Theater was her home and she's identified as a shining broadway diva. But this 2013, she enters a new portal, a new world, found on television-- The Voice of the Philippines. Lea Salonga is a Filipina mezzo-soprano singer and actress who gained extreme popularity worldwide when she played the lead role of Kim in the musical "Miss Saigon" (1989). This remarkable portrayal was her major ticket in grabbing the "Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical" award from the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and Theatre World. In 1993, after her stint as Kim, she joined the Broadway production of "Les Miserables" where she played the role of street waif Eponine. Her appearence on Les Mis continued until 1996. Further productions where she was involved include: "Flower Drum Song" (2002), "Cinderella" (2008), "Les Miserables: 25th Anniversary Concert" as Fantine (2010), and "Allegiance" {2012). On the other hand, her recording career ignited at the age of ten when she released her first album "Little Voice." Her self-titled international album was released in the year 1993 under Atlantic Records that went platinum in the Philippines and sold three million copies worldwide. In addition, she has a certified platinum studio album which was released in 2007 called "Inspired." This talented woman also provided the singing voice for two official Disney Princesses-- Jasmine in "Aladdin" (1992), and Fa Mulan in "Mulan" (1998) and "Mulan II" (2004). Lea also performed the song "A Whole New World" with Brad Kane for Disney's Aladdin. The song in fact won an Oscar in 1993 where they performed it live. She was then honoured as a "Disney Legend" on August 19, 2011 for her notable contributions in the Walt Disney company. An Order of Lakandula (considered as one of the highest honors given by the Republic of the Philippines) was also awarded to her by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2008. Witness the greatness of the "bitch in the red chair" with her high-caliber coaching ability and remarkable singing prowess only on The Voice of the Philippines.
