La Diva was a Filipino pop

girl group A girl group is a music act featuring several female singers who generally harmonize together. The term "girl group" is also used in a narrower sense in the United States to denote the wave of American female pop music singing groups, many of who ...

, first established for the now-defunct musical variety-show ''

SOP A sop is a piece of bread or toast that is drenched in liquid and then eaten. In medieval cuisine, sops were very common; they were served with broth, soup, or wine and then picked apart into smaller pieces to soak in the liquid. At elaborate ...

''. The group is composed of two winners and a runner-up of ''

Pinoy Pop Superstar ''Pinoy Pop Superstar'' is a Philippine television singing talent show broadcast by GMA Network. Hosted by Regine Velasquez, it premiered on July 3, 2004. The show concluded on June 2, 2007 with a total of 3 seasons. In the 2006 Star Awards fo ...

''. The line-up was originally composed of Jona Viray, Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia. The group's final line-up included only

Aicelle Santos Aicelle Anne Coronel Santos-Zambrano (born February 24, 1985), is a Filipino singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress who. She has been known as the "First Undefeated Pinoy Pop Superstar", when she achieved eight straight wins in GMA Network's ' ...

and

Maricris Garcia Maria Cristina Yu Garcia-Cruz (born September 26, 1987), professionally known as Maricris Garcia-Cruz (), is a Filipina singer and actress. She came to prominence after winning the third season of '' Pinoy Pop Superstar''. She is the Philippine ...

;

Jona Jona may refer to: * Jona, Switzerland, a village of the municipality Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland * Jona (river), in the cantons of Zürich and St. Gallen in Switzerland * Jona (album), ''Jona'' (album), an album by Jona Viray People with the giv ...

departed the group on December 15, 2013. La Diva has sold more than 20,000 albums in the Philippines, and earned several achievements including Awit Awards and two PMPC Star Awards for Music. These successes lead the group to being the fourth best-selling female group in the Philippines behind the

Sexbomb Girls The SexBomb Girls (also known as SB Girls, SBG, SexBomb Dancers, and now SB NewGen) is an all-female singing and dancing group in the Philippines. They were initially only dancers for ''Eat Bulaga!'', the midday variety show in the Philippines ...

Aegis The aegis ( ; grc, αἰγίς ''aigís''), as stated in the ''Iliad'', is a device carried by Athena and Zeus, variously interpreted as an animal skin or a shield and sometimes featuring the head of a Gorgon. There may be a connection with a d ...

and the

Mocha Girls Mocha Girls is an all-female singing and dancing group from the Philippines. The current line-up consists of members Chloe Recto, Renzy Silvestre, Jade Dela Peña, Princess Chan and Rica Mae Sanchez. The Mocha Girls have released four albums: ''A ...

. They are known for the 2012 hit "I Know He's There," which was featured in the OST of ''

Legacy In law, a legacy is something held and transferred to someone as their inheritance, as by will and testament. Personal effects, family property, marriage property or collective property gained by will of real property. Legacy or legacies may refer ...

''. The group revealed that they officially retired on February 10, 2020 as their last performance on Zirkoh to pursue Viray, Garcia, & Santos more as a solo career.

History

In May 2008, it was confirmed that the

GMA Artist Center Sparkle (formerly GMA Artist Center, also known as Sparkle GMA Artist Center and GMA Talent Management and Development Department) is the talent agency owned by GMA Network Inc. based in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines that was founded i ...

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 as far back as January 2008, with the stipulation that each member of the group would maintain their own identity, conducive to their eventual solo careers. While the members of La Diva aren't exactly certain of how the group was formed, they did cite their past experience on the singing competition, ''

'', as their common link. Viray and Garcia were Grand Champions of the first and third seasons, respectively, and 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 "Empire State of Mind" is a song performed by American rapper Jay-Z featuring American singer Alicia Keys from the former's 11th studio album, '' The Blueprint 3'' (2009). It was released on October 20, 2009. Produced by Al Shux, the song featur ...

." On the now-defunct talk show, ''

Showbiz Central ''Showbiz Central'' is a Philippine television talk show broadcast by GMA Network. Originally hosted by Raymond Gutierrez, Pia Guanio and John Lapus, it premiered on April 29, 2007 replacing ''S-Files''. The show concluded on July 29, 2012 with ...

