The greatest accomplishment of Lea is that she opened the eyes of the world to homegrown Asian talent. She and her Filipino theater contemporaries got their training from local productions and local music conservatories in the 80s, but so impressed Schonberg and Boubil that they employed a troupe from Manila to perform at the first Miss Saigon production at the West End. Her Grand Slam Best Actress wins in 1991 shattered the bamboo ceiling for Asian theater performers. Thank you Lea for being a pioneer. You are a casual fan's and a vocal technician's dream.
Her voice is like a crystal clear...perfect for me..though she admit that shes not a belter like regine velasquez,,but lea when she sings,,all u have to do is listen,enjoy and admire her...
I always get teary eyed watching and hearing her sing. Saw her sing live in Ms Saigon Anniversary rehearsal. Goosebumps. Her talent was supported well by the right people, some of the best in Filipino theatre, and her family, esp her mom was always there. She barreled through with discipline and came out world class. I am so proud of her, not just because we"re Filipinos but she reminds everyone to have standards and discipline.
And critics dismissed casting her as Eponine as a stunt. They said it was ridiculous to cast an Asian actress as a French street waif. One should NEVER suggest that Lea Salonga is wrong for a part. She will make it her mission in life, to make a fool of you.
I would never be able to share a stage with Lea, not only because she is so perfect technically and I am not, but because I just wouldn't be able to hold back my tears when she sings. "Never allow the emotion to take place of the technique". or maybe "to take over you"? I'd try, but with Lea it's hopeless. My favorite Broadway singer!
Hi Tara! You've got this amazing knack for breaking down the technicalities of music in a way that's super easy to grasp. I mean, I’ve never even set foot in a music class, yet here I am, soaking up all your insights just by tuning in to your videos! If I'm picking up tips, I can only imagine how much the actual music students are learning from you. Your shorts are a blast-keep rocking it! Sending good vibes all the way from the Philippines! 🎶✨🇵🇭🙌🏻
Oh, thank you so much for doing this.. I've waited so long for you to do this reaction.. it's one of my favourite performances of Lea Salonga.. such a talented Filipina.. proud pinoy here 🇵🇭 More power ✨️
Absolutely! BUT you should react to them singing together for the 25th anniversary concert of MISS SAIGON! They have sung the song together in concert a couple of times as well, but the energy and excitement from the 25th anniversary is the best!!!
Saw her perform 4 times here in Manila this year. 1st: Tabernacle Choir concert with Lea 2nd: Madame Tussauds 3rd: Request Sa Radyo (play) 4th: Her concert in Solaire She's amazing and I love her so much.
You’re so lucky to have seen her so many times in one year! I saw STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS in London in January and I will see her in New York City in December (concert at Town Hall). Super excited!!!
@meredithchandler73 I'm so jealous because I also want to watch Old Friends but can't afford to fly to LA or NY. I hope they will bring Old Friends here in Manila.
This was the 25th anniversary LES MISERABLES concert in 2010 where Lea played Fantine. Lea previously played Eponine on Broadway in 1993 (the first Asian and non-Caucasian to play the part) and then was asked to play Eponine for the 10th anniversary LES MISERABLES concert in 1995. Lea replaced Daphne Ruben-Vega as Fantine in the Broadway revival of LES MIZ in 2007 (interestingly - the revival had a racially diverse cast) and Lea played Fantine in the 25th anniversary concert. I'm pretty sure Lea is the only person to play 2 different main roles and participate in both 10th and 25th anniversary concerts.
What makes Lea different from the other singers is that she is a trained singer and even before she got the part in Ms Saigon she was already performing in theatrical shows in the Phil which you cannot get a part if you are not really good. Plus, she was educated from a very prestigious school which shows in her good command of the English language not only that her colloquial language is English because she also comes from a prominent family, rich kid. That why we have great respect for her. She is really a legend and as Filipina we are proud of her. She is from my age group too.
I never get tired of Lea's performances and I love watching other people enjoying Lea's talent. You don't need to be a trained musician to appreciate Lea, but I love to hear the analysis from people with musical backgrounds. In at least one interview someone asked Lea about something she was proud of or one of the biggest compliments she received (sorry - I don't remember the exact question), and Lea said that an artist called her a true musician.
