Lea Salonga will judge the upcoming competition Sing for the Stars, alongside Grammy winner Michael Bublé. The show will premiere on the Filipino streamer Kumu, spearheaded by CEO Roland Ros, according to ABS-CBN News.
Sing for the Stars aims to discover new talent, virtually. Competitors are invited to perform from the comfort of their homes. Ros explains, "Kumu is the home of musicians. Through this competition, we're discovering and highlighting new voices on a world stage in a unique and brand new way.
"Since Sing for the Stars is live-streamed on Kumu, everything is happening in real-time, including direct interactions and support from their adoring and supportive audience who are also all over the world."
The first place winner will be awarded a cash prize of $10,000 along with a one-year record contract with Warner Music, a chance to perform on Kumu, and a private coaching session from Bublé. The runner-up will take home $4,000, with third place receiving $2,000.
Broadway favorite Salonga is also a recording artist with 11 solo albums. Her debut album, Small Voice, was released in 1981. She has also lent her singing voice to two Disney princesses, Mulan and Aladdin's Jasmine, and is featured on the films' soundtracks.
The Tony winner originated the role of Kim in Miss Saigon, playing the role on Broadway and in London's West End. Other crucial roles in her career include playing Eponine in Broadway, West End, and touring productions of Les Misérables, and later, Fantine in a Broadway revival. Most recently, she played Erzulie in Broadway's Once On This Island, and is featured on the revival cast recording.
This is not Salonga's first experience as a reality television judge. The singer starred in the Philippine singing competition The Voice Teens, a spin-off of the franchise with the same name that has grown in popularity in the U.S. after originating in the Netherlands.
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