Lea Salonga’s whole new world

MANILA, Philippines - In the beginning, there was Lea Salonga. For those of us who grew up listening to the music of Miss Saigon and Les Miserables, who drank Klim and possibly hummed along to its very memorable jingle, who cried with Agnes as she longed for Jimmy in Sana Maulit Muli, Lea Salonga has been our sister, our kabarkada, our beacon of local artistic pride. These days, however, she dons a tougher suit armed with honest criticism and quick comebacks as one of the most talked about judges on The Voice Philippines. Supreme sits down with the Broadway darling to discuss her coaching style, dealing with haters, and the road towards becoming a living, breathing icon.

SUPREME: What drew you to The Voice Philippines?

LEA SALONGA: I’m not the biggest watcher of the show, but what interested me more than anything was the Blind Audition (fans of the show will know what this is, but for those that haven’t seen it yet, it’s when a singer auditions for the four star coaches whose backs are all turns to the stage). The thing that I loved about the experience is that I didn’t know anyone’s sob story prior to hearing their voice. It was talent first, background information later. Truth is, everyone has a story to tell, but we needed to get to the heart of the matter first, and that was that singer’s voice. The Blind Auditions here in the Philippines were particularly special. So much so that we had to increase the number of team members from 12 to 13 per team. So I guess the Blind Auditions drew me... the format itself drew me... that the coaches in those red chairs were world-renowned performers who could absolutely teach a thing or two to anyone willing to listen.

What do you think sets the show apart from its international counterparts? Is there something specific you’re looking for that caters to the Filipino market?

We’re just looking for amazing singers that we feel the Pinoy public can latch on to and fall in love with. It’s not about someone’s looks, but about their talent first. If there’s something unique that watchers and listeners can relate to, that’s huge. We have singers on every team that are different sizes, skin colors, heights, voice types. And they all deserve a shot. I think the thing that sets this show apart is that the coaches will always, up until the very final show, have a say in who stays and who goes. We still have a hand in it, and I like that very much.

What about coaching do you find to be most challenging? 

Figuring out what it is a particular artist needs. I’ve been brought into productions as a “troubleshooter,” given instructions from the director or associate director of a production and assigned an artist to help out. Sometimes the troubles are vocal. At others, the problems are emotional accessibility. It might be a singing thing, an acting thing, a blocking thing, a “Please keep still” sort of thing. As I know my team members, I slowly figure out what their unique needs are. For one, it’s figuring out the right song that will make their voice ring. For another, it’s helping with lyric interpretation. It’s really fun, not to mention rewarding, when you and your artist have a breakthrough.

What about the other coaches’ teams or coaching styles do you think makes them strong contenders, and, on the other hand, what vulnerable spots do you think they have?

I’m neither privy to the other coaches’ coaching styles, nor do I want to know what happens in another camp. I want to focus my energy on my team. Truth of the matter is, the title of The Voice of the Philippines could go to any singer remaining on any team. I saw the list of the final 24, and it’s a list of strong, able singers. It’s an incredibly talented bunch of artists assembled. The public is going to have a very difficult time picking someone to vote for during the Live Shows, which begin on Sunday, Aug. 25.

On The Voice Philippines, we’ve seen quite a different side of you, for which you’ve been dealt a bit of backlash. What has it been like dealing with the critical reception of your performance as a judge on The Voice Philippines? 

There’s really nothing to say, except that I respect their opinions. However, I don’t like it when the criticisms turn to insults. There have been some that I’ve interpreted as such. To them I say, you are a rude, mean human being, and your mother must be ashamed. Ha! 

I felt the need to be enthusiastic, to show that singer that I will be enthusiastic about them being on my team. To play it cool might give them the wrong impression, thus risking their choosing another coach instead of me. Trust, things have gotten significantly more subdued since the Blind Auditions ended and the Battles began.

How has the transition to television been for you, especially wherein you’re not playing a role and not giving an interview, but having to be the more critical version of yourself in front of millions of audiences nationwide?

All the four of us can be is ourselves. I did receive a fair amount of criticism from many people — both from the media and the anonymous Twitter peeps — who found it a bit jarring to see what I know to be “the real me” on TV, what with my exaggerated actions, singing along, making loud comments, that sort of thing. Truth is, what people don’t know is that the reality is probably even more heightened when I’m not in front of a camera. My close friends know me as loud and outspoken (when I’m watching a musical, if I have any friends on stage, my cackle serves as a homing device), and demonstrative. One friend, right after the first couple of episodes aired, wrote a long message on my Facebook page to say how truly happy she was that what my friends knew, the rest of the country was getting to know. “That’s the real Lea I know,” she wrote. It meant a lot to me to see that. 

Has there been any audition in particular that you felt truly resonated with you?

There were a couple, one who I didn’t turn for, and one that is on my team. Lee Grane (who is on Team Bamboo) sang Anak, and I didn’t turn for it. We then asked her to sing another song, Angel by Sarah McLachlan, and I was on the verge of tears listening to her. Goosebumps, chills, name it. The other one was for Kimpoy Mainit, who’s all of 16 years old. I thought at first it was a girl singing, and then when I turned around, I discovered a young man! I loved his vocal quality. I felt how badly he wanted the opportunity. I played it cool sitting in my chair, as I didn’t want any other coach to turn for him. 

I love everyone on my team. They each have something unique to add to this music industry. We have folk, rock, R&B, soul. I think we have it all covered.

What was it like for you when you were the one entering the audition for the iconic role of Kim in Miss Saigon? Do you remember how you prepared and did you have any idea that this would be as big a break as it was?

I had prepared three days prior to my audition, learning On My Own from Les Miz to sing. A pianist I was working with came to the house to accompany me, and I think we beat the hell out of that song, singing it so much. I thought I was ready, but when I stepped into the room and saw Cameron Mackintosh, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michael Schönberg sitting there in front of me, my knees started to knock against each other and I was shaking. How I managed to keep my s*** together, I’ll never know.

Do you still feel nerves whenever you’re set to perform onstage? What do you hope to convey as an artist every time you step out in front of an audience?

Oh, always! I hope that never goes away. Every time I step out in front of an audience, I only want to convey joy. It’s pure joy that I feel to be doing what I love to do, and that I’m still able to step out and sing my heart and lungs out for an audience willing to sit and listen for a couple of hours. It’s a lot of fun.

As someone who’s conquered so many avenues of entertainment and artistry, who’s been presented with accolades and is very much considered a national treasure, is there any one accomplishment you’d say you’re most proud of?

I’d say, being able to retain my sense of humor. More than any award, that’s what I’m proudest of. Oh, and my sanity.

If money were no object and you had every resource available to you, what would you say your dream project would be?

Building a theater that was properly built with great acoustics, the best sound system, the most comfortable seating, and really comfy hotel-style dressing rooms. For guest musicians, a Steinway baby grand in every room. And another would be to collect every single recording made of Filipino music and digitally restore and archive whatever was deteriorating, and make that accessible to the public in order for them to truly appreciate the music of their motherland.

Having had such a prolific career, you’ve traveled extensively and could have chosen to live in any corner of the world. It’s beautiful and admirable that you chose to come back and settle down in the Philippines. What made you decide to do so?

Would you believe my husband? He moved here to pursue a business opportunity, and of course I moved along with him. No regrets! We love it here!

We’ve grown up with you, and we’ve pretty much seen that you are a force to be reckoned with creatively. What else can we expect from the great Lea Salonga?

I don’t know... and that’s the fun part.

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