico, kuh ledesma, dulce, louie reyes, leo valdez, ray-an fuentes be featured,too.
Lea Salonga is my favorite ever. I've been honored to be a production assistant for one of her concerts called "Lea, My Life On Stage" here in the Philippines way back in 2008 iirc but I've been in front of her before her rehearsal and she was in a sweatshirt and leggings, leaning forward, trying to hold her daughter....and she sings ONE LINE. "Dear friend and teacher~~" and omg I kid you not, in person, it was like the voice of an angel. Crystal pure tone. That mesmeric quality you hear while watching a video? x10. I had to look around and everyone's jaw dropped and just stared at her. We all had the same reaction. Ahh it's so good. I would love to just listen to her in person alllllllll day. Thank you for listening and appreciating our artists! Great reactions and insights! More power to your channel, sirs! God bless!
oh yesss, please. her version of Close to You by the Carpenters is phenomenal. She as usual gave it her different twist.....❤❤ I was blown away!!! Pls. react too to her version of Royal by Matisyahu, and Real Gone. Thank you so much and power on guys❤🎉
Thank you Guys for putting this together. Hearing these great artists again after so many years is a treasure. I always enjoy your honest and raw an unfiltered reactions. ❤
Without Miss Saigon we will have Dr Lea Salonga MD. "On My Own" was her audition piece for Miss Saigon. It was a great honor that she was in the 10Th Anniversary of Les Mis, an all-star cast where the best of the best singers of Les Mis has the lead roles.
Small trivia avout KZ, she also had a surgery with her throat (i forgot what the exact problem was) just like morisette had a cyst removed when she was younger. Nothing shared that they feared of not being able to belt out or hit even simple high notes but listen to them both! They’re beasts in their own rights and genre! They’ve worked with Lea Salonga in an entertainment show in the Philippines.
You two are the best real vocal coach who give out the most authentic and accurate evaluations to these singers and not to mention that you compliment a lot too!
I missed the live but surely will be looking forward comes Friday! Thanks sooo much for featuring Filipino Talents! I enjoyed the replay and all the vids you played were superb they are all my favorites specially with those 2 songs with Gary V. Cant help but cry my eyes out! Haha but see you guys on another Friyay!!! 🥰🥰🥰
I know! And not just the Tony Award. She won every major theater award in London and USA: Olivier Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Tony Award, and Theater World Award (you can only with this award with your NY theater debut).
Glad you picked these 3 Filipino performers singing these particular songs to react to - very engaging reaction and commentary. Liked and subscribed!👍🏽
KZ Tandingans rap is actually more amazing when I realized that she spoke in real Tagalog and I was able to understand what she was saying with that speed. Usually I cannot understand people rapping fast. ❤.
We all know that they are very talented artist but when we hear other foreign people react the way that you do, then it elevates our appreciation that there are more to it than whT we already know
Hope you react back to Daryll Espanto. He and Mori did two amazing duet live at the Wish Bus one of which is the "Chadelier" originally by Sia and the other one is the "A whole new world" which is a soundtract from the movie Alladin. Its a back to back treat which will leave you breathless by their awesome performance. Plus you will get to compare their voices from their younger self and more recent self. God bless.
It’s barely 8:30 here in Cali , I haven’t even gotten up from bed yet , you guys woke me up and now I’m “ Throging”. Please review KZ and Jaya singing Feeling Good. Thank you and Good morning😂
Good luck to you both 😁, there's no turning back😉😊🤭tnx for taking time to listen to Filipino music and artists and appreciating them. You'll never get disppointed. Much ❤❤❤ from my beloved country Philippines🇵🇭❤️💚🤗
Kudos to both of you, thank you for featuring our filipino world talent in the phils,you learn a lot of different kind of multi talented singer in our country.
