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.

Lea Salonga is the GOAT. She has the most pristine voice I've ever heard. Thank you for reacting, guys. You're both amazing.

Lea is known for being pitch perfect and a photographic memory.

Leah Salonga sight-reading a song she'd never heard before is one of my favorite oh-wow musical moments ever! 😯😄

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.

There is a Legend among Legends - She is Lea Salonga.

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.

Gary Valenciano turns 60 years old this August.

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 🇵🇭 ♥️

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.

LEA SALONGA IS EVERYTHING HER VOICES RANGE,AGILITY,MELODY,RHYTM, VOCAL CONTROL,CLARITY OF VOICE, DICTION ACCURACY ETC. IS BRILLIANT👌🇵🇭✨

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Regine and Lea Duet online during pandemic.The best❤

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 🥰💜💜💜

Next song for Lea, try Via Dolorosa, she's phenomenal

KZ’s version of Say Something is my most favourite so far.

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!

One of the best yet. Thanks so much Richard and Johnny!

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.

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.

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.

Thank you for loving Filipino Artist. ❤❤❤

Thank you for loving our singers.

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.

lea is an ARMY!!

Please next for Lea Don’t Cry for me Argentina

Please next is Martin Nievera his one of my favourite song of his is You. Are My Song 🥰💜💜

the documentary on how they auditioned Leah is great to watch and react to

Yes GG ON WEDNESDAY. WOW looking forward for that on WED. Thank youuu❤❤

The Pokemon 1st version/edition sung by our very own Filipino Billy Crawford,..and became 1 of the back up dancer of michael jackson in 1 concert..Thnx.. Pls. react to BUDHAKEL WITH KATRINA "ONE SWEET DAY" OR "THANK GOD I FOUND YOU" THEY'RE OWN VERSION THNX.. Lea Salonga became coach of The Voice Kids Philippines including apple d ap..(born and raise in Phl.) and she had a few movies here in Phil.. she had a song album when she was a kid ..

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 💯

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.

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.

We appreciate you playing the songs, thank you for appreciating being a Filipino makes me feel proud thank you...

Lea and Regine started around the same time. Please start with her Broadway medley. Thanks

KZ 's cover of Close to you at her concert. Im sure you'll be blowned away❤

wow! Filipino Friday. Thank you so much for supporting Filipino talents

Shout for Joy -Gary V

Please do Kz's live version of 'Royals" and "See You again" also on the 2018 China Singers. Thank you very much.

First of all your intro bit is so classy, this is like my 'morning show! Thank you guys, what a great channel.

What kind of fool am I by regine pls next friday.Thanks.

Philippines has a lot to offer, so much talent... Countless singers

miss saigon highlights pls with Lea. and Movie in my mind from the 25th anniversary of Miss Saigon.

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. ❤.

I’m excited for this! This is going to be my favorite one to watch. Filipino Friday!!!

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. ❤

PLEASE DO KATRINA VILLARDE NEXT FRIDAY.

Thanks for appreciating Filipino Talents...we have plenty 😊 ❤❤❤❤Love from the Philippines... GOD bless you both 🙏🙏🙏

One of my fav songs of Lea is A whole New World 🥰💜💜

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😂

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👌

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 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!!! 🥰🥰🥰

You bring so much joy to my California mornings! Love you, guys!

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.

Kindly check out also Ella Nympha on Little Big Stars of Steve Harvey. She sang "Chandelier". Thank you.

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.

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.

I love this episode, Thank you, Johnny and Richard!

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!

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🇵🇭❤️💚🤗

Awesome singers Kz is very talented

I want to listen to you two Sing or play….. love your positive vibes. Love your channel. Love you both!

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.

ugh Johnny's smile.... I can't lol

The Miss Saigon production was looking for a girl with lungs of steel. They found Lea. Lea's On My Own from Les Mis 10th anniversary concert became the gold standard for that song.

Hi 👋 guys Nice to see you i’m so happy to listening all that great singers whit you. Thank you for all.❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏😘😘😘😘😘love you 🇫🇷

Lea is really another level. She is great we are so proud of her.

Wow!! This is my Friday’s favorite too!

Hi what an awesome Friday! Please react to Lea singing Via Dolorosa

One of my favorites ❤️

Thanks guys you've made me cry, I feel good now.

this list of songs brought me to an emotional roller coaster.. from Kz to Gary..

Love your reactions. Please do check out SB19 Stell covering "Defying gravity" on their Pagtatag concert manila day 2. It will blow your mind.

I got teary eyed. What a devotion. Thank you for sharing this performance.❤

Her voice is clearer than my future...

More please 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Proud Bisaya here 🇨🇦KZ Tandingan at least…there’s more Bisayan Artist that you guys needed to discover.

Can’t wait for next Friday, will definitely not miss it ❤

En Philipinas hay una gran lista de talentos imnatos y espectaculares.... Tanto que se dice que el talento está en el agua..... Por que son muchos con voces únicas. KZ estuvo en el concurso the singer al igual que Dimash pero del año 2018. En este ganó una de las chicas que sale en el video Jesse J. Es espectacular y el segundo fue de Hua Chenyu otro magnífica voz que seguí en sus inicios. Deben de reacionarlo les encantara

Thank you for doing this, Richard and Johnny! Learning lots from your reactions. Lea is ARMY. She is a V stan. 😊

PH 🇵🇭 is the land of singers

Thanks you guys for your raw and genuine and professional reactions ❤

Thank you so so much for reacting to KZ's version of "Say Something", i love both of your reactions, so mesmerize😘😘😘

love you guys.

I missed the live. But so happy to watch it now.

When KZ performs,,, she's like taking me in a whole new world..... she's spectacular...🙇🏻🙇🏻

Lea Salonga is a disney princess she a voice of mulan.whole new world.reflection.miss saigon.les miserable

My gosh, KZ's Say Something brought tears to my eyes. I'm not going through a breakup, I'm happily married, but the way she sings it makes me feel like I'm going through one! It's heartbreaking!

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!