'', it was reported and confirmed that La Diva were going to begin working on an international album.

La Diva: self-titled debut album

The group's first self-titled debut album was released, and a promotional tour was made at major record bars across the Philippines in November 2009. The album contained 10 tracks, including covers of the songs "Apologize," "Angels Brought Me Here," "I'm Yours," "Best of My Love," "Stand Up For Love," and "Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan," and original tracks including "Kasiping Ka" (the album's carrier single), "One Last Goodbye," and "Rosalinda."

Members

Final Line-Up Members (2008-2015)

(born February 24, 1985) is a Filipina 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 Philippines' next big singer on the first season of

ABS-CBN ABS-CBN (an initialism of its two predecessors' names, Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast broadcast network, network tha ...

's ''

Star in a Million ''Search for the Star in a Million'' (formerly ''Star in a Million'' after two seasons) is a Philippine television program in ABS-CBN. The shows premise is almost the same to that of ''American Idol'', although the format is derived from GMA's ' ...

''. She has been dubbed the ''First Undefeated Pinoy Pop Superstar'' for achieving eight-straight wins on GMA 7's ''Pinoy Pop Superstar'', and was hailed as the Philippines' "Ballad Princess." She is now known as the one and only "Soul Flair Songstress." She is the oldest member of the group. *

(born September 26, 1987 in Caloocan, Philippines) is a Filipino singer and actress best known for winning the third season of ''Pinoy Pop Superstar''. She first auditioned for the premiere season of the same show, but did not emerge as a finalist. Two years later, she won the competition with her rendition of

Barry Manilow Barry Manilow (born Barry Alan Pincus; June 17, 1943) is an American singer and songwriter with a career that spans seven decades. His hit recordings include "Could It Be Magic", " Somewhere Down the Road", " Mandy", "I Write the Songs", " Can ...

's "One Voice" during the Grand Finale held at Araneta Coliseum. She was the 3rd Pinoy Pop Superstar champion. Her voice is distinctly similar to that of the Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla, thus earning the title of "Divine Princess." She is the second oldest member of the group, and now the "Queen of GMA Teleserye Theme songs."

Former member

Jona Viray Jonalyn Roxas Viray (born November 15, 1989), better known by her stage name, Jona, is a Filipino singer and actress. She was the first '' Pinoy Pop Superstar'' grand winner. She was the lead singer of trio girl-group La Diva, alongside Maric ...

(born November 15, 1989 in Marikina, Philippines) is a Filipina singer and occasional actress. She is the 1st ''Pinoy Pop Superstar'' Grand Champion, winning the competition with her soulful renditions of the classic "

It Might Be You "It Might Be You" is a song with music written by Dave Grusin, and lyrics written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Alan & Marilyn Bergman. It was performed by singer/songwriter Stephen Bishop (singer), Stephen Bishop in the 1982 film ''Tootsie'' star ...

," and

Whitney Houston Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer and actress. Nicknamed "The Voice", she is one of the bestselling music artists of all time, with sales of over 200 million records worldwide. Houston in ...

'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. As the youngest member of the group, she had earned the title of the Philippines' "Soul Princess."

Shows

Concerts

*Let's Celebrate (L.A. Concert with

Marian Rivera Marian Rivera Gracia-Dantes (; born 12 August 1984) is a Filipino recording artist, actress, and commercial model. She gained prominence as a widely-acclaimed actress for her roles in '' MariMar'', ''Dyesebel'', '' Amaya'', ''Darna'' and '' Te ...

and

Dingdong Dantes Jose Sixto Raphael Gonzalez Dantes III (born August 2, 1980), professionally known as Dingdong Dantes (), is a Filipino actor, television presenter, dancer, commercial model and film producer who is currently working as an employment contract, ...

- 2008) *Katy Musical (MMFF Highlights - 2008) *America's Finest (front act) *One Journey Concert (Canada concert with

Arnel Pineda Arnel Campaner Pineda (born September 5, 1967) is a Filipino singer and songwriter. He came to prominence in the Philippines during the 1980s and internationally in 2007 as the lead singer of the American rock band Journey. Early life Arnel ...

