Fourteen-year-old Jona Soquite was not only named as the first grand champion of The Voice Teens in the Philippines, but she also made history as the first young artist to win in Asia. The Philippines’ The Voice Teens, local adapted by leading media and entertainment company ABS-CBN, was the first all-teen format of Talpa’s worldwide hit franchise mounted in Asia and second in the world following Colombia’s La Voz Teens.

The Voice Teens was a consistent weekend top-rater in the Philippines and its back-to-back finale even scored a whopping national TV ratings of 38.2% and 40.3% (combined urban and rural homes), according to Kantar Media. The show’s finale also trended on Twitter worldwide.

 

“Talpa is proud to be ABS-CBN’s partner in this wonderful extension of ‘The Voice’ brand. We are happy to see the success of this first season!” said Maarten Meijs, Managing Director Talpa Global.

 

In the finale, Jona, coached by popstar and top-selling recording artist Sarah Geronimo, garnered 44.78% of the combined text and online votes, beating co-contenders Isabela Vinzon of Team Bamboo (22.42%), Mica Becerro of Team Lea (17.79%), and Jeremy Glinoga of Team Sharon (15.01%).

 

Before impressing viewers with her performance of her winning piece “I Believe I Can Fly,” Jona showcased her versatility in a duet with coach Sarah on “Better Days” and in a solo performance of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance.”

 

As the season’s winner, Jona won a fashion package, P1 million cash, and P1 million trust fund from H&M, a business package from Snack Attack, dental services from Dental Harmony, P2 million worth of life insurance from SunLife, a recording and management contract with MCA and ABS-CBN, and a P2 million-worth house from Camella.

 

Aside from The Voice Teens, ABS-CBN already mounted two seasons of “The Voice” and three seasons of “The Voice Kids.” ABS-CBN remains to be the Filipino leader in locally adapting worldwide hit formats.