https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otbj5mu0orY
MANILA, Philippines — Lea Salonga hit the entertainment headlines recently after she sang “A Whole New World”, the song from the Disney-hit movie “Aladdin”, in a performance that was “awesome” and in “the same beautiful voice”.
The Hollywood show “Entertainment Tonight” featured Salonga in her performance of the Oscar-winning song with the opera group Il Divo, the four-man ensemble, for the promotion of their European tour, “A Musical Affair”.
Lea Salonga. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Salonga was the singing voice behind Princess Jasmine for the Disney- animated feature shown in 1992.
“‘A Whole New World.’ Same beautiful voice,” according to the entertainment show’s website.
“22 years later, she still sounds just as lovely singing “A Whole New World,” it added.
The MTV website noted “girl power” in Salonga’s rendition.
“It’s been 21 years since the 1993 release of “Aladdin,” and certain things never change. For example, we’re still waiting on that magic carpet ride, and we still think a monkey would make a great pet. One more thing that’s remained awesome: Princess Jasmine’s voice,” MTV said.
“You’ll notice that it took four men to sing Aladdin’s part of the classic song, while Salonga can handle the Jasmine part just fine on her own, thankyouverymuch. Girl power much?” it added.
The video was posted April 2014, but went viral as Salonga was touring with Il Divo for the European leg of their “A Musical Affair.”
Salonga was also the singing voice of the main character in another Disney animated film “Mulan”.
Salonga became an international sensation when she was chosen for the lead role of Kim in the Cameron Mackintosh musical “Miss Saigon” that was performed at the West End in London in 1989 and in Broadway in 1991.
Set in 1975 immediately before the end of the Vietnam War, “Miss Saigon” is a dramatic tale of love and loss involving an American GI and a young bar girl. It is a years-spanning story of sacrifice and devotion that also speaks of the eternal rift between East and West.
Salonga went on to win the Tony and Laurence Olivier Awards for her performance.
At present, Salonga is “The Voice Philippines” coach.
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