) *Only La Diva *La Diva Unleashed *Intimately La Diva

Tours

*La Diva Unleashed: US Tour (Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada) - October 29 & 30, 2010

Discography

Albums

*''La Diva'' (2009,

Sony Music Sony Music Entertainment (SME), also known as simply Sony Music, is an American multinational music company. Being owned by the parent conglomerate Sony Group Corporation, it is part of the Sony Music Group, which is owned by Sony Entertainment ...

GMA Records GMA Music (formerly known as Infiniti Music and GMA Records) is a subsidiary of GMA Network Inc. and is engaged in the production, marketing and distribution of music and concerts. GMA Music is a member of PARI and has the distinction of having ...

)

Singles

*" Apologize" (originally by

OneRepublic OneRepublic is an American pop rock band formed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 2002. It consists of lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Tedder, lead guitarist and violist Zach Filkins, rhythm guitarist Drew Brown, bassist and cellis ...

) *"

Angels Brought Me Here "Angels Brought Me Here" (or "Faith Has Brought Me Here") is a pop song by Australian singer-songwriter Guy Sebastian. It was released in Australia on 24 November 2003 as the lead single from his debut album, '' Just as I Am'' (2003). The song ...

" (originally by

Guy Sebastian Guy Theodore Sebastian (born 26 October 1981) is an Australian singer and songwriter who was the winner of the first '' Australian Idol'' in 2003, judge on Australia's ''The X Factor'' from 2010 to 2012 and again from 2015 to 2016, and coach ...

and used as the theme song for ''

Queen Seon Deok ''Queen Seondeok'' () is a 2009 South Korean historical drama produced by MBC and Time Box Production for the former's 48th founding anniversary, starring Lee Yo-won, Go Hyun-jung, Uhm Tae-woong, Kim Nam-gil and Park Ye-jin. It chronicles t ...

'' in the Philippines) *"Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan?" ('' Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan'' theme song - originally performed by

Basil Valdez Basil Salvador Valdez (; born 8 November 1951) is a Filipino singer. He has received several Tinig Awards and the 1991 Tanglaw ng Lahi Award from Ateneo de Manila University. Biography Like many Filipino singers in the 1970s, Basil S. Valdez st ...

) *"Ikaw ang Pag-Ibig" (''

Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang ''Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang'' (International title: ''Dangerous Love'' / ) is a 2009 Philippine television drama thriller series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is an adaptation of Carlo J. Caparas' graphic novel. Directed by Joy ...

'' theme song) *"Kung Mayrong Pangarap" (''

Basahang Ginto ''Basahang Ginto'' (International title: ''Golden Heart'' / ) is a 2010 Philippine television drama series broadcast by GMA Network. Based on a Philippine comic book by Mars Ravelo and the 1952 Philippine film of the same title, the series is t ...

'' theme song) *"Ay Amor" (theme song of ''Rosalinda'' which is based on the telenovela of the same name) *"Rosalinda" (slow and fast version; from ''Rosalinda'') *"

Stand Up for Love "Stand Up for Love" is a song recorded by American group Destiny's Child for their first greatest hits album '' #1's'' (2005). The song was written by Amy Foster-Gillies and David Foster, with the latter also serving as the producer with Humbert ...

" (originally by

Destiny's Child Destiny's Child was an American girl group whose final line-up comprised Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. The group began their musical career as Girl's Tyme, formed in 1990 in Houston, Texas. After years of limited ...

) *" I'm Yours" (originally by

Jason Mraz Jason Thomas Mraz (; born June 23, 1977) is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. He rose to prominence with the release of his debut studio album, ''Waiting for My Rocket to Come'' (2002), which spawned the single " The Remedy (I Won't ...

) *''

Magic Palayok ''Magic Palayok'' (International title: ''Magic Pot'') is a 2011 Philippine television drama fantasy comedy series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Joel Lamangan, it stars Geoff Eigenmann, Carla Abellana and Angeli Nicole Sanoy. It premiere ...

'' theme song *"Ang Aking Munting Bituin" (''

Munting Heredera ''Munting Heredera'' (International title: ''Little Heiress'') is a Philippine television drama series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes, it stars Gloria Romero. It premiered on May 9, 2011 on the network's Telebabad li ...

'' theme song - originally performed by

Gary Valenciano Edgardo Jose Santiago Valenciano (, born August 6, 1964), also known as Gary V., is a Filipino singer-songwriter, dancer, musician, actor, music producer and television host. Valenciano has released 39 albums, and won the Awit Award for "Bes ...

