Waynehart Claire Geonzon, a finalist of The Voice Kids, revealed that Filipino Broadway star Lea Salonga has inspired her a lot in achieving her dreams.
"I really wanna be like her and follow her footsteps when I grow up. My ultimate dream is to become an international artist," said Waynehart, when asked about how Lea inspired her, during an exclusive interview at the City Best Dental Clinic in Sta. Mesa, Manila recently.
Waynehart, 12, recalled joining Team Lea during the blind auditions for the reality show in 2016. "She's beautiful and magaling siyang kumanta. I feel that when I choose her, she will take good care of me. She will be able to teach me about music. Sobrang bait po niya and she teaches me the right techniques sa singing." Lea was one of the three coaches, along with Bamboo Manalac and Sarah Geronimo.
In one of their rehearsals for the show, Lea advised her to be humble, pray, and sing with your heart. "When I practice, I pray first. Then I also practice at home. Sometimes I watch shows on YouTube."
Marie, Waynehart's mom, recalled how Lea praised her daughter when she lined up to get her autograph.
So when Lea saw her lining-up, the OPM icon told Waynehart: "What a good quality! You could have gone to my dressing room."
Waynehart told Lea: "Coach I'm your fan that's why I have to line-up." Lea answered: "Don't forget me when you become a superstar someday."
Hearing that from Lea, Waynehart said: "I felt like crying."
Lea also said that Waynehart has a voice that's a gift from God.
The last time she met Lea was during the star's birthday celebration in Quezon City where she and other Voice Kids finalists attended the party before the pandemic.
Waynehart finished in the semifinals of the series. Seven years after her stint in The Voice Kids, her dream of making it big in music is still alive. Marie said that her daughter has received offers to do shows in the US. The rising star also said she hopes to study there.
"I feel really blessed because I was the only Filipino artist in the group (during an audition). I am really proud that I get to represent my country. I want to study there hopefully," Waynehart said.
Impressed by her talent and good qualities, Mrs. Ligaya Salonga and Lea help Waynehart achieve success in school without going broke in the process. Waynehart prioritizes school which she promised to the Salongas.
“She studies so well and she tries hard to be a good student. That’s her promise to coach Lea…that she will study hard,” said Marie.
Waynehart also dreams of becoming a dentist. Sought to give advice to the young artist, Dr. Claudette Gallo, of City Best Dental Clinic, said: "Just study hard and follow your dreams."
Aside from Lea, Waynehart idolized Barbra Streisand. Her mom says she's been to New York but she hasn't seen any musicals. "Kapag adult na raw siya babalikan daw niya ang Broadway.'' (When she is an adult, she will return to Broadway.)