Some recommendations for reactions. I'm an especially big Lea fan (hence many recommendations!), but I also love a lot of her duets, which I've included here: --KZ and Jaya (rhymes with HIGH-ugh) singing "Feeling Good." --KZ singing "The Hurts You Never Knew" (from China's competition show Singer 2018). It's totally in Chinese and it doesn't matter at all. SO GORGEOUS. --Lea rehearsing "Still Hurting" (a song from the musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS). You should make sure you find the rehearsal video. Not that her actual concert performance wasn't good, but watching Lea with absolutely no makeup singing this song - it's so raw and amazing. --Lea singing "Via Dolorosa" (I believe it was recorded/filmed in 2005 when Lea was 34). --Lea singing "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" (from EVITA) from The Broadway Concert. (The live CD of the concert was released in 2002, but I'm not sure if the concert was from 2001 or 2002.) --Lea singing "It's Quiet Uptown" during her Dream Again Tour 2022. I'm pretty sure this is sort of a combo of the song from HAMILTON and the version on The Hamilton Mixtape recorded by Kelly Clarkson. --Lea and Rachelle (pronounced Rachel) Ann Go singing "The Movie In My Mind" from the 25th anniversary concert of MISS SAIGON in 2014. Rachelle Ann Go was in the West End revival of MISS SAIGON and there was a mini-concert to celebrate the 25th anniversary after one performance. (Note: Lea and Rachelle Ann aren't singing it exactly as the characters Gigi and Kim in their show, but do their own thing.) --Lea and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid doing a musical medley ("I Don't Know How to Love Him" from JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, "What I Did For Love" from A CHORUS LINE and "Someone Like You" from JEKYLL & HYDE). They recorded their parts separately and it was aired for Regine's online birthday concert in April 2020 as a fundraiser for a charity she supports. --Lea and Michael Ball singing "A Little Fall of Rain" from the LES MISERABLES 10th anniversary concert in 1995. Lea is 24 years old. --Lea and Josh Groban singing "The Prayer." Lea was a guest at Josh's concert in Manila that happened on Lea's 48th birthday (Feb 22, 2019). Lea is in a wheelchair because she broke her leg the month before. If you are so inclined, there is a longer video (14 minutes?) of Lea's entire appearance at Josh's concert which also includes Josh and Lea singing "All I Ask of You" from PHANTOM OF THE OPERA as well as them chatting before and between songs.
Aw guys you miss Leah Salonga live singing in front of thousands singing..Dont Cry for me Argentina. She's so amazing in that international event...in Singapore if I recall it right.
Piece of sky, Love story cover at her concert.and Kailangan kita, 'TILL I MET YOU and Spanish version of Ikaw entitled Tu.These are one the best songs by Regine Velasquez ❤
It feels like we're all in the same room, watching together, enjoying drinks, discussing our reactions, and agreeing on certain aspects. I love this. ❤
Thanks for your reactions. Love how you give it and explain. I’ve been living here in the States for 40 years now. I love to sing and I’m involve with a worship & praise band in our prayer community, a prestigious all Filipino chorale of NJ & NY and another choir/choral group. I simply love your channel where your reactions to new and old singers sing their own style matters a lot to me. Again, thanks a lot.
KZ Tandingan covers all genres par excellence and you’ll hear her heart singing . I’ve heard no one like her, ask any kind of song and she’ll always be awesome. Inborn talent
thank you Richard and Johnny. KZ is an outstanding artist.. she’s unique in her own many ways.. she arranged her materials to make them her own. She is a successful artist in the Philippines and has gained respect among her peers in the industry. She’s now a judge in the Voice Teens Philippines. Her audition in the X Factor was something mesmerizing.. she was already unique then and knew pretty well her genre.
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That song, "Could You Be Messiah and Take Me Out Of The Dark" are Gary V's original songs, written by him also. At the age of 14, he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes mellitus. Despite his condition, he is a successful musician, singer and dancer...a total performer. He is called "Mr. Pure Energy" here in Phil's. He's a strong believer of CHRIST, that's where he got his strength.🙏
It was years ago, but from what I can remember KZ had throat issues and lost much of her range after an operation. She didn't give up her dream, so she had to reinvent herself and maximize what was left with her voice. Since her range has narrowed, she rearranged the song according to what she can do best.
The Miss Saigon team had scoured the world for a young Asian singer who could play Kim -- flying from Paris to NY, London, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore. They did not hear an audition that they thought they could use. Finally, in desperation, they went to Manilla. Salonga had been performing with Repertory Philippines and recording albums since she was a small child and had her own TV music and variety show as an early teen; she was moderately well known in Manilla, but totally unknown outside of the Philippines. At her first audition, she sang "On My Own" for them, since it was also for a young girl and by Schönberg and Boublil. After this call-back that you watched, they put her through several grueling days of further auditions on stage at the gigantic Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and finally cast her in the role. Brutal! Months after the show opened in London (for which she won the Olivier Award), Salonga completely lost her voice due to over-singing and developed serious problems with her vocal cords. After vocal rest, she went to a voice teacher whom she has credited with "rebuilding my voice from the ground up" and saving her voice and career.