) *"Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka" ('' One True Love'' theme song - originally performed by

Regine Velasquez Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez ( ; born April 22, 1970) is a Filipina singer, actress, and record producer. She is considered one of the most influential figures in Philippine popular culture and is known for her vocal range and beltin ...

) *"Sana'y Wala ng Wakas" (''

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'' theme song - originally performed by

Sharon Cuneta Sharon Gamboa Cuneta-Pangilinan ( , ; born January 6, 1966) is a Filipino actress, singer, television host, and socialite. Regarded as one of the most successful and highest-earning individuals in the Philippine entertainment industry, she has ...

)

Artistry and influences

Musical styles

La Diva's debut album produced a distinct mixed style of reggae, belting-pop, novelty and dance tracks. Thematically, La Diva's music highlights female independence and empowerment, specifically in such songs as "Angels Brought Me Here" and "Best of My Love." The trio offers a blending of vocal styles: Viray's

soprano A soprano () is a type of classical female singing voice and has the highest vocal range of all voice types. The soprano's vocal range (using scientific pitch notation) is from approximately middle C (C4) = 261 Hz to "high A" (A5) = 880&n ...

, Garcia's

mezzo-soprano A mezzo-soprano or mezzo (; ; meaning "half soprano") is a type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types. The mezzo-soprano's vocal range usually extends from the A below middle C ...

, and Santos'

alto The musical term alto, meaning "high" in Italian (Latin: ''altus''), historically refers to the contrapuntal part higher than the tenor and its associated vocal range. In 4-part voice leading alto is the second-highest part, sung in choruses by ...

ranges respectively.

Image

La Diva was known for their "belting" vocals and "sexy" styling. Their label, Sony BMG Philippines, described the group 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 tracks with styles encompassing urban, contemporary and dance-pop genres. They have named former R&B female group

and fellow Filipina singer

as among their influences.

Jona's departure, hiatus and disbandment

Though the group was experiencing a string of success,

Jonalyn Viray Jonalyn Roxas Viray (born November 15, 1989), better known by her stage name, Jona, is a Filipino singer and actress. She was the first '' Pinoy Pop Superstar'' grand winner. She was the lead singer of trio girl-group La Diva, alongside Mari ...

decided to leave on December 15, 2013 to pursue growth opportunities as a solo artist. Her departure was announced via

GMA Network GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...

Facebook Facebook is an online social media and social networking service owned by American company Meta Platforms. Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg with fellow Harvard College students and roommates Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin M ...

page. Viray's departure left

and

as a duo. After Viray's departure, the remaining members of the group, along with their management, took a year-long hiatus. Though initial plans for a follow-up album fell through, in late 2014 the duo continued to make guest appearances on various

shows.

Julie Anne San Jose Julie Anne Peñaflorida San Jose (; born May 17, 1994) is a Filipino singer, songwriter, actress, host and television personality. She is dubbed as "''Asia's Limitless Star''" for her singing prowess and achievements. San Jose is regarded as ...

made occasional appearances with the duo, temporarily replacing Viray during guest appearances and performances in early 2015. Eventually, the group faced management issues leading to a failed album, eventually leading to the duo's disbandment on June 13, 2015. At present,

and

are still artists of

, making cameo appearances in some of the network's programs.

eventually signed with

Star Music Star Music (stylized in lowercase as starmusic; formerly known as Star Records), is a record label in the Philippines owned and operated by media conglomerate ABS-CBN Corporation. It was formerly a separate company operating as a wholly owned su ...

, launching her career as a solo artist under the stage name,

Awards

*People's Choice Favorite Group Recording Artists (22nd Awit Awards - January 2010) *Best Group of the Year (2nd PMPC Star Awards for Music - October 2010) *Best Music Video of the Year - "Kasiping Ka" (2nd PMPC Star Awards for Music - October 2010) *Best Group Performance in a Concert (Only La Diva Concert) (23rd Aliw Awards - October 2010)

References

External links

Official Facebook fanpage

Fan forum

La Diva website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Diva (Band) Filipino pop music groups Filipino contemporary R&B musical groups Filipino girl groups Musical groups established in 2008 Musical groups from Metro Manila Singing talent show winners GMA Network personalities GMA Music artists Musical groups disestablished in 2015