Lea Salonga is a world renowned musical icon. Her crystal clear voice captivates audiences from all over the world. She is Philippine’s pride. Her musical career started when she was very young. She started her professional career at the age of seven when she became part of Reportory Philippines’ staging of The King and I. Since then, she has joined several musical productions in the Philippines. Her one of a kind angelic voice made her one of the most sought after stage actress in the Philippines and abroad.
Disney, one of the world’s largest entertainment companies took notice of her pristine voice. Lea Salonga has made her name in Broadway when she played the main character of the Musical Broadway. As a matter of fact, she won a Tony award for her performance. Disney’s production of Aladdin in 1992 was another animated hit movie.
Lea Salonga recorded the singing voice of the film’s main female character, Jasmine. The song “A Whole New World” became an instant hit that was loved by many people of all ages. Lea Salonga was then named as one of Disney’s princesses. The song soared high and even hit major music billboard charts. The pop version of the song which was recorded my Grammy Winner Peabo Bryson and singer Regina Belle. Lea Salonga and Brad Kane sang the film version of the song.
The performance of the song in the 1993 Academy Awards was applauded by the audience. Lea is not new when it comes to performing in world stages. Her performance was exquisite, magical that had the audience in total awe. The song became such a worldwide musical hit that everywhere Lea went, people would always request her to sing it. She sang the song with different partners since it was a duet. Her voice blended perfectly with whomever she sang the song with.
In 2016, Lea Salonga, together with some of the original casts of the movie and Alan Menken graced the show Good Morning America. Much to the delight of the viewers of the show, Lea and Brad Kane sang “A Whole New World”. Hearing them sing together again after almost 25 years was nostalgic. Their voices may have become more mature but it was still crystal clear; perfect in every way. Reaction videos of many viewers went viral after that performance. They claimed that it was reminiscent of their childhood. Some even made a comparison of their performance from 1993 and they said that nothing has changed at all. They still got goose bumps when they heard the two original singers sang the song after so many years.
A Whole New World is timeless and classic loved by many from all generations. It is a song about love and the happiness it brings to anyone who feels love. It tells about the possibilities and the experiences that love can bring about. Listening to the song alone brings joy and comfort; it makes people smile and be blown away to parts of the world beyond imagination. It is a song that will remain in or hearts forever.
Lea Salonga, who sang this song over a million times brought immortality to it. Many people may have sung it and did renditions of their own but nothing beats the original, so to speak. Lea may have performed it countless times but we still get that same feeling we had the first time she sang it. She sang it with her heart and we felt the love. I know that people will still listen to this song for many years and they will never grow tired of it. Lea Salonga will forever remain Princess Jasmine to us and for many generations to come.