Whats brutal is that the final two before deciding who gets to be Kim is also her friend from the Philippines!!! 😬 awkward
To add, not only was Lea been chosen for the lead role, but the Miss Saigon production group also got all Filipinos to play all the Asian characters in the production.
@@JoshmeBatongbakalThe rest of the original Asian cast of MISS SAIGON were not *all* Filipinos, but I do think the majority were from the Philippines. The guy who played Thuy wasn’t. I think there may have been a few others.
YES! the Team took all Filipinos who auditioned in Manila as part of the cast- from dancers to those who performed as soldiers. Even the understudy for Thuy was Robert Seña I guess or was it the other Filipino guy
Leah Salonga sight-reading a song she'd never heard before is one of my favorite oh-wow musical moments ever! 😯😄
Lea Salonga is the GOAT. She has the most pristine voice I've ever heard. Thank you for reacting, guys. You're both amazing.
What's amazing is no one expected her to perform Eponine at the concert. Most people thought that Francis Ruffelle would sing at the concert because she originated the role in the London and the Broadway production (where she won the Tony). I don't think people remembered that she had a secret affair during the shows run with the show's co-director John Caird (who was married and 17 years older than her) - and she got pregnant so she had to miss 4 months. Apparently Cameron Macintosh chose not to invite her, leaving the door open to bring in Lea Salonga - and the rest is history.
a Broadway legend...
When Lea Salonga started talking, you'll never get tired of listening. It's like you're mesmerised already. Hearing her singing or just simply humming is a beautiful experience. LEA fan forever here.
There is a Legend among Legends - She is Lea Salonga.
Lea is known for being pitch perfect and a photographic memory.
That’s why Gary is called Mr Pure energy coz he sings with his body. He is diabetic since 14 but now he’s 50+ and truly his songs are inspirational
I am so glad I was able to watch his show in Ormoc City back in the 90's . That was the first time I saw him perform live and wasn't repeated.
Say Something - on the Singer there was a hitch and could not do the song slotted to be done. KZ was called in to figure out what to do she called in her friend the guitarist who was there and they sat on the floor and put this together with her distinct flavor - the docu was amazing to watch. It showed the concern by those who were there around her, if KZ and friend could pull it off. This is the result . If you can find this docu please also watch.
I really hope they can watch all her songs in SINGER 2018. But most esp
“Say Something”
up
up for this🙏🏻
I WISH, out of many requests, you can also react again to KZ's See You Again and Royals performance in The Singer. Those were so spectacular performances that the whole Filipinos were so proud about it.
UP
UP for this🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
lea salonga is a theater gem well-loved by theatergoers and highly-respected by theater artists in both london's west end and new york's broadway circuits. she's been lucky not only to originate iconic roles (miss saigon, flower drum song, allegiance, aladdin, mulan) but also to break down racial barriers by becoming the first asian actress to perform both eponine and fantine in les miserables. hopefully she will be given more opportunities to add to her musical theater legacy.
Fall in love with her when I watched the original cast of Miss Saigon and Le Miserable in London many years ago. No one can compare. She’s really good.
LEA SALONGA IS EVERYTHING HER VOICES RANGE,AGILITY,MELODY,RHYTM, VOCAL CONTROL,CLARITY OF VOICE, DICTION ACCURACY ETC. IS BRILLIANT👌🇵🇭✨
Agree ... She's truly a magnificent, beautiful person with extraordinary artistic talent who mesmerized millions all over the world. Her voice as Princess Jasmine in Alladin and Mullan in Disney movies and award-winning performance in Miss Saigon in West End an Broadway plays will forever be etched in million fans and viewers.❤👏👏👏
So proud of our Filipino singers. Lea Salonga is the original "Kim" of Miss Saigon. Gary V is our "Mr. Pure Energy". KZ is our pop jazz princess.
