Rachelle Ann Go

Early life

Rachelle Ann Go was born on August 31, 1986. She is the daughter of Oscar and Russel Villalobos-Go. She is the eldest of four children. She studied pre-school to secondary level at La Immaculada Concepcion School in Pasig. She was a choir member of the said school as well. Her two younger brothers also studied at the school, while her youngest sister is currently studying in the said school.

She took up the international business and entrepreneurship program at San Beda College in Manila, but due to joining Search for a Star on the GMA Network, she had to drop out in order to focus more on the latter. In 2008, Go passed the University of the Philippines Open University entrance exam and enrolled.

Eat Bulaga: "Birit Baby"

She joined and won several contests. Her television debut on Eat Bulaga!, a hit noontime variety show, happened when she was just eleven. She competed in the show's contest "Birit Baby" where young aspirants belt out vocally challenging songs, she sang Céline Dion's version of "All By Myself". She lost to Musica Cristobal in this competition thus getting the 1st runner up position.

2003–04: Search for a Star, debut album, Shanghai Music Festival

In 2003, Go auditioned for a talent search show on GMA-7, Search for a Star. She passed the auditions and made it as one of the twelve finalists. On March 13, 2004, Go was announced as the grand champion, as she sung her rendition of Mariah Carey's "Through the Rain". After the contest, she transferred to ABS-CBN. Several weeks from winning, she collaborated with Philippine rap group Salbakuta for a cover of the Laura Branigan 1980s hit "Gloria". She then released it as a CD single and became an instant hit. Go performed the song with the group in the Malacañang Palace, alluding President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In July 2004, Go released her self-titled debut album with the singles "Love of My Life" and a remake of "Don't Cry Out Loud". It also includes her own cover version of Selena's "Dreaming of You"., She was then part of the Night Of The Champions U.S. Tour opposite Sarah Geronimo and Erik Santos. She then released a duet with Christian Bautista entitled "You And Me (We Wanted It All)". She was also under the management of VIVA Entertainment Group and was part of ABS-CBN, 'The Kapamilya Network'. She was involved in variety shows such as ASAP and ASAP Fanatic when she became part of Star Magic.

During November 2004, Go represented the Philippines in Shanghai Music Festival's Asia New Singer Competition where she placed as the silver-medalist for her rendition of a Vehnee Saturno-penned song, "From the Start", which won Best Song followed by an astonishing breakthrough in the 2004 Astana Song Festival as she unexpectedly procured an award as silver awardee and for the Best Own Country Song for her version of the song, "Isang Lahi."

2005–07: Various projects

In November 2005, Go released her second album, I Care. At the same time, she co-hosted the second season of the reality show Search for the Star in a Million.The album reached Gold status selling 15,000 copies nationwide. The theme song included on the official soundtrack, "Perhaps Love" (Hangul: 사랑인가요, originally sung by J and Howl), was also translated into Tagalog as "Pag-ibig Nga Kaya" and performed by Christian Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go with permission from MBC. The show's finale was aired on April 10, 2007, with ABS-CBN airing the Princess Hours: The Royal Special for two days, April 11 and 12, with both Bautista and Go as hosts.

Early 2007, she released her third album entitled Obsession. Two singles were released: "Don' Say Goodbye" and "Alam ng Ating mga Puso". Also during this year, she and her ex-boyfriend, Christian Bautista, performed at the Aliw Theater for their You and Me Valentine Concert which was produced by ASAP Live!. They also had a world tour with the same title.

2008–09: Rachelle Ann ROCKS Live! and Falling In Love

In April 2008, she released her fourth album under VIVA Records (also her first live album) entitled Rachelle Ann ROCKS Live!. The album reached Gold status after seven months. Her carrier single, Honestly, became an instant hit and she won the 3rd IFM Award for the Song of the Year and Favorite Female Performer.

In January 2009, she released her fifth album entitled Falling In Love under VIVA Records. It was awarded the Gold Certification by VIVA Music and PARI for outstanding sales of more than 15,000 units. Go also held a concert entitled "Rachelle Ann Go Falling In Love" at the Music Museum. Among some of the guests were Martin Nievera, Gary and Gab Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Richard Poon and Co-Champion, Christian Bautista.

2010–11: Transfer to GMA Network, Unbreakable, The Little Mermaid

On April 7, 2010, Go and her manager, Veronique del Rosario-Corpus of Viva Artist Agency, signed an exclusive contract at the GMA Network Center. Rachelle's first project with the Kapuso network is the Sunday musical-variety show Party Pilipinas, where she joined fellow Viva artist Mark Bautista.

For the second half of 2011, Go released her sixth album entitled Unbreakable, with "Masasabi Mo Ba" as the first single and her own composition, "Whispered Fear" as her second single. She also appeared in the GMA 7 drama series Nita Negrita, as Amanda. She was also able to be a mentor in Protégé: The Battle For The Big Break, reality-based singing talent show. Go debuted musical theatre as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, for which she won a Best Actress award from Broadway World Philippine Awards.

