Lea Salonga apologizes to Daniel Padilla over 'The Voice Kids' comment

MANILA, Philippines – Lea Salonga took to Twitter to apologize to teen star Daniel Padilla over a comment she made on the Saturday, July 26 episode of ABS-CBN's reality talent show “The Voice Kids.”

During the said episode, Lea, in a comment for “The Voice Kids” finalist Juan Karlos Labajo for his performance of Bruno Mars' “Runaway Baby,” said: “I'm actually looking at you as a 13 year old and seeing what you will be like five years from now.”

PHOTOS: Top four finalists battle it out in 'The Voice Kids'

She added, “Yung mga DJ na yan, wala. Their names are going to be erased once you get to that age because ang charm mo nagamit sa number na ito.” Lea is referring to Daniel Padilla, whose nickname is DJ.

On her Twitter account on Saturday, July 26, Lea posted:

Ohhh dear... I offer my deepest apologies to Daniel P and his fans. In building up JK I neglected to think that I might hurt other people.

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) July 26, 2014

The Broadway star further explained she did not mean to disrespect anyone with her comment.

I meant no disrespect, but I humbly ask for forgiveness if that's how it came across. Sana mapatawad po ninyo ako sa aking pagkakamali.

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) July 26, 2014

Juan Karlos is one of the four finalists in “The Voice Kids” under coach Bamboo Manalac.

The other three finalists are Darlene Vibares under coach Lea and Lyca Gairanod and Darren Espanto under coach Sarah Geronimo.

The winner of “The Voice Kids” will announced on Sunday, July 27 at 6:15 p.m. on ABS-CBN.