Photo via Lea Salonga (@msleasalonga) / Instagram
Broadway royalty Lea Salonga has officially entered the hallowed halls of Madame Tussauds! In an exciting event, the multi-awarded singer-actress unveiled her breathtaking wax figure in Manila on Friday, September 13th. Subsequently, the figure will take its permanent residence in the Singapore branch of the famed wax museum.
Salonga, ever the picture of elegance, beamed with pride as she pulled back the curtain on her meticulously crafted doppelganger. The life-sized figure is dressed in a regal blue gown designed by her close friend and long-time collaborator, Rajo Laurel. It stood poised with a microphone stand, ready to belt out a showstopper. The excitement was palpable, with Salonga’s mother, Ligaya, by her side to witness this momentous occasion.
This prestigious honor is a testament to Salonga’s phenomenal career that has spanned decades. In fact, she becomes the fourth Filipino to be immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds Singapore. She is joining boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. Furthermore, the museum also teased the upcoming arrival of a wax figure for actress Anne Curtis. This exciting news further solidifies the presence of Filipino icons on the global stage, showcasing their talent and achievements to a wider audience.
From Stage to Screen
Salonga’s journey to wax figure stardom began in June when the news first broke. The announcement sent fans into a frenzy, eager to see the iconic performer captured in such a permanent and lifelike way. Salonga herself expressed her delight, calling it an “absolute honor and a privilege” to be included in such an esteemed company.
From her meteoric rise to fame as Kim in “Miss Saigon” in 1989 to becoming the first Filipina and Asian to win a Tony Award for her performance, Salonga’s achievements are nothing short of legendary. She has graced the world stage with her powerful vocals, captivating audiences with iconic roles in Disney classics like “Aladdin” and “Mulan.”
But Salonga’s talents extend far beyond animation. She recently returned to Broadway in “Here Lies Love,” captivating audiences as Aurora Aquino. Plus, her work even took her to television with a stint on the highly anticipated “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin.“
With a new Christmas album, “Sounding Joy,” set to drop on November 1st, Salonga continues to keep her creative fires burning bright. This wax figure unveiling is just another exciting chapter in her remarkable career.
Ultimately, fans in Singapore can now look forward to belting out their favorite tunes alongside Salonga’s wax figure in the Music Zone of Madame Tussauds Singapore starting September 20th. This is a must-see experience for any Lea Salonga devotee, offering a chance to share a virtual stage with the one and only Broadway icon.
References: