La Diva (group)
| Company type | Girl group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | May 2008 |
| Defunct | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Metro Manila , Philippines |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
| Website | www |
La Diva was a Filipino pop girl group created specifically for the now-discontinued variety program SOP. The initial roster consisted of winners and a runner-up from Pinoy Pop Superstar: Jona Viray, Aicelle Santos, and Maricris Garcia. After Viray left in December 2013, the group continued as a duo with Santos and Garcia. La Diva achieved sales exceeding 20,000 albums within the Philippines and received numerous honors, including Awit Awards and two PMPC Star Awards for Music. They ranked as the nation's fourth highest-selling female group, following SexBomb Girls, Aegis, and Mocha Girls. Their 2012 single "I Know He's There" was featured on the soundtrack of the television series Legacy. In 2009, they performed the Philippine National Anthem at the Manny Pacquiao versus Miguel Cotto boxing match, an appearance that drew criticism from the National Historical Commission.
The ensemble officially disbanded on February 10, 2020, after their final show at Zirkoh to pursue individual careers.
History
In May 2008, GMA Artist Center introduced La Diva as a female trio through the "Three of a Kind" segment on their variety show.
Jonalyn Viray disclosed that the concept for La Diva originated as early as January 2008, with an understanding that each member would retain her solo identity to support future individual endeavors. Their shared connection stemmed from their achievements on Pinoy Pop Superstar: Viray and Garcia won seasons one and three respectively, while Santos was the runner-up in season two.
Between October 24 and 28, 2011, La Diva showcased their talent in Indonesia across three performances, delivering renditions of hits like "I'm Yours" and "Empire State of Mind." It was also announced on Showbiz Central that they were preparing an international album.
La Diva: self-titled debut album
Released in November 2009, La Diva’s debut album was promoted through a tour visiting major record outlets throughout the Philippines. The 10-track record included covers such as "Apologize," "Angels Brought Me Here," and "I'm Yours," alongside original songs like "Kasiping Ka" (the lead single), "One Last Goodbye," and "Rosalinda."
Members
- Aicelle Santos (2008–2015) – A Filipino artist specializing in soul, R&B, pop, and jazz genres as a singer-songwriter and pianist. Santos gained prominence through ABS-CBN’s Star in a Million and GMA 7’s Pinoy Pop Superstar, earning accolades including "First Undefeated Pinoy Pop Superstar" and "Soul Flair Songstress." She is the oldest member of the group.
- Maricris Garcia (2008–2015) – Winner of the third season of Pinoy Pop Superstar, Garcia is recognized for her vocal similarity to Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla, earning her the nickname "Divine Princess." She is also known as the "Queen of GMA Teleserye Theme Songs" and is the group's second eldest member.
- Jona Viray (2008–2013) – The inaugural Grand Champion of Pinoy Pop Superstar, Viray is celebrated for her strong vocal abilities and multiple accolades at the 2006 World Championships of Performing Arts. She holds the title "Soul Princess" as the youngest member of La Diva.
Concerts
- Let's Celebrate (Los Angeles concert featuring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes – 2008)
- Katy Musical (highlight performance at MMFF – 2008)
- America's Finest (opening performance)
- One Journey Concert (Canada, alongside Arnel Pineda)
- Only La Diva
- La Diva Unleashed
- Intimately La Diva
Tours
- La Diva Unleashed: United States Tour (Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada) – October 29 & 30, 2010
Albums
- La Diva (2009, released under Sony Music/GMA Records)
Singles
- "Apologize" (originally performed by OneRepublic)
- "SiS" (remix) (theme song for SiS)
- "Angels Brought Me Here" (cover of Guy Sebastian; used as the theme for Queen Seon Deok in the Philippines)
- "Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan?" (theme for Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan; originally by Basil Valdez)
- "Ikaw ang Pag-Ibig" (theme for Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang)
- "Kung Mayrong Pangarap" (theme for Basahang Ginto)
- "Ay Amor" and "Rosalinda" (themes from Rosalinda)
- "Stand Up for Love" (originally by Destiny's Child)
- "I'm Yours" (original version by Jason Mraz)
- Theme song for Magic Palayok
- "Ang Aking Munting Bituin" (theme for Munting Heredera; originally performed by Gary Valenciano)
- "I Know He's There" (theme for Legacy)
- "Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka" (theme for One True Love; originally by Regine Velasquez)
- "Sana'y Wala ng Wakas" (theme for Anna KareNina; originally by Sharon Cuneta)
Musical styles
The debut album of La Diva features a fusion of reggae, belting-pop, novelty, and dance tracks, highlighting themes of female empowerment and independence in songs such as "Angels Brought Me Here" and "Best of My Love." Vocally, the group showcases a blend of Viray's soprano, Garcia's mezzo-soprano, and Santos' alto vocal ranges.
Image
Sony BMG Philippines characterized La Diva as a pop ensemble known for their commanding belting vocals paired with daring fashion choices, catchy melodies, rap segments, and confident stage presence.
Styles and themes
Their musical selection incorporates elements of R&B, novelty tunes, urban contemporary beats, and dance-pop. They draw inspiration from R&B group Destiny's Child as well as Filipina icon Regine Velasquez.
Jona's departure, hiatus and disbandment
Although the group enjoyed considerable success, Jonalyn Viray departed on December 15, 2013, to focus on her solo career. Her exit was announced through the official Facebook page of GMA Network, leaving Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia to continue as a duo.
After Viray's departure, La Diva went on a year-long break. Plans to produce a new album did not materialize; however, the remaining members maintained occasional guest appearances on GMA Network. During early 2015 performances, Julie Anne San Jose temporarily filled in for Viray. Eventually, management complications resulted in the group's official disbandment on June 13, 2015.
Currently, Santos and Garcia remain affiliated with GMA Network, making guest appearances from time to time. Meanwhile, Viray signed with Star Music, embarking on her solo career under the stage name Jona.
Awards
- People's Choice Award for Favorite Group Recording Artists (22nd Awit Awards, January 2010)
- Group of the Year (2nd PMPC Star Awards for Music, October 2010)
- Music Video of the Year for "Kasiping Ka" (2nd PMPC Star Awards for Music, October 2010)
- Outstanding Group Performance in a Concert for Only La Diva Concert (23rd Aliw Awards, October 2010)