"A controversy erupted over Lea Salonga's citizenship, as she was neither British nor American. Salonga is Filipino and the AEA wanted to give priority to their own members and prevented her from reprising her role. However, Mackintosh was not able to find a satisfactory replacement for Salonga despite the extensive auditions he conducted in several American and Canadian cities. An arbitrator reversed the AEA ruling a month later to allow Salonga to star." Talent trumps all odds.
It's a matter of proving that no citizen has the qualifications to perform the job that the non-citizen is qualified to do. Salonga's talent is unparalleled
Talent and skills supersede any bloody citizenship rules by any organization. Lea is an extraordinary talent who can’t be set aside because of technicalities. It’s the lead role and unions can’t prevail.
Lea has a better breathing than the others coz she could sustain her notes longer. She articulates the lyrics very well. She can also shift low to high notes easily. A really superb high class singer. My idol :)
I remember this. Lea was the singer who can act. Monique was the actress who can sing. Both world class. I'm still at awe with their talent at such a young age. Pinoy pride!
The first girl, Chloe Stewart, attended my high school. She was a year younger than me. I remember singing in the chorale with her. She had a lovely voice. Years after I graduated from college, my family had the pleasure and honor of having the cast of Les Miserables over for dinner. Lea played Eponine. She had certain food restrictions due to her voice - no dairy, no fibrous fruits like mango or pineapple. She was dressed very conservative and I believe her mother was her manager at the time. Before dinner, Lea sang "On My Own" accompanied by just a piano played by the producer. Her voice was so clean. The best way I can describe it is like when you hit a crystal glass- that "ping". It was so moving I cried like a baby. Never have I been moved by a live performance, before or since.
I had goosebumps immediately the first time Lea opened her mouth in Sun & Moon. And that Movie in my Mind rendition made everyone speechless. What a talent. A Filipino rare gem.
I can watch this over and over and not get sick of it. I love the mesmerized look on their faces. It didn't take her long to learn the song and that's the advantage of knowing how to read notes. She has the voice of an angel. As for comments on her accent, she had an upper middle class upbringing and went to OB Montessori, an elite school in Manila. It's quite common for Filipinos who went to exclusive (especially international schools) not to have a thick Filipino accent. I too went to one of the best exclusive all-girls private schools in Manila and when I came to the US for my senior year in high school, people were shocked that I had only been in the US for a couple of months. They thought I was born there as I barely have an accent. It's sad to say that part of it was because we were discouraged to speak Tagalog in elementary school and they really pushed for English proficiency.
how fast lea learned the tune of the song is amazing. since we all know that lea is one of the few Filipino singers who can read musical notes no wonder she already picked up the tunes right away. brilliant lady
The fact that they just learned the song on the spot was amazing, and then they sang it so beautifully like they knew the song for decades... dang it! their very talented
You know, it's not just that she has a nearly flawless voice. It's that she knows how to use it and manipulate it to her advantage, adding all the perfect nuances to all the right moments in the song so that no one ever gets bored listening to her. She was a star before anyone in the world knew it. :]
I've read all the comments but I want to stop on your comment. We have the same thought about how Lea sings. I call that charisma and charm through her voice. Her way of singing is attractive, not overdone, unforced, not boring, effortless, and interesting!! She's overwhelming!
It was like a “eureka” for the team after her first try. You can see their smiles of excitement as if wanting to listen more of her runs...and the rest is history, indeed. She’s just shown them a glimpse of what she is and could become-a package known. Her enunciation is one that makes her distinct, captures audience, and makes us all believe in all her portrayals. What a talent. I could watch videos of her here in YT again and again, still in awe. Thank for uploading.
3 Judges are all smile after Lea finish the song finally after long lines of audition they held from different parts of the world they hit the Jackpot they find thier Gem
seems like miss saigon was written specifically for her..they were just waiting for her to come and audition for the part..goosebumps everytime!bravo!!👏👏👏
Lea open the floodgates for Filipino theater talents to be recognized abroad. Cameron and company found the goldmine of talents in Manila. The works of Repertory finally reaped fruits.
He just started her teaching the melody of Sun and Moon but it seems like Leah knows how to listen to the key and connect the notes.. she is actually singing the song immediately..
@Raffy: Claude-Michel was teaching Lea a song from the show. It was the first time Lea heard it, she was just following along the sheet music because she can read notes. Lea plays classical piano.
The quality and the control of her voice are insane. It's all so natural. Everytime she opens her mouth, it's only pure perfection. I have so much respect for Ms. Lea and her God-given talent.