If there's one thing Lea embodies completely, it's perfect technique amidst perfect use of dynamics and articulation to evoke effective and clear emotional emphasis in the character's words of her choice. I didn't fully watch your reaction (though I doubt you feel any differently) to see for myself because impulse to type but this is what I've noticed about Lea's studio AND live performances when I think back to what I've seen her do.
And more Lea Salonga reactions, please! (Though Lea does have some great performances of non-musical theater songs, I think the majority of what you'll find are from musicals.)
Oh my goodness! Mrs. Tara, ... No words. Perfect explanation of all vocal technique from my favorite Broadway singer!!! So helpful for me as a vocalist! Thank you so much❤❤❤
Lea was 17 when she took the role of Kim for Miss Saigon. At one point she lost her voice. Cameron MacKintosh found her a person who helped her find her voice again and showed her techniques to keep her voice healthy for a long time. When Miss Saigon moved to Broadway there was a lot of resistance against non American citizen taking roles. Cameron MacKintosh backed her up. There were also a lot fo resistance against Asians taking roles in Les Miserables, again Cameron MacKintosh backed her up and Lea performed the role of Eponine and Fantine both in London and Broadway. She was chosen to sing in the Les Miserables Anniversary concert as Eponine and later as Fantine. She had a duet with Michael Ball singing “A Little Fall of Rain”.
Although I would want her to sing more in her chest voice, I think she does the chest mix to be kinder to her vocals. She said in interviews that she was starting to lose her voice during Miss Saigon as she was doing 8 shows / week. But man, this lady can SINGGGGG.
Lea wasn’t part of the original cast of LES MIZ but she did replace in the original Broadway production in 1993, becoming the first Asian/woman of color to play Eponine on Broadway.
I'm so glad you mentioned that struggle note. I have that somewhere in my mid range, which I know isn't even high enough for me. I've been searching for what can I do with that, thought it was just me. Hehe
That's how they teach Voice Lesson in the Philippines Tagalog is all about Vowels, you have to pronounce it and all the letters in Tagalog should be heard. We don't waste letters 🥰😆
We'll appreciate it so much if you can come up with reaction videos to the songs of Sofronio Vasquez, the winner of The Voice Season 26. Thank you and we hope that you will grant our request.
If I’m not mistaken, there is a reel of highlights of Lea’s performances from the Manila production of MISS SAIGON (where she costarred with Will Chase).
Long time subscriber here Tara, love your reactions to many Filipino singers, but am wondering why the best band in RUclips world is not in your radar.. you never done a reactions to this Family band Missioned Souls… the mom is the main vocalist her name is Sheena and the husband and the four kids play the instruments❤. Please react to them please, you can start with their cover of Alanis Morisette’s Uninvited and/or Thank you. Or Roxette’s Listen to you heart or Carrie Underwood’s Jesus take the wheel.. or any of their covers and be ready to be blown away❤️❤️❤️ Merry Christmas🎄🌲
LEA SALONGA is the original Kim (lead) on MISS SAIGON BROADWAY MUSICAL and the voices of Jasmin on the A WHOLE NEW WORLD song from ALADDIN and REFLECTION from MULAN😊
I liked her better as Eponine but it was incredible…:Tara Simon I would love to see you compare Lea Solonga’s, Ruthie Henshall and Patti Lupone’s performance interpretation of this iconic song.
I think you would do a wonderful job at reacting to "Du Måste Finnas/You must be real - Helen Sjöholm [English Subtitles]" by TeaTime. I think you would appreciate the technique and the performance on a level that does it justice. I've followed you for years and I'm just so interested in what your professional takes are on this performance. Without spoiling it: Björn and Benny (the two B's in ABBA) composed this song, as it is a part of their musical "Kristina från Duvemåla" (Kristina from Duvemåla, a musical about a woman having to emigrate from Sweden to the US in the late 19th century, due to poverty in Sweden)
There’s a reason Lea provides the singing voice to two Disney princesses. She is completely world class. What a beautiful singer
She does have a beautiful voice. She is so talented.
The greatest accomplishment of Lea is that she opened the eyes of the world to homegrown Asian talent. She and her Filipino theater contemporaries got their training from local productions and local music conservatories in the 80s, but so impressed Schonberg and Boubil that they employed a troupe from Manila to perform at the first Miss Saigon production at the West End. Her Grand Slam Best Actress wins in 1991 shattered the bamboo ceiling for Asian theater performers. Thank you Lea for being a pioneer. You are a casual fan's and a vocal technician's dream.