2012-2013: RAG: Rise Against Gravity Concert, Miss Saigon Audition, Tarzan Musical

In 2012, produced a solo concert "RAG Rise Against Gravity" with special guests Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Sarah Geronimo and Christian Bautista. It was held at Music Museum. She also auditioned and make it to the final round of Miss Saigon audition as the lead role Kim. She took the role Lara in the musical drama series Biritera of GMA 7.

In 2013, Go played Jane in the Tarzan musical, which ran from June 14 until July 7 at Meralco Theater, Pasig City. She portrayed the role Libulan (Diwata ng Buwan) in Indio. During June, Go will join the cast of SAS (Sunday All Stars).

2014: Miss Saigon, Miss Rachelle: The Send Off Concert, international breakthrough

Go was selected for a major role in the 2014 West End revival of Miss Saigon. She played the role of the disillusioned Gigi Van Tranh at the Prince Edward Theatre in London. Go sang one of the show’s most notable songs, "The Movie In My Mind". Before flying off to London to play the role of Gigi in the restaging of the hit musical "Miss Saigon". Go held a two and a half-hour send off concert entitled Miss Rachelle: The Send Off Concert with special guests Erik Santos, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista, Sheryn Regis, Jimmy Marquez and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. The concert also commemorated Go’s 10th anniversary in the entertainment industry.

Go guested on UK-based television and radio presenter and actress Gaby Roslin's radio show on BBC together with the BRIT Award-winning classical singing group Blake. Go recorded the duet with Blake as part of the group's album released in October. The album was released in UK, Australia, Korea and South Africa.

Go, together with artists from London's West End, gathered together in a concert entitled The Philippine Dream a benefit concert for Filipino children at the Leicester Hall in London on August 17, 2014. She delivered a performance at the said concert.

Go performed a duet with Lea Salonga for a special gala performance of the musical Miss Saigon. They sang “The Movie in My Mind”, eliciting cheers and a standing ovation from the audience. The gala performance was broadcast on BBC Radio 2.

Go won the Best Featured Actress award for her role as Gigi Van Tranh in Miss Saigon at the Broadway World UK/West End Awards.

Go appeared on stage with West End cast of Miss Saigon during a Royal Variety Performance aired via ITV, a UK commercial network. One Direction, Bette Midler, Shirley Bassey, Ed Sheeran, Demi Lovato, and Ellie Goulding also performed at the event and it was attended by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Kate Middleton.

2015: Disney involvement, Les Miserables, international activities

Go won as Best Supporting Actress in the 2015 WhatsOnStage Awards for her performance as Gigi Van Tranh in Miss Saigon. Other winners include Tom Hiddleston and David Tennant.

On February 19, 2015, Go and the rest of the stars of Miss Saigon showed off their cooking skills in a recent shoot for the magazine of English celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

In March 2015, Go became the cover girl of Aura Magazine, a new Filipino magazine which showcases the Philippines and the culture of its people. The magazine is available in the United Kingdom and the team is also looking into distributing the magazine in Spain, Germany and Ireland.

Go sang the song "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" in line with the release of the film Cinderella. Disney chose Rachelle to perform the song, saying that she embodied the values of Cinderella.The music video of “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” premiered on Disney Channel and Disney Channel Asia YouTube Channel on Saturday, March 7. She also promoted the movie in the Philippines.

It was also announced that Go has been announced as the new Fantine in the 30th anniversary staging of Les Misérables in London and started on June 15 at the Queen's Theatre, a role previously played by fellow Filipino actress and singer Lea Salonga. Go standing ovation from the audience on the first night.

Go performed the song "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables at West End Live 2015, an outdoor presentation of songs from popular musicals at Trafalgar Square in London. A huge crowd erupted into cheers when she effortlessly belted out the song's high notes.

On August 2, 2015, Go together with some of the West End's biggest stars joined forces with celebrities and footballers for an event to raise money for the MAD Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support in the Les Mis V Phantom charity football match. They performed during the pre-match concert.

Go is taking a break from the Les Misérables spotlight to record a song for GMA Pinoy TV. As a Filipina breaking ground abroad, GMA thought Rachelle was the perfect singer for the theme song. "Kapuso, Anumang Kulay ang Buhay" will be released worldwide, in line with the 10th anniversary celebration of GMA International.

It has been announced that Go will play as Fantine in the Asian tour of Les Misérables. The production opened in Manila in March 2016. The cast will include Earl Carpenter and Simon Gleeson who are all currently starring in different productions around the world.

Go joined the acclaimed songwriter Scott Alan for his two-week residency at The Hippodrome Casino. Joined by special guests Rob Houchen, Bradley Jaden, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, Britain's Got Talent winner Collabro and AJ Rafael, Go sang Alan’s extensive songbook in a night filled with heartfelt songs and the stories behind them.

Go performed with the two-time Tony Award and Grammy Award winner Patti LuPone, who played Fantine in the original West End production of Les Misérables during the 30th anniversary gala.

