WATCH: 5 Iconic Lea Salonga Performances We Can't Get Over
1/5 On My Own From Les Misérables
Lea Salonga won the coveted role of Éponine in her early twenties. In fact, the burgeoning superstar was also the first actress of Asian descent to play her—and later Fantine—in the Broadway rendition of Les Misérables. Salonga's performance of "On My Own" was heartfelt, yet also heartbreaking, and showed the singer's wide vocal range and prowess.
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2/5 A Whole New World From Aladdin
Nineties kids will know: Lea Salonga was as much a part of our childhood as any performer. She was the voice behind Jasmine's "A Whole New World" (sung with Brad Kane) and Mulan's "Reflection". "A Whole New World" would go on to win an Academy Award.
3/5 Defying Gravity From Wicked
Lea Salonga's rendition of Wicked's "Defying Gravity" is as energising as it is inspiring. Here, she is joined by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra Victoria at the Sydney Opera House.
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4/5 Sun And Moon From Miss Saigon
Lea Salonga's repertoire would be incomplete without mention of her Tony-award winning performance as Kim in Miss Saigon. Here, Salonga and Will Chase's romantic duet sees them sharing an intimate moment that's as provocative as it is heartfelt.
5/5 Bayan Ko
It's easy to be amazed at Lea Salonga's international star power—after all, she is an accomplished performer in New York, London, and all over the world. But hearing this inspiring rendition of "Bayan Ko" reminds us that Lea Salonga is, first and foremost, a Filipino performer, one who's brought attention to Filipino music, arts, and artists.