Lea is so cute and innocent and very talented it was amazing she was able to pull off those kissing scenes.. But then you would know she is an brilliant performer. At some point, I felt the whole team getting frustrated looking at other talents. Then they found the gem. I can feel the staff trying to hide excitement when they heard lea and they all smiled from ear to ear after her song. From the 1st time she sang the few notes, I think they all wanted to hug each other for finally finding Kim after an exhaustive search. I've watched this over and over again, I never get tired. such an amazing angelic voice - she can melt hearts. Monique was good too, clearly she was the next choice.
This is so true! It’s like they hit the jackpot with Lea. Here are some remarks from the people behind Miss Saigon after Lea auditioned and got the part of Kim. “We all welled up with emotion because we knew, for the first time in a long audition process, that Miss Saigon could be done. She unlocked the door to the show.” - Vincent Liff, one of the show’s casting directors “Until we went to Manila and heard Lea sing our songs, we never thought that we would find Kim. She is the most amazing and intuitive professional of her age that I have ever met.” - Alain Boublil To familiarize Lea with a song(just not sure which particular song), Schönberg played it 3 times. There were alterations in each version. Lea: “Which version do you want me to sing?” Mackintosh: “She remembered all 3 versions! That’s uncanny! I’ve never come across it in a performer before. It’s a gift!”
7:42 17 year old lea salonga singing that song really gives the chills. Imagine a 17yr old owning every note of that song as it goes on an went on higher notes and she hit perfectly. You can see the producers really had their wowed faces while she was singing. What scary talent she has.. At that age making the philippines proud 👏👏👏
You are sunlight and i moon Joined by the gods of fortune Midnight and high noon Sharing the sky We have been blessed, you and i You are sunlight and i moon Joined here Bright'ning the sky With the flame Of love Made of Sunlight Moonlight
How fate works. Comes in for audition, asks Schonberg for an autograph on a copy of a Les Miserable program cover. Years later she'd be playing Eponine! Amazing!
I am always drawn to her Miss Saigon auditions... Super love her voice. Everytime she sings you'd hear that there's class, the quality is just superb. 😍😍😍
my mom was a schoolmate of Lea at Montessori. She was a valedictorian, she isn't just a vocal prodigy, she's an academic genius. She also fought for quiz bee's and won. My mother, who was younger than her, was the next to be valedictorian, I don't know how to say it but, my mom was like the next generation (well not actually, just next in line) Lea salonga. She's also a vocal genius, not to brag though. But my mom kinda ended up with the wrong guy and had a son, at 16 ;--; so.... poor mama, wish she had more opportunities like lea
Her IQ is beyond compare. You cannot be singing a song in a play without understanding emotion and delivery. English proficiency and familiarity helps her and her talent completed the whole package. SHE IS LEAH SALONGA, no one can be like her. I am thankful for carrying the whole country and not just the flag.
And yet in my youth, the Filipinos preferred Sharon Cuneta because Lea was seen as too burgis with her good English and Repertory Philippines background that was for the rich and upper middle class. Few were fans of Lea Salonga like my sister who was a die-hard fan of hers. As a GenXer, I know the evolution of Lea. It is only now that she is appreciated after bagging the plum role in Miss Saigon.
WHATEVER GOES FOR ME Wow, I didn’t even realize that was the case. That’s just sad. But I guess that’s what happens when people are not very exposed and therefore not educated to theatre talents. Perhaps that could be one factor. Sharon was more of a mainstream artist. I’m just so glad times have changed and more and more people nowadays can support their favorites bcos we have more access to them now via different platforms. Before, we only had radio, TV (and concerts if producers believe you’re bankable) as the only forms of media that accommodate these talents. Buying one’s music only comes after.
@@lovealways_alexa Well, Lea was and is still considered posh or burgis and not pang masa. She was booed as the opening act for Menudo when the boy band came here. The masa crowd resented her English proficiency and thought she was snobbish then (which was a bit true since she was the taste of the upper class pinoys). Of course, Repertory Philippines was for the rich and upper middle class or the very educated pinoys. Lea could not and even now cannot really fit the masa crowd because she has her own niche. Good thing she won the role of Kim or else she would have been a medical doctor. Even her choice of college was Ateneo and not UP, even though she could study in UP.