Her voice is like a crystal clear...perfect for me..though she admit that shes not a belter like regine velasquez,,but lea when she sings,,all u have to do is listen,enjoy and admire her...
Oh, our very own, Ms. Lea Salonga from the Philippines! We're so proud of you !
Only leah didn’t make a single mistake when she was on stage.very professional..im so proud of you miss saigon🇵🇭🫡
I always get teary eyed watching and hearing her sing. Saw her sing live in Ms Saigon Anniversary rehearsal. Goosebumps. Her talent was supported well by the right people, some of the best in Filipino theatre, and her family, esp her mom was always there. She barreled through with discipline and came out world class. I am so proud of her, not just because we"re Filipinos but she reminds everyone to have standards and discipline.
And critics dismissed casting her as Eponine as a stunt. They said it was ridiculous to cast an Asian actress as a French street waif. One should NEVER suggest that Lea Salonga is wrong for a part. She will make it her mission in life, to make a fool of you.
Of course! Pride of Philippines 🇵🇭
There is something in Filipino singers' voices that connects to the listener that touches his/her heart. The next thing you know, you're crying.
World class singer …broadway legend.Love her the way she execute the lyrics with her face.
Really …she’s great❤️❤️❤️
I would never be able to share a stage with Lea, not only because she is so perfect technically and I am not, but because I just wouldn't be able to hold back my tears when she sings. "Never allow the emotion to take place of the technique". or maybe "to take over you"? I'd try, but with Lea it's hopeless. My favorite Broadway singer!
Her voice is so satisfying to listen to
She will always be the PHILIPPINES’ PRIDE 🇵🇭
Hi Tara! You've got this amazing knack for breaking down the technicalities of music in a way that's super easy to grasp. I mean, I’ve never even set foot in a music class, yet here I am, soaking up all your insights just by tuning in to your videos! If I'm picking up tips, I can only imagine how much the actual music students are learning from you. Your shorts are a blast-keep rocking it! Sending good vibes all the way from the Philippines! 🎶✨🇵🇭🙌🏻
Day made! Thank u! So glad you’re enjoying my content and learning from it as well. Exactly my goal in doing these 🫶🏼
I saw Lea Salonga this year at her concert, she’s even more amazing in real life! ❤
Her diction is perfect.
Oh, thank you so much for doing this.. I've waited so long for you to do this reaction.. it's one of my favourite performances of Lea Salonga.. such a talented Filipina.. proud pinoy here 🇵🇭 More power ✨️
When she duets “The Movie in my mind” with Rachel Ann Go…chefs kiss. 🥰
Absolutely! BUT you should react to them singing together for the 25th anniversary concert of MISS SAIGON! They have sung the song together in concert a couple of times as well, but the energy and excitement from the 25th anniversary is the best!!!
@ I guess I should have clarified. That’s actually the performance I’m talking about. They give their all in that performance.
She will always be the PRIDE OF THE PHILIPPINES. A new Filipino singer is rising. Sofronio Vasquez of THE VOICE season 26. Please check him out.
The way you breakdown the vocals in all singers helps so much! Thank you for doing it.
Lea's voice is as clear as crystals
Wow, love her reaction, she is great.
Saw her perform 4 times here in Manila this year.
1st: Tabernacle Choir concert with Lea
2nd: Madame Tussauds
3rd: Request Sa Radyo (play)
4th: Her concert in Solaire
She's amazing and I love her so much.
You’re so lucky to have seen her so many times in one year! I saw STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS in London in January and I will see her in New York City in December (concert at Town Hall). Super excited!!!
@meredithchandler73 I'm so jealous because I also want to watch Old Friends but can't afford to fly to LA or NY. I hope they will bring Old Friends here in Manila.
this i believe was the anniversary concert. FAVORITE musical
This was the 25th anniversary LES MISERABLES concert in 2010 where Lea played Fantine. Lea previously played Eponine on Broadway in 1993 (the first Asian and non-Caucasian to play the part) and then was asked to play Eponine for the 10th anniversary LES MISERABLES concert in 1995. Lea replaced Daphne Ruben-Vega as Fantine in the Broadway revival of LES MIZ in 2007 (interestingly - the revival had a racially diverse cast) and Lea played Fantine in the 25th anniversary concert. I'm pretty sure Lea is the only person to play 2 different main roles and participate in both 10th and 25th anniversary concerts.