She is a genius of her own especially in the art of music❤
Welcome to the land of the singers...the Philippines. No auto tune, no lipsync, no hiding the raw talents of my home country. Please add Budakhel to the list. This group consists of 3 individual artists that could comprose an entire series, BUgoy Drilon, DAryl Ong, Michael (KHEL) Pangalinan. When they collab with Katrina Velarde it's magic. Welcome to the Philippines 🇵🇭 ♥️
. Love them
, the rnb kings Yes Budakhel
Absolutely your correct. The KZ autotune the object of which is to grab attention onstage and the Chinese music industry which defeated one of Hollywood's great singers-Jessie J.- in the first batting. The auto-tune crafted brilliantly to combine multi-genres masterpiece un precedented in world's music industry. Welcome to the world of KZ musicals - music that lost its luster decades earlier are re-invented to one peculiar android.
Absolutely youre correct. The KZ auto-tune crafted brilliantly to form an admix of un-precedented all-genre android defeated one of Hollywood's great singers- Jessie J. - in the first batting. Fantastic bombshell onstage.
Is
Lea was a baby when she was chosen to be the first Miss Saigon. She was 17 but even looking at her you'd see her innocence. Her mother was known to be very protective of Lea and has sheltered her from the dark side of showbiz that her first kiss was actually with Simon, her co-star in Miss Saigon.
She's also a good big sister and she paid for her brother's education. She has lived a very clean life and I admire Lea for that. And yes, she has the most pristine voice I've ever heard.
yeah, i remember that. it was a pastime to guess/joke f her mother would let her be kissed for d 1st time😅. also, whether she would wear the 2-pc bikini while dancing😂😅 then she settled w/ a sarong skirt wrapped around her hip. indeed, her mother Ligaya (or joy, fondly) became popular, too, w/ how strict she was, and if memes were around then, she would have had a lion's share of them on Ph internet!!!😄😄
didn't she also graduate as valedictorian both grade sch & high sch? and her bro summa cum laude fr uc berkeley?
And her brother Gerard is conductor of the Sydney Orchestra and is her musical director. As she was a conservative Filipina upon casting for Miss Saigon she had her first kissing scene on the West End run.
In one of her shows Simon joined her for a performance and she mentioned how safe he made her feel. In light of all that could have gone wrong she felt that she was so fortunate to have not had any issues in that department.
When KZ did Say Something at Singer, there was some issue with the arrangement and it ended up she got her colleague guitarist flown in from Philippines to do just this stripped down emitional version.
She even sang 1 english song in mandarin during this competition. Beat that.
Hi there! When Gary started performing in the early 1980's when he was still a college student, he was known as Mr. High Energy and the Michael Jackson of the Philippines because of his energetic dancing as part of his performances.
190 kSo drums
In one of her concert, KZ, while singing, also showcased her talent in playing (producing sound like) saxophone using her lips alone.
She's talented.
That song is Close to you😉
Lea started young in the theater actually her first I think locally is The Sound of Music followed by Annie before she goes to movies. Her last call audition for Ms Saigon is a nice watch too she was just 16 then.
She was doing Ms Saigon US at that time when she heard an audition for Disney. Everybody seems to be doing that so she just tried and luckily got it. A Whole New World is so iconic.
Lea was 7 when she did her first professional role: a small role in stage production of THE KING AND I. And Lea played her first lead role in ANNIE at age 9. I believe soon after that Lea was in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Lea released her first album at age 10 (which certified gold) and I believe she also did her first film at age 10. Lea and her younger brother Gerard co-hosted a musical variety tv show called “Love, Lea” when she was 12-14 years old.
Lea mentioned in many interviews that she had heard women in the Broadway cast of MISS SAIGON talking about auditions for a new Disney project and eventually the casting people sent Lea a note at the theater to get in touch. She auditioned for the singing role of Jasmine (she sang “Part of Your World” and very soon after was recording “A Whole New World” for “Aladdin.”
Fun fact: I had heard Lea talk about how other women in the cast had tried out for Jasmine, but for some reason I never put 2 and 2 together to think Liz Callaway (the woman playing Ellen in MISS SAIGON on Broadway) was one of them. I saw a TH-cam clip of Liz Callaway in a cabaret act talking about her association with Disney and voice over work. Liz auditioned for Ariel and got to the final 5 - but didn’t get it. Liz auditioned for Belle and got to the final 3 - but didn’t get it. And Liz auditioned for Jasmine and got to the final 2 - but her co-star Lea Salonga got it. Eventually, Liz would be the singing voice for the main character in “Anastasia.” (And Liz would also end up singing for Jasmine in the “Aladdin” direct to video sequel.)