WHATEVER GOES FOR ME I personally don’t have any issue with her PERSONAL PREFERENCE or that she’s on top of the social stratum. What concerns me is your claim that she was snobbed by the”pangmasang” Pinoys simply bcos of that (or that she’s proficient in English as a result of her status?). That’s what made me sad. When you have the love for the arts, artistry comes first. While there may be something admirable about the rags-to-riches story that appeals to the Filipino audience, getting a head start at life shouldn’t make anyone less of an artist just bcos one has more privilege than the other.
@@lovealways_alexa Well, I really don't care about Lea's preferences since it is her life. I was just stating a fact since I am an old GenXer who was already alive during that era when Lea was not yet embraced by the masang pinoy. And yes, Lea can come off as snobbish because she had this air of confidence that the lower classes resent, even today and this trait does not endear her to pinoys. She can also be too frank about her opinions because she has always been a cheeky kid. I remember her saying that she chose medicine as her course because other courses were just blah blah courses (she meant the liberal arts and business courses). My brother, who became a doctor, also agreed with her LOL. We can never do away with the class wars because anywhere you go, you will find the lower classes resenting those who are considered privileged and the upper class looking down on the lower class. Just look around and you will find the lower classes mocking those who speak good English by saying "nose bleed." Or the upper class saying that Tagalog is for the maids. Our well off entertainers like Sharon Cuneta had and still have mass appeal because they use Tagalog most of the time and also sing Filipino songs more often. especially songs composed for them. I can't remember Lea singing a Tagalog song as her signature song. And no, Lea Salonga did not come from a rich family, though her dad was rich. Her mom was actually the woman on the side to put it delicately (that's why Ligaya's English was not even native-like like Lea's). But Ligaya had ambitions for her talented daughter and son so she raised them on Disney and told them to use English at home as their first language. It was an open secret at that time but the press did not gossip about Lea because she was so professional with her dealings with the press even at such a young age. Ironically, though Sharon Cuneta's mom was also the woman on the side, Sharon lived a princess with her yaya and other trappings of the rich because her father acknowledged her. Lea did not even live like Sharon Cuneta and her mom was the one who took care of all the household chores and of course took care of her and Gerard personally.
She's such a natural beauty, Ms. Lea... with probably only johnson's baby powder on her face, not hint of make up. Who needs it with a golden voice like that.
I wish they have footage of her actual audition. She sang On My Own for them knowing that they're the same team who created Les Mis and she knew the sound they were looking for. The footage they decided to share was when they called her back to test her voice singing the actual sounds from the show.
I thought of that too... its the raw audition that's the most intense and most of the producers are brutal on their judgement. I wanted to see how both lea and monique handled the pressure
I remembered Ms. Lea said in an interview that during the first audition they did not bring any cameras with them... pity... I would have love to see that one... that would have been totally awesome...
I just saw her interview back in 89 with Monique, apparently they both sang on my own on their first audition. Which is interesting how that transitioned later to her being Eponine on the 10th anniversary.
At 5:28 its like Lea starting to scan the whole musical piece for just a few seconds and I think its her magic to understand the musical piece easily and with that kind of voice the true Miss Saigon was born. Im thinking how she maintains her voice during the audition, boothcamp, trainings and actual performance thats really tiring and giving the fact that our voice box needs to rest too.
She sang the first note as if the song was made for her voice a literal born for 'it' ;; omg i wish, i wish i could go backtime and watch the original cast. I think i just missed half of my life, i was 4-6 yrs old during miss saigon's prime ;~;
Who else replays this part @ 6:22 - 7:33? I do. Been listening to it a couple of times before moving on to the next clip. I really love the way she pronounce the lyrics, its crystal clear to my ear.
Before, I took offense when people say that Filipinos are only good with belting, shouting and screaming. Remembering how we have so many Filipino artists in Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, etc keeps my cool. Their crystal clear voices!
I agree with you. Lea may not be a belter but she is a true artist. To those who doesn't know what I mean, its like Jack Johnson and John Mayer, technically Jack Johnson is a better guitar player, but artistically John Mayer is better.
When i watched this clip i really cried and burst into tears, lea is really an angel, her voice is astonishing! I’m really proud , kasi sa dinami dami ng bansa na makikita nila ang miss saigon lead, sa pinas pa talaga na 3rd world country, mabuti naisipan nila Cameron Mckintosh na pumunta sa manila.
Starting at 6:20 into this video Lea shows her amazing beauty as a singer and I tear up every time I listen to her. One of the most beautiful and pure voices I have ever heard.
