#SHOWBIZ: Lea Salonga's magical blend of Broadway, Disney and family memories

Lea Salonga opened the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas concert to immediate applause, with the audience recognizing her as a performer who has made a significant impact on popular culture. Over four decades, she has performed in Broadway, Disney, and across various media, including film, television, and concert halls. She recently became the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The three-day concert was not just a celebration of her career, but a tribute to her family and musical heritage. Her younger brother, Gerard Salonga, acted as the conductor for the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra during his sister's performances. Gerard, 53, led the orchestra throughout his sister's show, adding a personal touch to the event.

The concert opened with the Lea Salonga Overture, blending Disney classics, Broadway hits, and popular music. A highlight was the Disney Princess Medley, featuring songs like "Part of Your World," "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes," "Home," and "Colours of the Wind." Her Broadway achievements were also showcased through songs from "Miss Saigon," "Les Misérables," "Wicked," "Company," "Sweeney Todd," and "Gypsy."

Salonga's versatility shone through, with standards like "I Dreamed a Dream," "Being Alive," and "Defying Gravity" demonstrating her vocal precision, emotional depth, and ability to inhabit each lyric. Between the musical numbers, Salonga shared family memories, such as watching "Saturday Night Fever" with her brother and mother.

The concert ended with a high-energy performance of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," bringing the audience to their feet and celebrating an extraordinary career.