Gary is like the Al Jarreau of the Philippines, a pop superstar but at the same time a Christian. A juvenile diabetic and still struggles with his health to this day but a very talented singer. A member of an all male highschool Kundirana choir and then was discovered commercially and one of the most successful performer in the country. Thank you for the appreciation.
Gary valenciano is gary valenciano that is it
KZ showcase her other talent when she did a cover of Close To You in her US concert. She also did guest In BBC Radio Channel singing Nagiiss Ka nanaman. Again a mixed genre S she sing it as how she feels it should sound.
Ahh Lea Salonga and Gary Valenciano are both legendary Filipino singers.. I grew up knowing both and listening to their music. Listening to Lea still give me goose bumps. The unparalleled talent they have, I wish we see more local artists like them these days. The only other singer I saw the same talent is with Sarah Geronimo (I wish she's part of your Filipino Fridays) and Regine Velasquez whom I heard will be part of your program too so I'm looking forward to it.
My eyes sweat with On My Own... brought back emotions from the past.. Leah sings effortlessly, you don't even notice when she breathes or not, there's no snag in her voice it's just so smooth. It's her natural born talent that makes it look easy.
Ahh Gary V., he's one of the artists who I wish doesn't get old and be an eternal singer. He has this unique texture and quality in his voice that I have not heard from anyone else. He knows when to modulate and how to use his voice to push forth the emotions in the song. His album Rebirth and Revive have more songs about his Christian faith, a lot of beautiful songs including Warrior is a Child. He is also a great dancer, with 80s to 90s style - he has songs he danced to.
Obviously, I'll keep updating this comment as I watch this.
Thank you both for doing this, looking forward to Fridays!
I could never stand on the same stage with Lea, because I wouldn't be able to hold it together for a whole show. Her way of conveying a song's emotions just blows me away no matter how often I've heard her sing a song (like with her Gold Standard performance of "On my own"). Lea is certainly worth a whole extra reaction day. Please check out Lea's "A little fall of rain" from the same Les Mis concert in the RAH, her performance of "Too much for one heart" from Miss Saigon (they took it out of the show, but Lea performs it at concerts, here in a red dress), "Via Dolorosa", "Empty chairs at empty tables" from Les Mis live at a morning show and "Don't cry for me, Argentina". Lea is a Broadway goddess for me. I love your reactions, please keep going. Greetings from Europe.
One of the best yet. Thanks so much Richard and Johnny!
I see “Lea Salonga” and I have to watch!!! You’ll see many comments about her crystal clear, pitch perfect voice. She doesn’t give the vocal gymnastics that get a lot more attention for singers, but her performances are so moving - you aren’t looking for or missing riffs or crazy high notes.
Thank you for this. They are 3 amazing artists. Lea is the GOAT. I still get goosebumps listening to her sing "On my own". Gary's "Take me out of the dark" brings so much emotion, got me in tears. KZ's awesome rendition of the 2 songs shows her power and versatility. Overall, what a great selection of songs to react to! Thanks.
Lea was 17 when she auditioned for MISS SAIGON (in 1988). And Lea was 24 when she played Eponine in the 10th anniversary concert of LES MIZ (the first video you reacted to).
Gary V is my one of my favourite artists growing up he’s my fav for all time😊.. thank you for this reaction. Lea is my fav as well 🥰💜💜💜
Hello..😊.. i would just want to give an info about Gary V..
He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes since 12 yrs old and he has been taking insulin since then..
This didnt hinder him from doing what he does best.. singing .. he became a star in his early teen and was even called the Michael Jackson of the Phils because he was the first one to dance mj's moonwalk.. back then.
He got married very early and have kids but he never stopped entertaining his fans who never left him throughout all those years.. he is one of the most respected actors/singers and hosts.. but in the mid 2000s he was diagnosed with cancer which brought him even closer to his faith and that was when he started to compose Christian songs.. He was soon declared free of cancer after undergoing chemos.. and who you are listening to now is a true survivor and a real Christian whose life is a proof that miracles do happen to people who deserve it.
additional facts, he also undergo by-pass heart surgery.
type1 Juvenile Diabetes
Gary is one Christian who truly lives his faith. He has inspired many, never fails to give all teh glory of his success and triumphs back to God. Gary had already composed and performed a number of Christian songs for his album SHOUT FOR JOY years before his bout with Cancer. HE became a Christian in 1985. Could You Be Messiah and Take Me Out of the Dark were in the Shout Album released in 1991. His Cancer episode was in 2018. Another note-worthy song of Gary in the same genre is THE WARRIOR IS A CHILD.
