Filipino audiences have another reason to celebrate Lea Salonga, who is days away from becoming the first Filipina immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The honor lands under the Live Theatre/Live Performance category and will be revealed September 4 outside the Pantages Theatre at 6225 Hollywood Boulevard. Ming-Na Wen, the speaking voice behind Mulan, is expected to attend the unveiling.
The recognition follows Salonga’s turn at “Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration,” a gathering of the performers who have voiced and embodied the studio’s princesses over the decades. The concert is now available to stream on Disney+.
Wearing a teal kimono-style outfit for the event, Salonga returned to one of her signature numbers, singing “Reflection” from the 1998 film “Mulan,” for which she supplied the character’s singing voice. She and Wen posed together for a photo that the actress later shared online.
“Yes, I’m crying and you can, too. So proud of my princess sisters!!! Last night was an amazing performance. I can’t wait for you all to see it,” Wen wrote in her Instagram caption.
The Broadway star also teamed with singer-actress Brandy, who played Cinderella in the 1997 television version of the fairy tale. Together they performed “A Whole New World” from 1992’s “Aladdin,” the film in which Salonga voiced Princess Jasmine’s songs.
When she posted a clip of her “Reflection” performance, praise poured in from peers and admirers. “So much fun working with you again! Love you and Nic so much!!!” theater performer Loren Lott commented. Broadcaster Zen Hernandez added, “You inspired so many little Filipina girls to dream. You ARE our Disney princess!”
The night brought together a wide roster of franchise talent. Jodi Benson and Halle Bailey, the animated and live-action Ariels, paired up for “Part of Your World.” Belle was represented by Paige O’Hara, the character’s original singing voice, alongside Broadway originator Susan Egan. Auli’i Cravalho and Catherine Laga’aia, who voice Moana in the animated film and its coming live-action remake, also appeared. Judy Kuhn delivered “Colors of the Wind” as Pocahontas, and Anika Noni Rose performed “Almost There” as Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog.”
Salonga’s Disney ties run deep. She was inducted as a Disney Legend in 2011 for voicing both Jasmine and Mulan. Her broader résumé includes originating Kim in “Miss Saigon,” a role that earned her a Tony along with Olivier, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle honors.
The accolades continue after Hollywood. The Manila International Film Festival plans to hand Salonga its Icon Award at a September 6 gala staged at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