Lea really has that distinct voice and that charisma tho, like I’m watching this but it feels like I’m watching the play already, and her eyes, her eyes are expressive which captivate u ❤️
![Lea Salonga - On My Own (Les Misérables) [720p]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VjfmP7h3gBw/mqdefault.jpg)
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
"A controversy erupted over Lea Salonga's citizenship, as she was neither British nor American. Salonga is Filipino and the AEA wanted to give priority to their own members and prevented her from reprising her role. However, Mackintosh was not able to find a satisfactory replacement for Salonga despite the extensive auditions he conducted in several American and Canadian cities. An arbitrator reversed the AEA ruling a month later to allow Salonga to star."
Talent trumps all odds.
That's a great trivia 👍
😮😮😮
It's a matter of proving that no citizen has the qualifications to perform the job that the non-citizen is qualified to do. Salonga's talent is unparalleled
It only showed that Mackintosh is not racist but simply loved true talents whether what country they may come. 🏆
Talent and skills supersede any bloody citizenship rules by any organization. Lea is an extraordinary talent who can’t be set aside because of technicalities. It’s the lead role and unions can’t prevail.
Lea has a better breathing than the others coz she could sustain her notes longer. She articulates the lyrics very well. She can also shift low to high notes easily. A really superb high class singer. My idol :)
Lea really is perfect. Monique is also beautiful and her singing is good, but Lea's tone is better.
Four grown men rendered completely silent...watching a miracle unfold. This is a moment of magic!
climbthatmountain yeahhhh......im so carried awway watching this
She is a national treasure...she deserves to be among our national artist.
imagine walking into an audition and before even beginning and asking the composer for an autograph? ha. love it
that's a way to make an impression
Breaking the ice...
I remember this. Lea was the singer who can act. Monique was the actress who can sing. Both world class. I'm still at awe with their talent at such a young age. Pinoy pride!
The first girl, Chloe Stewart, attended my high school. She was a year younger than me. I remember singing in the chorale with her. She had a lovely voice. Years after I graduated from college, my family had the pleasure and honor of having the cast of Les Miserables over for dinner. Lea played Eponine. She had certain food restrictions due to her voice - no dairy, no fibrous fruits like mango or pineapple. She was dressed very conservative and I believe her mother was her manager at the time. Before dinner, Lea sang "On My Own" accompanied by just a piano played by the producer. Her voice was so clean. The best way I can describe it is like when you hit a crystal glass- that "ping". It was so moving I cried like a baby. Never have I been moved by a live performance, before or since.
wow
There are so many people watching this this month. It's nice to know I'm not the only one. Lol.
you sure aren't the only one lol, the comments are pretty recent too omg
because of Aladdin heheh
LEA IS BAE
Lady gurl hahaha so true. From listening to the A whole new world 2019 versions, to the original version, and end up here.
Yes
I had goosebumps immediately the first time Lea opened her mouth in Sun & Moon. And that Movie in my Mind rendition made everyone speechless. What a talent. A Filipino rare gem.
i started crying when lea started singing, her voice is so beautiful i love her so much
Miyako Stavros me too...it's my first time to do so..
I can watch this over and over and not get sick of it. I love the mesmerized look on their faces. It didn't take her long to learn the song and that's the advantage of knowing how to read notes. She has the voice of an angel.
As for comments on her accent, she had an upper middle class upbringing and went to OB Montessori, an elite school in Manila. It's quite common for Filipinos who went to exclusive (especially international schools) not to have a thick Filipino accent. I too went to one of the best exclusive all-girls private schools in Manila and when I came to the US for my senior year in high school, people were shocked that I had only been in the US for a couple of months. They thought I was born there as I barely have an accent. It's sad to say that part of it was because we were discouraged to speak Tagalog in elementary school and they really pushed for English proficiency.
how fast lea learned the tune of the song is amazing. since we all know that lea is one of the few Filipino singers who can read musical notes no wonder she already picked up the tunes right away. brilliant lady
And he was like "i'll teach you the first song" and lea was like "i'll finish the song"
They look all exhausted until she sings... you guys made a great choice! Lea is such a treasure.
The fact that they just learned the song on the spot was amazing, and then they sang it so beautifully like they knew the song for decades... dang it! their very talented
You know, it's not just that she has a nearly flawless voice. It's that she knows how to use it and manipulate it to her advantage, adding all the perfect nuances to all the right moments in the song so that no one ever gets bored listening to her. She was a star before anyone in the world knew it. :]
I've read all the comments but I want to stop on your comment. We have the same thought about how Lea sings. I call that charisma and charm through her voice. Her way of singing is attractive, not overdone, unforced, not boring, effortless, and interesting!! She's overwhelming!