He is pure energy personified when he sings and dances. Watching him in live concerts is an adrenaline rush. I hope you can react to one Gary V’s fast songs too.
Regine and Lea Duet online during pandemic.The best❤
Also, lea w/ martin/gary during lockdown & where she was fangirling.
also, regine w/ martin broadway medley.
these are the biggest in Ph and certainly the most in terms of longevity.
just wish, too, that the 1st OPM og's with the legacy OPM music like basil, hajji, rico, kuh ledesma, dulce, louie reyes, leo valdez, ray-an fuentes be featured,too.
Lea Salonga is my favorite ever. I've been honored to be a production assistant for one of her concerts called "Lea, My Life On Stage" here in the Philippines way back in 2008 iirc but I've been in front of her before her rehearsal and she was in a sweatshirt and leggings, leaning forward, trying to hold her daughter....and she sings ONE LINE. "Dear friend and teacher~~" and omg I kid you not, in person, it was like the voice of an angel. Crystal pure tone. That mesmeric quality you hear while watching a video? x10. I had to look around and everyone's jaw dropped and just stared at her. We all had the same reaction. Ahh it's so good. I would love to just listen to her in person alllllllll day. Thank you for listening and appreciating our artists! Great reactions and insights! More power to your channel, sirs! God bless!
Wow, that's awesome. Thanks for sharing this. Lea's tone is perfection to me on top of her technicalities.
Gary Valenciano turns 60 years old this August.
Next song for Lea, try Via Dolorosa, she's phenomenal
UP! This is one of my favorites! Perfection.
Please next is Martin Nievera his one of my favourite song of his is You. Are My Song 🥰💜💜
Totally respect you guys and your reactions. A time well spent. Thanks.
We loved your reactions guys 😍
From the Philippines 🇵🇭
Please react to Gary Valenciano on the WishBus 🇵🇭
A WARRIOR IS A CHILD highly recommended 💯
Thank you for loving our singers.
Yes GG ON WEDNESDAY. WOW looking forward for that on WED.
Thank youuu❤❤
Yes, please buy them coffee (s). Normally im free every Wednesday but next Week not 😢.
Do you know what time?
9 pm dito sa atin po .
KZ 's cover of Close to you at her concert. Im sure you'll be blowned away❤
oh yesss, please. her version of Close to You by the Carpenters is phenomenal. She as usual gave it her different twist.....❤❤ I was blown away!!! Pls. react too to her version of Royal by Matisyahu, and Real Gone. Thank you so much and power on guys❤🎉
Up
Thank you Guys for putting this together. Hearing these great artists again after so many years is a treasure. I always enjoy your honest and raw an unfiltered reactions. ❤
Without Miss Saigon we will have Dr Lea Salonga MD. "On My Own" was her audition piece for Miss Saigon. It was a great honor that she was in the 10Th Anniversary of Les Mis, an all-star cast where the best of the best singers of Les Mis has the lead roles.
KZ’s version of Say Something is my most favourite so far.
First of all your intro bit is so classy, this is like my 'morning show! Thank you guys, what a great channel.
wow! Filipino Friday. Thank you so much for supporting Filipino talents
Small trivia avout KZ, she also had a surgery with her throat (i forgot what the exact problem was) just like morisette had a cyst removed when she was younger. Nothing shared that they feared of not being able to belt out or hit even simple high notes but listen to them both! They’re beasts in their own rights and genre! They’ve worked with Lea Salonga in an entertainment show in the Philippines.
Thank you Guys for Featuring Our Pride Lea Salonga you both Nice a True Artist too God Bless ❤
I’m excited for this! This is going to be my favorite one to watch. Filipino Friday!!!
You two are the best real vocal coach who give out the most authentic and accurate evaluations to these singers and not to mention that you compliment a lot too!
Please do Kz's live version of 'Royals" and "See You again" also on the 2018 China Singers. Thank you very much.