Lea is a great singer, pride of the Philippines!
She’s a diva with perfect pitch or tone. I actually got invited by our common friend to watch the run of Annie at Hollywood bowl. Pretty amazing!
She has a beautiful voice and so clear.
Chills in every crescendos 💀🥶🥹
What makes Lea different from the other singers is that she is a trained singer and even before she got the part in Ms Saigon she was already performing in theatrical shows in the Phil which you cannot get a part if you are not really good. Plus, she was educated from a very prestigious school which shows in her good command of the English language not only that her colloquial language is English because she also comes from a prominent family, rich kid. That why we have great respect for her. She is really a legend and as Filipina we are proud of her. She is from my age group too.
She's a gem and so are you, Tara! ♥️
I never get tired of Lea's performances and I love watching other people enjoying Lea's talent. You don't need to be a trained musician to appreciate Lea, but I love to hear the analysis from people with musical backgrounds. In at least one interview someone asked Lea about something she was proud of or one of the biggest compliments she received (sorry - I don't remember the exact question), and Lea said that an artist called her a true musician.
If and when Lea decides to retire, she will be just as busy, if not even busier as a vocal coach. Her technique is just immaculate!
Oh my, why am I getting teary eyed. Goosebumps 🥹
Always here to support Tara and of course Lea
You’re really good in explaining and pointing things out 😻
If there's one thing Lea embodies completely, it's perfect technique amidst perfect use of dynamics and articulation to evoke effective and clear emotional emphasis in the character's words of her choice. I didn't fully watch your reaction (though I doubt you feel any differently) to see for myself because impulse to type but this is what I've noticed about Lea's studio AND live performances when I think back to what I've seen her do.
How detailed is your analysis Tara! Im learning soooo much from your page!
I'm having weird adrenaline rush upon seeing the thumbnail Tara. Thank you for doing this ❤️
There are several Phillipina singers today who are all phenominal. I'll bet that they formed their technique by studying Lea.
If I wanted to shed a tear, I'd listen to her les miz.
I'm so proud of Leah, She always satisfied my expectations in every note🎉🇵🇭
Thank you, Tara, for a full reaction video. These are where you shine brightest. (because you’re teaching❤) 😊
Oh Tara! been waiting for this in ages!😭🫶✨
How funny, I was just watching the short version of this reaction on your channel. I’ve been waiting for you to react to this for a long time.
Tara you give the best technical and style advise among others. Thank you. Always learning from you.
Lea is an intelligent singer... She doesn't jusy sing. She studies her pieces & executes to perfecrtion.
Yes please do more musical theatre reactions 😁
And more Lea Salonga reactions, please! (Though Lea does have some great performances of non-musical theater songs, I think the majority of what you'll find are from musicals.)
Listening to Lea Salonga is like attending a masterclass.
Best vocalist ever!
Oh my goodness! Mrs. Tara, ... No words. Perfect explanation of all vocal technique from my favorite Broadway singer!!! So helpful for me as a vocalist! Thank you so much❤❤❤
The way she pronounced each word is clearer than my future.
Like windex in the ears. Her singing is so clear! I call her the Domino's of singing. She just delivers and delivers...
Her singing is the caption itself. ❣️❣️❣️
A masterclass in vocal analysis.
Well Tara, that's Lea Salonga, NO QUESTION!
Tara I would love to hear you doing a cover of this song it would be amazing x
The best ever reaction...Thank you Miss Tara!
I love u tara
I always love your video reactions to Lea Salonga's Eponine and Fantine. ❤❤❤❤
She is the best of all ❤
Lea was 17 when she took the role of Kim for Miss Saigon. At one point she lost her voice. Cameron MacKintosh found her a person who helped her find her voice again and showed her techniques to keep her voice healthy for a long time. When Miss Saigon moved to Broadway there was a lot of resistance against non American citizen taking roles. Cameron MacKintosh backed her up. There were also a lot fo resistance against Asians taking roles in Les Miserables, again Cameron MacKintosh backed her up and Lea performed the role of Eponine and Fantine both in London and Broadway. She was chosen to sing in the Les Miserables Anniversary concert as Eponine and later as Fantine. She had a duet with Michael Ball singing “A Little Fall of Rain”.