Go won the "Best Performance in a Long-Running West End show (Female)" category of the Broadway World UK awards. Other winners include the Hollywood star Benedict Cumberbatch and Imelda Staunton.

Rachelle Ann Go performs "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" with Rob Houchen, who currently plays Marius in London's LES MISERABLES, at the recent The Make A Difference Trust's charity cabaret.

2016–present: Les Misérables Asian tour, Broadway, Hamilton

For representing the Philippines [in the London theater scene, Go is recognized as one of Rexona's 50 Motion Sense Pinoy Movers.

Go showcased Filipino talent at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016.

On January 23, 2016, Creamsilk Philippines presented Rachelle Ann Go as one of their new ambassadors at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

Go and the other artists under Cornerstone Entertainment joined forces in a new music video. The stars are featured in the music video for the song "Tara Tena", which aims to help give listeners the right attitude towards participating in the upcoming elections.The full music video premiered on MYX.

Go was awarded by National Commission for Culture and the Arts through its annual Ani ng Dangal Awards in the field of Dramatic Arts.

Go portrayed the role of Gigi in the film adaptation of Miss Saigon 25th Anniversary London production produced by Mackintosh and Universal, is screened worldwide in theaters and released via digital and DVD release. It grossed £2.03 million at the box office overtaking 2014's release of Billy Elliot the Musical Live, making it the biggest ever debut for a screening of its kind.

On March 11, 2016, Go started to wow her fellow Filipinos for her portrayal of Fantine in Les Misérables Manila at "The Theater", at Solaire. She returned to London in June of same year to continue her portrayal as Fantine at West End.

Go was featured in People Asia Magazine as one of the Filipinas who made history joining the ranks of Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Cory Aquino, Lisa Macuja, KC Concepcion, Lea Salonga, Gloria Diaz and Monique Lhuillier.

Go, together with Sarah Geronimo, was the cover of Mega Magazine for the month of June recognizing her international achievements and contribution to the new generation.

Go, together with Jaclyn Jose and Pia Wurtzbach, is a Global Pinoy Awardee for 2016 given by Mega Magazine.

In June 2016, Jollibee announced that Go is one of the pinoys that we should be proud of. Accordingly, Go will form part of the list of Jollibee endorsers.

Go recorded a song with Rob Houchen entitled Man's Man's World for Rob's album which was produced by an independent record label in UK.

Go, Fil-American Eva Noblezada and the rest of the “Les Miserables” cast gave a rousing performance during the 2016 West End Live event in London held over the weekend. Go and Noblezada started with a beautiful mash-up of “I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own.” They play the roles of Fantine and Eponine, respectively.

Go was awarded by West End Theater the Best performance of a song for her rendition of Les Misérables' "I Dreamed a Dream".

On November 11, 2016, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Go was set to have a concert with Yeng Constantino, KZ Tandingan, Angeline Quinto and Kyla titled DIVAS Live in Manila, however, she dropped out due to scheduling conflicts with a new project, which later became Miss Saigon 2017 Broadway.

Go's video together with her Les Mis co-stars was featured in the official video page of Twitter. She posted a video where Go took of Noblezada and Doano doing headstands in their costumes.

Go was featured on Yes Magazine's Most Beautiful Stars 2016 edition.

In July 27, Go performed during Hillsong Conference Europe 2016 at O2 Arena in London.

Go will make her Broadway debut as she joins the U.S. cast of Miss Saigon on 2017. She will reprise her character of bar girl Gigi from her West End performance in the Broadway revival. Go is appearing in Miss Saigon with the support of Actors' Equity Association.

In October 2016, Go played the role of Mary Magdalene in Jesus The Rock Opera at the Dominion Theatre in London.

Go together with some of the biggest stars of London’s West End have re-recorded Jacques Brel’s If We Only Have Love in aid of Childline as the service celebrates its 30th anniversary. It also got its national radio play on The Graham Norton Show on BBC Radio 2.

In December 23, Go had a mall show entitled Rachelle Ann Go Live at Venice Piazza. She was also performing at Eastwood City New Year's Countdown on December 31, 2016 with American singer Phoebe Ryan and other Filipino artists.

In January 2017, Broadway.com announced that Go will play the role of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton in the West End production of the critically acclaimed and commercially successful musical Hamilton, which will debut at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London on November 21. Filipino actress-singer Christine Allado will also star in the production.

Rachelle Ann Go has been nominated at Big Apple Music Awards.

As an independent artist, Rachelle Ann Go has been nominated at Triunfo Awards which will be held at Las Vegas, Nevada.

Go has been nominated at Daf Bama Music Awards.

Go has been nominated as World Artist of The Year at The Josie Music Awards which will be held at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, USA.

Personal life

As of early September 2017, Go is engaged to Martin Spies, an American businessman based in New York City.

Go is a Christian.

Albums

Studio Album

International recognition

2005

2014

2015

2015

2016

2017

Local recognition

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2012

2013

2016