Thank you for loving Filipino Artist. ❤❤❤
I missed the live but surely will be looking forward comes Friday! Thanks sooo much for featuring Filipino Talents! I enjoyed the replay and all the vids you played were superb they are all my favorites specially with those 2 songs with Gary V. Cant help but cry my eyes out! Haha but see you guys on another Friyay!!! 🥰🥰🥰
Thanks for appreciating Filipino Talents...we have plenty 😊
❤❤❤❤Love from the Philippines...
GOD bless you both 🙏🙏🙏
Always teary eyed with KZ' s Say Something rendition. She is a top notch singer!
We appreciate you playing the songs, thank you for appreciating being a Filipino makes me feel proud thank you...
You bring so much joy to my California mornings! Love you, guys!
We wont get sick of you how could you with so much talent on display and you two just go with the flow the only way👌
Lea and Regine started around the same time. Please start with her Broadway medley. Thanks
lea is an ARMY!!
I'll pick Lea over any "superstars" out there. Hands down!
Lea is really another level. She is great we are so proud of her.
Can you imagine getting such a role at such a young age? Then to win a Tony for that role?!
I know! And not just the Tony Award. She won every major theater award in London and USA: Olivier Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Tony Award, and Theater World Award (you can only with this award with your NY theater debut).
Glad you picked these 3 Filipino performers singing these particular songs to react to - very engaging reaction and commentary. Liked and subscribed!👍🏽
KZ Tandingans rap is actually more amazing when I realized that she spoke in real Tagalog and I was able to understand what she was saying with that speed. Usually I cannot understand people rapping fast. ❤.
the documentary on how they auditioned Leah is great to watch and react to
If Lea Salonga is a font, she will be the classic Times Roman. Her voice is clear, classy and timeless.
I waited for this live reaction for over a month and then sadly missed it 😢, maybe next friday when ramadan is over, I'll be able to watch it live.
We all know that they are very talented artist but when we hear other foreign people react the way that you do, then it elevates our appreciation that there are more to it than whT we already know
I like Filipino Fridays especially when Lea Salonga and KZ are included.
Hope you react back to Daryll Espanto. He and Mori did two amazing duet live at the Wish Bus one of which is the "Chadelier" originally by Sia and the other one is the "A whole new world" which is a soundtract from the movie Alladin. Its a back to back treat which will leave you breathless by their awesome performance. Plus you will get to compare their voices from their younger self and more recent self. God bless.
It’s barely 8:30 here in Cali , I haven’t even gotten up from bed yet , you guys woke me up and now I’m “ Throging”. Please review KZ and Jaya singing Feeling Good. Thank you and Good morning😂
Good luck to you both 😁, there's no turning back😉😊🤭tnx for taking time to listen to Filipino music and artists and appreciating them. You'll never get disppointed. Much ❤❤❤ from my beloved country Philippines🇵🇭❤️💚🤗
This is something that everyone should watch. A reaction videos from the one who knows every inch of what they're saying. Kudos bros
Every time I hear “On my own” Goosebump’s all over my body 👏👏👏❤
Please next for Lea Don’t Cry for me Argentina
Kudos to both of you, thank you for featuring our filipino world talent in the phils,you learn a lot of different kind of multi talented singer in our country.
Some recommendations for reactions. I'm an especially big Lea fan (hence many recommendations!), but I also love a lot of her duets, which I've included here:
--KZ and Jaya (rhymes with HIGH-ugh) singing "Feeling Good."
--KZ singing "The Hurts You Never Knew" (from China's competition show Singer 2018). It's totally in Chinese and it doesn't matter at all. SO GORGEOUS.
--Lea rehearsing "Still Hurting" (a song from the musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS). You should make sure you find the rehearsal video. Not that her actual concert performance wasn't good, but watching Lea with absolutely no makeup singing this song - it's so raw and amazing.
--Lea singing "Via Dolorosa" (I believe it was recorded/filmed in 2005 when Lea was 34).
--Lea singing "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" (from EVITA) from The Broadway Concert. (The live CD of the concert was released in 2002, but I'm not sure if the concert was from 2001 or 2002.)
--Lea singing "It's Quiet Uptown" during her Dream Again Tour 2022. I'm pretty sure this is sort of a combo of the song from HAMILTON and the version on The Hamilton Mixtape recorded by Kelly Clarkson.
