Bright, new faces on the music scene

They are the future of the Philippine music industry.

Theirs are the voices that will fill the airwaves and pack the coliseums in the next few years. They are the "champions," the biggest winners in today’s most popular talent contests. But do they have what it takes to become stars for more than just one night? Do they have the goods to prove that they are indeed stars in a million?

The upcoming concert, Night of Champions (which will be held at the Araneta Coliseum on July 3), will answer all these questions and more. For sure, fans will expect this Big Event at the Big Dome to turn into a Big Showdown among three of the most promising and most gifted young singers in showtown today: Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go, and Erik Santos.

After all, all three emerged triumphant, besting equally brilliant aspirants in their respective amateur singing competitions (Sarah in Star for a Night, Rachelle Ann in Search for a Star, and Erik in Star in a Million).

But more than a showdown, music lovers can expect a grand showcase. With Night of Champions, these three certified winners are leaving their days as neophyte competitors behind, as they join the big league.

Following in the footsteps of previous contest winners like Nora Aunor and Regine Velasquez, Sarah, Rachelle Ann, and Erik are surely destined for bigger and brighter things ahead. And in a way, it begins with the Night of Champions concert.

Sarah Geronimo, the most senior among the three in terms of experience (but the youngest in terms of age), enjoys a head start among her contemporaries. The first product of the current talent search rage to turn pro, Sarah has parlayed her one-night triumph into a lucrative career that covers not just the music industry (the CD, Pop Star… A Dream, Come True) but also the movies (Captain Barbell, Filipinas), television (Sarah the Teen Princess), and even commercial endorsements (Jollibee, Charmee, among others). Just what does the future hold for this Pop Princess?

A lot, it seems. At the tender age of 16, Sarah’s dreams are already within reach. She shares that her fondest wish is "to become an international singer someday just like my idols Regine Velasquez and Lea Salonga." With her soaring Celine Dion-caliber voice, Sarah could effortlessly achieve this goal. And more.

Truth be told, Sarah exhibits professionalism uncommon among those as youthful as she is. "Before a major concert, I make it a point to practice every day," she volunteers. "I really want to give my best in each and every show." It’s because she experiences a profound sense of joy whenever she’s on centerstage. "I am happiest when I make other people happy," Sarah beams.

Rachelle Ann Go, who succeeded Sarah in the Viva-sponsored talent search a year later, is equally brimming with potential minted in platinum. She is making waves with her revival of the ’80s Laura Brannigan hit Gloria, which she recorded with rap sensation Salbakuta. Being a year older than Sarah, Rachelle Ann (at 17) seems a bit more mature and sophisticated. Even her choice of songs and stage manners set her apart as a budding chanteuse. Case in point: A noted critic hailed Rachelle Ann’s "secure performance and natural projection" on the night of her victory. Definitely, she is likewise fated for greater glory in the future.

Like Sarah, Rachelle Ann also admires her contest’s host Regine Velasquez. Unlike Sarah, however, Rachelle Ann is partial to the unique vocal stylings of Charmbracelet Diva Mariah Carey.

A Business Management freshman at San Beda, Rachelle Ann can also make a name for herself as a sultry diva, especially because of her slim figure. Tipping the scales at a mere 95 pounds, Rachelle Ann can give the reigning dance divas a run for their vogueing. "People often comment that I am sexy," she shyly says. "But I never go on a diet. Although I eat a lot, I always find the time to exercise. Even if I am extremely busy." Discipline, that’s another mark of a true champion.

Erik Santos, for his part, is just as driven, determined, and disciplined as his fellow contest champs Sarah and Rachelle Ann. Erik also stands out because of his powerhouse voice that reminds not a few people of a young Martin Nievera. Concert King Martin, in fact, is one of Erik’s all-time idols, along with Megastar Sharon Cuneta. "They are my favorites," Erik enthuses. "I grew up listening to their music." Now, Erik is topping the charts (like the Myx OPM Countdown) with his debut CD, This is the Moment.

Without a doubt, this is Erik’s moment to shine. "Every time I sing a song, I offer it to God," Erik explains the secret of his consistently powerful performances. "And I make sure that each member of the audience understands the story and feels the message of my song."

In a nutshell, Sarah, Rachelle Ann, and Erik exemplify the best this new generation of performers has to offer. They have all the right stuff: the vocal chops matched with a positive attitude, youth with maturity, freshness with polish. Truthfully, they are the best of the best. They are the cream of the crop. Rightfully, they belong to the winners’ circle.

Joining the three in the Night of Champions concert are their similarly talented contest runners-up Mark Bautista (Star for a Night), Raymond Manalo (Search for a Star), and Christian Bautista (Star in a Million) together with Star Circle Quest winners Sandara Park and Hero Angeles. Night of Champions is directed by Bobby Garcia, with Bong Quintana as assistant director and Marc Lopez as musical director. Produced by Viva Concerts.