She is so lovable, what a talent super voice
Schonberg traveled around the world in 2 years to find the PERFECT girl for this song...and he did.
It was like a “eureka” for the team after her first try. You can see their smiles of excitement as if wanting to listen more of her runs...and the rest is history, indeed. She’s just shown them a glimpse of what she is and could become-a package known. Her enunciation is one that makes her distinct, captures audience, and makes us all believe in all her portrayals. What a talent. I could watch videos of her here in YT again and again, still in awe. Thank for uploading.
Lea is so bad ass. Walks up into her first audition like can I have your autograph? 🙌🏽
that was not actually her first audition.
actually it’s her second call as she said from one of her interview.
in british accent too 😂
She was so young then. If you do that in your mid20s it's unacceptable.
Lea..she's perfect in her audition..her voice is incredible!she deserved to be Kim and Miss Saigon Queen..
Who is watching this again in 2024 because Miss Saigon is in Manila? 🥰
Whatch this often
Who is the new Kim? Thanks
I'll be watching tomorrow! So excited!
I am
@@ricdeza44Abigale Adriano is the new Kim. (Australian Broadway production is handling it, I think)
When she sings she's just soooo confident and self assured while being very professional!!!!
How nice seeing 17 year old girls back then. They really look their age with aura of innocence 😇
Now, seventeeners look 30-ish and 30 year-old's try their hardest to look 17. What a weird place this world has become😆
Wow she’s 17 here??
I’m making sure my future children look like this.
Lea was perfect for the role, part of the selection criteria includes innocent-looking with voice of steel.
Monique's voice is good too.. Only that Lea's low notes are really something...
Lea's voice was more powerful than monique's
@@sabrinakirani2211 yeah... And it conveys more emotions than Monique's
Lea is fast Learner
I think Monique's voice came off strong while Lea's had that innocent sound which fits the role of Kim. Both are incredible singers tho.
True
I still get goosebumps in 2023 after watching this gazillion times
I still get teary eyed every time
Lea's voice is just so different, it is extra ordinary, like no other.. Such an angelic voice
It was the year that the Philippines was so proud of Lea and Monique and other Filipino talents discovered. We still are so proud of them!!!
3 Judges are all smile after Lea finish the song finally after long lines of audition they held from different parts of the world they hit the Jackpot they find thier Gem
seems like miss saigon was written specifically for her..they were just waiting for her to come and audition for the part..goosebumps everytime!bravo!!👏👏👏
No doubt, perfect choice for Kim.. Nothing beats the original.. Inocent face, clear diction & lung of steel
Except the crystal clear, sweet and tender voice quality, there's also a strong, determined character in Lea's voice.
Watching this at 2021... anyone?
In this time... when autotune was never an option... just pure quality of voice...
Real high quality voice in this era was gold compared to the current one :/
Who are watching Lea Salonga's old videos after the release of Aladdin Trailer and new version of A Whole New World?
Me rn
Me me me.. yung accent ngayon ko lang narinig. Wow
Hahahahha literally meeee
Me
me rn haha
Saw the broadway play a couple of days ago and seeing this gives me the chills. The judges even had that look of ‘omg..she’s the one’
Lea open the floodgates for Filipino theater talents to be recognized abroad. Cameron and company found the goldmine of talents in Manila. The works of Repertory finally reaped fruits.
God...so good to see old manila looks like❤😍😢
He just started her teaching the melody of Sun and Moon but it seems like Leah knows how to listen to the key and connect the notes.. she is actually singing the song immediately..
Jennifer Dioso Thats the difference between a typical singer and a musician, the latter knows not only the lyrics but knows how to read notes as well
Jennifer Dioso she knows how to read notes that’s why it was easy for her to follow the tune.
So she doesn't know the melody at all? I thought she knows it beforehand.
She already knew how to read notes at that time.
@Raffy: Claude-Michel was teaching Lea a song from the show. It was the first time Lea heard it, she was just following along the sheet music because she can read notes. Lea plays classical piano.
The quality and the control of her voice are insane. It's all so natural. Everytime she opens her mouth, it's only pure perfection. I have so much respect for Ms. Lea and her God-given talent.
comment blues and the vibrato is very smooth
@@drakezacker29 exactly!!