--Lea and Rachelle (pronounced Rachel) Ann Go singing "The Movie In My Mind" from the 25th anniversary concert of MISS SAIGON in 2014. Rachelle Ann Go was in the West End revival of MISS SAIGON and there was a mini-concert to celebrate the 25th anniversary after one performance. (Note: Lea and Rachelle Ann aren't singing it exactly as the characters Gigi and Kim in their show, but do their own thing.)
--Lea and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid doing a musical medley ("I Don't Know How to Love Him" from JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, "What I Did For Love" from A CHORUS LINE and "Someone Like You" from JEKYLL & HYDE). They recorded their parts separately and it was aired for Regine's online birthday concert in April 2020 as a fundraiser for a charity she supports.
--Lea and Michael Ball singing "A Little Fall of Rain" from the LES MISERABLES 10th anniversary concert in 1995. Lea is 24 years old.
--Lea and Josh Groban singing "The Prayer." Lea was a guest at Josh's concert in Manila that happened on Lea's 48th birthday (Feb 22, 2019). Lea is in a wheelchair because she broke her leg the month before. If you are so inclined, there is a longer video (14 minutes?) of Lea's entire appearance at Josh's concert which also includes Josh and Lea singing "All I Ask of You" from PHANTOM OF THE OPERA as well as them chatting before and between songs.
I never skip watching,, love this ❤❤❤
I got teary eyed.
What a devotion.
Thank you for sharing this performance.❤
So loving this! Just subscribed ang looking forward your next videos 🎉
Aw guys you miss Leah Salonga live singing in front of thousands singing..Dont Cry for me Argentina.
She's so amazing in that international event...in Singapore if I recall it right.
Hi 👋 guys Nice to see you i’m so happy to listening all that great singers whit you. Thank you for all.❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏😘😘😘😘😘love you 🇫🇷
I want to listen to you two Sing or play…..
love your
positive vibes. Love your channel. Love you both!
Piece of sky, Love story cover at her concert.and Kailangan kita, 'TILL I MET YOU and Spanish version of Ikaw entitled Tu.These are one the best songs by Regine Velasquez ❤
I second this list, but add her Broadway medley w/ Martin Nievera as well, I'm sure Richard would love it and cry.
It feels like we're all in the same room, watching together, enjoying drinks, discussing our reactions, and agreeing on certain aspects. I love this. ❤
Thanks guys you've made me cry, I feel good now.
Thanks for your reactions. Love how you give it and explain. I’ve been living here in the States for 40 years now. I love to sing and I’m involve with a worship & praise band in our prayer community, a prestigious all Filipino chorale of NJ & NY and another choir/choral group. I simply love your channel where your reactions to new and old singers sing their own style matters a lot to me. Again, thanks a lot.
One of my fav songs of Lea is A whole New World 🥰💜💜
I dont know why i became emotional when i heard gary' song. Thank you guys for playing his song.❤
KZ is the ultimate performer, world-class! This made me a huge fan of hers. The most creative Filipino artist ever! Loved your reaction to her🩷
I 'am your new subscriber, I want more, more more!!!! Wow Filipinos are really talented, love your channel. Thank you!!!! ❤
Hello two handsome 😊 please watch and react to Morissette Amon singing Sia medley. Please and thanks😘
I love this episode, Thank you, Johnny and Richard!
Lea Salonga is a disney princess she a voice of mulan.whole new world.reflection.miss saigon.les miserable
KZ Tandingan covers all genres par excellence and you’ll hear her heart singing . I’ve heard no one like her, ask any kind of song and she’ll always be awesome. Inborn talent
I know lots of people recommend On My Own... but I preferred her performance in A Little Fall of Rain. Always brings me to tears every time I watch it
thanks for appreciating our Filipino talents, given more exposure they can be well-known for being the world class performer.
What kind of fool am I by regine pls next friday.Thanks.
Thank you so so much for reacting to KZ's version of "Say Something", i love both of your reactions, so mesmerize😘😘😘
PLEASE DO KATRINA VILLARDE NEXT FRIDAY.
thank you Richard and Johnny. KZ is an outstanding artist.. she’s unique in her own many ways.. she arranged her materials to make them her own. She is a successful artist in the Philippines and has gained respect among her peers in the industry. She’s now a judge in the Voice Teens Philippines. Her audition in the X Factor was something mesmerizing.. she was already unique then and knew pretty well her genre.