GMA scores ‘casting coup’ with SB19's Pablo and Stell in ‘The Voice Kids’
How did GMA secure not just one, but two SB19 members as coaches for its upcoming show “The Voice Kids”?
Joining Stell on the reality singing competition is SB19’s main composer and producer, Pablo. He replaces Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda, who, along with Stell, Julie Anne San Jose, and Billy Crawford, comprised the coaching lineup of “The Voice” spinoff “The Voice Generations.” It was GMA’s first local edition of the international franchise since acquiring the rights to the format last year.
For the kids edition premiering on Sept. 15, Gigi Santiago-Lara, vice president for Musical Variety and Specials for the Entertainment Group, looked back on how GMA managed to get, first, Stell and then Pablo to join as coaches.
“When we were conceptualizing for ‘The Voice,’ kailangan iba’t ibang klase ng coaches kukunin, parang requirement siya ng franchise,” she told The STAR in a recent interview.
“Everyone knows how popular SB19 is. Ako rin kasi nanonood ako ng mga shows ng SB19 and with Stell, nakikita ko na sobra siyang kwela. Our team approached them and willing naman daw siya. He was very open to it.
“We met him via Zoom last year to get to know him and see if fit ba siya. We found him very entertaining, as you’ve seen in ‘The Voice Generations.’ Nakakatuwa siya. Kahit ‘veterans’ yung mga kasama niya, hindi siya nagpapahuli.”
Vocalmyx, the acapella group that Stell coached, eventually emerged as “The Voice Generations” champion.
For “The Voice Kids,” however, Chito had to bow out due to other commitments, leaving a spot open.
When asked how Pablo came into consideration, Santiago-Lara said they were unsure at first if he would agree to the role. But they had seen him as a guest on “The Voice Generations” when the entire SB19 group showed their support for Stell and his team on the show.
During that time, they observed how Pablo interacted with the contestants, which gave them insight into his potential as a coach.
“He’s very meticulous, may command talaga sa tingin niya kung ano ang maganda. He had a lot of input, and we found it very inspiring. Nakakatuwa kasi he was really taking it seriously. Actually, everyone in the group. But makikita mo talaga na siya yung nag-ste-step up. We know that in SB19, he’s the composer, producer, right?”
Santiago-Lara further revealed that Pablo’s inclusion had the blessing of the franchise owner.
She shared, “Initially, ‘di namin alam if pwede another member of SB19. But when we asked permission from the franchise owners, ITV… their consultant was here many times last year and nakita niya yung interaction ni Stell with the coaches and talents. And then nanalo pa si Stell last year, so may idea na siya. Nakita rin niya si Pablo during last year’s episode, so familiar na siya. They said yes.”
GMA is grateful to the franchise owners for recognizing the value of having Pablo on the show. The next challenge was getting the SB19 leader on board.
Santiago-Lara said, “Actually, sinabi ko kay Pablo nung first kami nag-meeting, we weren’t sure if he would accept this kind of project. Baka ayaw niya mag-TV…
“We weren’t sure if Pablo was OK to go mainstream because he’s very private and focused on making music. But we thought, malay mo, baka pumayag.
“When we spoke with his management, he said he was open to it, so we continued the talks from there. We were very happy.”
Santiago-Lara recalled Stell’s surprise when Pablo agreed, but clarified that it wasn’t his idea to get the latter. She also pointed out that Stell was very supportive when he found out.
From the show’s pictorial alone, the TV executive noted that there was already rapport, as well as playful banter among the coaches. “Nung nagkita kami lahat, natuwa naman siya (Stell). Tini-tease siya ng ibang coaches na yung mga kanta ni Stell, si Pablo gumawa niyan. It’s a friendly thing between them… Everything is just for fun.”
Meanwhile, GMA is thankful for the positive feedback ever since they made the announcement.
“We’re very thankful also to the (SB19 fans or A’TIN) because they’re very supportive of Pablo and Stell. They’re giving positive feedback to the show, so we’re grateful.”
She also admitted though they’ve heard some concerns about involving both SB19 members, such as that fans might be divided. However, she noted that at the recent concert of Julie and Stell, Pablo gave a message of support to his fellow member, which should help address those concerns.
When The STAR asked if GMA is considering involving other SB19 members in future projects, Santiago-Lara confirmed, “Yeah, we’re looking into tapping other members of SB19 for other projects. Not just for musical variety… The Julie and Stell concert, that’s another partnership we have with SB19’s management, 1Z Entertainment.”
With both SB19 members being part of a younger coaching lineup, Santiago-Lara believes this will bring an “older sibling” dynamic to the competition that focuses on kiddie hopefuls.
“Billy, being a father, knows how to relate to kids. Julie Anne has a background in starting out in a children’s contest, ‘Pop Star Kids.’ She knows how it feels to be in their shoes. With Stell and Pablo, they’re close to the kids’ hearts. Nakaka-relate yung mga bata sa mga music na ginagawa nila,” she said.
“We’re really looking forward to how they’ll relate to the talents.”
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