Although I would want her to sing more in her chest voice, I think she does the chest mix to be kinder to her vocals. She said in interviews that she was starting to lose her voice during Miss Saigon as she was doing 8 shows / week. But man, this lady can SINGGGGG.
Thank you so much for reacting to this song! Fantine is my dream role and I really want to get better at singing this song!!!
Hi Tara,good day. Lea Solonga is my daughter inlaw's cousin. I haven't met her yet though. Lea also referred Morrisette Amon to Disney.
I can't take this editing seriously. I died when a literal tiger appeared on screen
Legendary Lea ❤
New viewers of you here. From Philippines 🇵🇭 ❤❤❤
Incredible
She is the OG in the first Les Miserables play.
Lea wasn’t part of the original cast of LES MIZ but she did replace in the original Broadway production in 1993, becoming the first Asian/woman of color to play Eponine on Broadway.
Lea S is articulate singer
Please please please react to her singing "too much for one heart". I like that song so much ❤
I love Lea ❤
Please make a reaction vid on Lea Salonga's song called The Journey ❤️
Please do her "A Little Fall of Rain" duet with Michael Ball
I'm so glad you mentioned that struggle note. I have that somewhere in my mid range, which I know isn't even high enough for me. I've been searching for what can I do with that, thought it was just me. Hehe
That's how they teach Voice Lesson in the Philippines
Tagalog is all about Vowels, you have to pronounce it and all the letters in Tagalog should be heard.
We don't waste letters 🥰😆
Godbless 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Finally!
We'll appreciate it so much if you can come up with reaction videos to the songs of Sofronio Vasquez, the winner of The Voice Season 26. Thank you and we hope that you will grant our request.
Pls also react to Lea's version of She used to be mine from her recent stage and screens concert in Dubai.
ohh you should see her in Miss Saigon💕
thats why she won the tony award.
Please give a reaction to sofronio vasquez,the filipino who won recently in the voice US.
So lovely 🎉❤love ur videos
Can you plz react to Joyous celebration
Please react lea Salonga colors of the wind, ❤have a blessed day
Please react to more Lara Fabian. Especially her Broken Vow , Caruso, You’re not from here live performances !
Yeessss I Guess I Loved You is my personal favorite!
Beautiful performance
Please React to Kelly Clarkson’s cover of All by myself by Celine Dion
I wish you’d react to her Miss Saigon performances.
If I’m not mistaken, there is a reel of highlights of Lea’s performances from the Manila production of MISS SAIGON (where she costarred with Will Chase).
Angelic voice! A Broadway legend in her own time.
Amazing video , love your reactions
Long time subscriber here Tara, love your reactions to many Filipino singers, but am wondering why the best band in RUclips world is not in your radar.. you never done a reactions to this Family band Missioned Souls… the mom is the main vocalist her name is Sheena and the husband and the four kids play the instruments❤. Please react to them please, you can start with their cover of Alanis Morisette’s Uninvited and/or Thank you. Or Roxette’s Listen to you heart or Carrie Underwood’s Jesus take the wheel.. or any of their covers and be ready to be blown away❤️❤️❤️
Merry Christmas🎄🌲
LEA SALONGA is the original Kim (lead) on MISS SAIGON BROADWAY MUSICAL and the voices of Jasmin on the A WHOLE NEW WORLD song from ALADDIN and REFLECTION from MULAN😊
Hi there!
Have you heard of Jiezl Calunia? Another Filipino phenom
I liked her better as Eponine but it was incredible…:Tara Simon I would love to see you compare Lea Solonga’s, Ruthie Henshall and Patti Lupone’s performance interpretation of this iconic song.
please reaction Chakra Khan - Tenesi whisky
I think you would do a wonderful job at reacting to "Du Måste Finnas/You must be real - Helen Sjöholm [English Subtitles]" by TeaTime. I think you would appreciate the technique and the performance on a level that does it justice. I've followed you for years and I'm just so interested in what your professional takes are on this performance. Without spoiling it: Björn and Benny (the two B's in ABBA) composed this song, as it is a part of their musical "Kristina från Duvemåla" (Kristina from Duvemåla, a musical about a woman having to emigrate from Sweden to the US in the late 19th century, due to poverty in Sweden)
Regine Velasquez once said that Lea Salonga has perfect pitch while hers(Regine's) is learned..
You can sing this song in many ways, but if the only gold standard is Lea's.
Her diction is clearer than my future