HELLO WHO’S WITH ME IN 2019? AMAZING VOICE LEA SALONGA
Lea is so cute and innocent and very talented it was amazing she was able to pull off those kissing scenes.. But then you would know she is an brilliant performer. At some point, I felt the whole team getting frustrated looking at other talents. Then they found the gem. I can feel the staff trying to hide excitement when they heard lea and they all smiled from ear to ear after her song. From the 1st time she sang the few notes, I think they all wanted to hug each other for finally finding Kim after an exhaustive search. I've watched this over and over again, I never get tired. such an amazing angelic voice - she can melt hearts. Monique was good too, clearly she was the next choice.
Elaine Rojas love this comment
This is so true! It’s like they hit the jackpot with Lea.
Here are some remarks from the people behind Miss Saigon after Lea auditioned and got the part of Kim.
“We all welled up with emotion because we knew, for the first time in a long audition process, that Miss Saigon could be done. She unlocked the door to the show.” - Vincent Liff, one of the show’s casting directors
“Until we went to Manila and heard Lea sing our songs, we never thought that we would find Kim. She is the most amazing and intuitive professional of her age that I have ever met.” - Alain Boublil
To familiarize Lea with a song(just not sure which particular song), Schönberg played it 3 times. There were alterations in each version.
Lea: “Which version do you want me to sing?”
Mackintosh: “She remembered all 3 versions! That’s uncanny! I’ve never come across it in a performer before. It’s a gift!”
December 14, 2024. Still absolutely inspiring for anyone. Never give up your dreams!!❤❤
7:42 17 year old lea salonga singing that song really gives the chills. Imagine a 17yr old owning every note of that song as it goes on an went on higher notes and she hit perfectly. You can see the producers really had their wowed faces while she was singing. What scary talent she has.. At that age making the philippines proud 👏👏👏
You are sunlight and i moon
Joined by the gods of fortune
Midnight and high noon
Sharing the sky
We have been blessed, you and i
You are sunlight and i moon
Joined here
Bright'ning the sky
With the flame
Of love
Made of
Sunlight
Moonlight
Thank you for posting this. We are studying this in my college class and you just saved me from falling behind, thank you.
How fate works. Comes in for audition, asks Schonberg for an autograph on a copy of a Les Miserable program cover. Years later she'd be playing Eponine! Amazing!
I cry every time I hear Lea Salonga sing this song. Absolutely beautiful voice and incredible range.
The toughest audition ever. No birit just pure voice.
Was surprised when I realized there were 3 guys staring at her with the pianist. The way she handled herself is amazing.
so much confidence at such a young age. amazing.
WAAAW MAY 2019 ANYONE?
yes I am watching right now 👋
Heyy~
Meee!
May 7, 2019
So glad they’ve captured this legend (Lea)in making.
That expression of theirs when she started singing...
I am always drawn to her Miss Saigon auditions... Super love her voice. Everytime she sings you'd hear that there's class, the quality is just superb. 😍😍😍
Lea Salonga deserves to be recognized as a PH Music icon. shes amazing
2019 😍💕 who's with me ?
2018 and im still watching this... will never getover. Cant wait for Lea's 40th anniv concert! 😭
sameeee
Lea is a vocal prodigy. That's for sure!
my mom was a schoolmate of Lea at Montessori. She was a valedictorian, she isn't just a vocal prodigy, she's an academic genius. She also fought for quiz bee's and won. My mother, who was younger than her, was the next to be valedictorian, I don't know how to say it but, my mom was like the next generation (well not actually, just next in line) Lea salonga. She's also a vocal genius, not to brag though. But my mom kinda ended up with the wrong guy and had a son, at 16 ;--; so.... poor mama, wish she had more opportunities like lea
Her IQ is beyond compare. You cannot be singing a song in a play without understanding emotion and delivery. English proficiency and familiarity helps her and her talent completed the whole package. SHE IS LEAH SALONGA, no one can be like her. I am thankful for carrying the whole country and not just the flag.
And yet in my youth, the Filipinos preferred Sharon Cuneta because Lea was seen as too burgis with her good English and Repertory Philippines background that was for the rich and upper middle class. Few were fans of Lea Salonga like my sister who was a die-hard fan of hers. As a GenXer, I know the evolution of Lea. It is only now that she is appreciated after bagging the plum role in Miss Saigon.
WHATEVER GOES FOR ME Wow, I didn’t even realize that was the case. That’s just sad. But I guess that’s what happens when people are not very exposed and therefore not educated to theatre talents. Perhaps that could be one factor. Sharon was more of a mainstream artist. I’m just so glad times have changed and more and more people nowadays can support their favorites bcos we have more access to them now via different platforms. Before, we only had radio, TV (and concerts if producers believe you’re bankable) as the only forms of media that accommodate these talents. Buying one’s music only comes after.
