La Diva (group)

History

In May 2008, it was confirmed that the GMA Artist Center would be forming a female music trio called La Diva. With its "Three of a Kind" segment, the musical variety show was ready to introduce a new generation of "divas".

Member Jonalyn Viray noted that a meeting for the creation of La Diva was held in January 2008, with the stipulation that each member of the group would still keep their own identity, for their solo careers. While the three ladies of La Diva are uncertain of how the group was formed, the combining factor is that each of them came from the singing competition, Pinoy Pop Superstar. Viray and Maricris Garcia were the Grand Champions of the first and third seasons respectively, and Aicelle Santos was the runner-up of the second season.

From October 24–28, 2011, La Diva was invited to guest on three shows in Indonesia. They performed hits such as "I'm Yours" and "Empire State of Mind". On the now-defunct talk show of Showbiz Central, it was reported and confirmed that La Diva were going to begin working on an international album.

La Diva: self-titled debut album

Their self-titled debut album was released to major record bars in most locations in the Philippines in November 2009. The album contains 10 tracks including their own versions of the songs "Apologize", "Angels Brought Me Here", "I'm Yours", "Best of My Love", "Stand Up For Love", "Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan" and their original songs, "Kasiping Ka" as their carrier single, "One Last Goodbye", and "Rosalinda".

Final Line-Up Members (2008-2015)

(born February 24, 1985) is a Filipino soul, R&B, pop and jazz singer-songwriter, actress and pianist, who first emerged in the Philippine music scene as a contestant in a nationwide search for the next big singer in the first season of ABS-CBN's Star in a Million. She has been known as the First Undefeated Pinoy Pop Superstar for achieving eight-straight wins in GMA 7's Pinoy Pop Superstar as the Philippines' "Ballad Princess". She is the oldest member of the group.

(born September 26, 1987 in Caloocan City, Manila, Philippines) is a Filipino singer and actress best known for winning Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 3. She first auditioned for Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1, but did not become a finalist. Two years later, she won with her rendition of Barry Manilow's "One Voice" at the Grand Finale held in Araneta Coliseum. She was the 3rd Pinoy Pop Superstar champion. Her voice is distinctly similar to that of Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla, therefore has been given the title of the "Divine Princess". She is the middle member of the group.

(2008-2013) member

(born November 15, 1989 in Marikina City, Philippines) is a Filipino singer and an occasional actress. She won the 1st Pinoy Pop Superstar as its Grand Champion with her soulful renditions of a classic "It Might Be You" and Whitney Houston's "Run To You". She also received five gold medals and three plaques at the 2006 World Championships of Performing Arts. She is known for her belting prowess/youngest member and earned her title as the Philippines' "Soul Princess".

Concerts

Tours

Albums

Singles

Musical styles

On La Diva's debut album, the group was noted to have a distinct, mixed style of reggae, belting pop, novelty and dance. Thematically, La Diva's music explores independence and female empowerment, such as in songs like "Angels Brought Me Here" and "Best of My Love". They have a blending of vocal styles; Jonalyn Viray being the soprano, Maricris Garcia taking the place of the mezzo-soprano, and Aicelle Santos as the alto.

Image

La Diva is known for a "belting style" and them being "sexy". Sony BMG Philippines from the business label described La Diva as a pop group characterized by bold, bright outfits and big, catchy hooks punctuated by rap verses and an "in-your-face swagger".

Styles and themes

La Diva has recorded R&B/novelty/pop songs with styles that encompasses urban, contemporary and dance-pop music. They have revealed that R&B female group Destiny's Child and fellow Filipina singer Regine Velasquez are among their influences.

Jona's Departure, Hiatus and Disbandment

A worthwhile shine of La Diva when suddenly their member Jonalyn Viray decide to left the group in December 15, 2013, she decided to grow more as an artist and work as herself or as a solo artist, it is announced by the GMA Network 's Facebook page. While Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia continued to be a group even without Jonalyn Viray and make the group as duo.

After Jonalyn Viray left the group, they decide to have a hiatus for a year. After their hiatus in late 2014, the management of the group was unable to work for a new album but they were allowed to guest some shows in GMA Network. But, In May 4, 2015, The group entered a big problem about their management and contract issues which caused the group's disbandment in June 13, 2015.

In present, Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia are still in GMA Network as solo artists and cameo appearance in some GMA Shows, while Jonalyn Viray signed a contract with Star Music. Star Music gave her an opportunity as a solo artist with the new screen name Jona.

Awards