@@lovealways_alexa Well, Lea was and is still considered posh or burgis and not pang masa. She was booed as the opening act for Menudo when the boy band came here. The masa crowd resented her English proficiency and thought she was snobbish then (which was a bit true since she was the taste of the upper class pinoys). Of course, Repertory Philippines was for the rich and upper middle class or the very educated pinoys. Lea could not and even now cannot really fit the masa crowd because she has her own niche. Good thing she won the role of Kim or else she would have been a medical doctor. Even her choice of college was Ateneo and not UP, even though she could study in UP.
WHATEVER GOES FOR ME I personally don’t have any issue with her PERSONAL PREFERENCE or that she’s on top of the social stratum. What concerns me is your claim that she was snobbed by the”pangmasang” Pinoys simply bcos of that (or that she’s proficient in English as a result of her status?). That’s what made me sad. When you have the love for the arts, artistry comes first. While there may be something admirable about the rags-to-riches story that appeals to the Filipino audience, getting a head start at life shouldn’t make anyone less of an artist just bcos one has more privilege than the other.
@@lovealways_alexa Well, I really don't care about Lea's preferences since it is her life. I was just stating a fact since I am an old GenXer who was already alive during that era when Lea was not yet embraced by the masang pinoy. And yes, Lea can come off as snobbish because she had this air of confidence that the lower classes resent, even today and this trait does not endear her to pinoys. She can also be too frank about her opinions because she has always been a cheeky kid. I remember her saying that she chose medicine as her course because other courses were just blah blah courses (she meant the liberal arts and business courses). My brother, who became a doctor, also agreed with her LOL. We can never do away with the class wars because anywhere you go, you will find the lower classes resenting those who are considered privileged and the upper class looking down on the lower class. Just look around and you will find the lower classes mocking those who speak good English by saying "nose bleed." Or the upper class saying that Tagalog is for the maids. Our well off entertainers like Sharon Cuneta had and still have mass appeal because they use Tagalog most of the time and also sing Filipino songs more often. especially songs composed for them. I can't remember Lea singing a Tagalog song as her signature song.
And no, Lea Salonga did not come from a rich family, though her dad was rich. Her mom was actually the woman on the side to put it delicately (that's why Ligaya's English was not even native-like like Lea's). But Ligaya had ambitions for her talented daughter and son so she raised them on Disney and told them to use English at home as their first language. It was an open secret at that time but the press did not gossip about Lea because she was so professional with her dealings with the press even at such a young age. Ironically, though Sharon Cuneta's mom was also the woman on the side, Sharon lived a princess with her yaya and other trappings of the rich because her father acknowledged her. Lea did not even live like Sharon Cuneta and her mom was the one who took care of all the household chores and of course took care of her and Gerard personally.
Lea plays piano since she was a little kid.. maybe that's why she can read notes. And that's just one of her advantages...
She's such a natural beauty, Ms. Lea... with probably only johnson's baby powder on her face, not hint of make up. Who needs it with a golden voice like that.
in one of her old interview she said she doesn't use/apply baby powder coz she have allergy.
Voice control is smooth af, shift from high to falsetto from high to deep is very controllable amazing perfect pitch.
Ang strong ng low notes ni Lea... Very subtle ang vibrato... Grabe c Lea,,, u til now, walang kupas!
I'm here daily more than 5x just to listen Lea singing. Such talented, wonderful voice and very pleasant to hear! 🥰
I wish they have footage of her actual audition. She sang On My Own for them knowing that they're the same team who created Les Mis and she knew the sound they were looking for. The footage they decided to share was when they called her back to test her voice singing the actual sounds from the show.
*songs not sounds.
I thought of that too... its the raw audition that's the most intense and most of the producers are brutal on their judgement. I wanted to see how both lea and monique handled the pressure
I remembered Ms. Lea said in an interview that during the first audition they did not bring any cameras with them... pity... I would have love to see that one... that would have been totally awesome...
I just saw her interview back in 89 with Monique, apparently they both sang on my own on their first audition. Which is interesting how that transitioned later to her being Eponine on the 10th anniversary.
May 23, 2019!!!
First time to see and hear this...
Wooooahhhhh
That voice!!! Lea salonga takes you to heaven
I've watched this three times: the first time was several years ago, then last week and today again. I'll never be tired or bored by it.
Can I just say Claude-Michel has a wonderful voice too. It's like ice cold and fuzzy warm at the same time. 🤗
There’s an interview wherein Lea said that Claude asked the panel judges if his music is predictable because Lea can sing it flawlessly
which interview is it? i want to see
At 5:28 its like Lea starting to scan the whole musical piece for just a few seconds and I think its her magic to understand the musical piece easily and with that kind of voice the true Miss Saigon was born. Im thinking how she maintains her voice during the audition, boothcamp, trainings and actual performance thats really tiring and giving the fact that our voice box needs to rest too.
Amazing.... Lea nailed Saigon... Salute to a diamond artist.
Give me goose bumps. She's so good. The clarity of her voice ...superb
Addictive...i've been playing this several times...i love the tune of the first song sang by Lea...sunlight moonlight...she got me there!
She was my childhood crush.. The unreachable star for me back then.. Lea Salonga.
Same
It's as if an angel came down and started singing @ 5:50, i say that because it gives me goosebumps every time I play it back
She sang the first note as if the song was made for her voice a literal born for 'it' ;; omg i wish, i wish i could go backtime and watch the original cast. I think i just missed half of my life, i was 4-6 yrs old during miss saigon's prime ;~;
I went to her debut in NY on Broadway and I ...just can't describe what I am feeling now.
Lea salonga has the most magical voice every time i hear her goose bumps she's awesome 💕
Pretty lea Salonga , adorable. Really nice to see her when she had that look 5:35. Beautiful song and voice has meet the resonance.
If Lea Salonga showed up to the same audition as me, I would just leave. Well, first ask for her autograph.. then leave.
On point! I would do the same even if I'm auditioning for a male part lol!
I might just watch her, ask for an autograph then leave. I can't miss watching her sing live right?
Depends on your luck .
😂
Monique sounded astounding too 🥹 She would've been an awesome Christine.
never get tired of watching miss saigon clips.
Lea's voice...totally blew my mind...goosebumps...what a gift
Ms.Lea's Voice didn't change at all until now!😍
agree
Bea Santos true
It changed cause she improved
Who else replays this part @ 6:22 - 7:33? I do. Been listening to it a couple of times before moving on to the next clip. I really love the way she pronounce the lyrics, its crystal clear to my ear.
Gotta admit the Philippines has the best powerful voice in Asia.
Nah, one of the best,
@@pdg4869 He’s just making an opinion. Of course there are other Asian countries which have the great singers
i definitely...agree...😊😊😊
Definitely the best in Asia and one of the best in the world!!!
May 28 2019!!! Woah!! Proud to be a Filipino. Goosebumps 😲😍🙈💕
Before, I took offense when people say that Filipinos are only good with belting, shouting and screaming. Remembering how we have so many Filipino artists in Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, etc keeps my cool. Their crystal clear voices!
I agree with you. Lea may not be a belter but she is a true artist. To those who doesn't know what I mean, its like Jack Johnson and John Mayer, technically Jack Johnson is a better guitar player, but artistically John Mayer is better.
@Max K LOL that's funny!
Oooo!!! Instant chills when Lea takes over that audition!!!!
Her confidence/intelligence/charisma 😍😍 ,
Damnn, her voice really do sound like a Disney princess.. and how she controls her voice is jekdhsjjdbdu *CHEF'S KISS *
She's a Disney princess, that's why
The humble beginning of the LEGENDARY Lea!!!!!!!
Dont know why but came here and just be so attached on how amazing lea is
When i watched this clip i really cried and burst into tears, lea is really an angel, her voice is astonishing!
I’m really proud , kasi sa dinami dami ng bansa na makikita nila ang miss saigon lead, sa pinas pa talaga na 3rd world country, mabuti naisipan nila Cameron Mckintosh na pumunta sa manila.
Oo nga
Anong nakakaiyak baklang to puro kaartehan haahhahahahahahahhaha burst into tears HAHAHAHAHAH kairita
Mga pinoy talaga, mga wirdo
Lea’s innocent face 🥰🥰🥰
Starting at 6:20 into this video Lea shows her amazing beauty as a singer and I tear up every time I listen to her. One of the most beautiful and pure voices I have ever heard.
Lea really has that distinct voice and that charisma tho, like I’m watching this but it feels like I’m watching the play already, and her eyes, her eyes are expressive which captivate u ❤️
❤❤
Wow. That's how a true star and artist auditioned. Pure talent. Both Leah & Monique.
May 2019 anyone?