Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Power Diva Angeline Quinto, chart-topping singer-songwriter Juan Karlos, and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano will lead the impressive panel of judges for the inaugural season of 'Idol Kids Philippines.' The show is set to premiere on the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live, and TV5 on Saturdays and Sundays, starting June 28.

During a recent media conference at ABS-CBN Studios, the judges discussed their experiences with hopefuls in the reality singing contest.

Regine said: 'During auditions, I just realized hindi pala talaga nakikinig ang mga bata. Kaya pala makulit ang nanay natin noong bata pa tayo. Pero hindi tayo nakikinig. (During auditions, I just realized that kids don't listen. That's why our mom was so insistent when we were kids. But we don't listen.)

'It's hard being a mom, and it's even harder to balance being a judge while trying to correct them. And also try to be sensitive, kasi hindi mo naman anak yun. Kasi kung anak ko yun, sasabihin ko makinig siya sa akin. (Because that's not your child. Because if that were my child, I would tell him to listen to me.)  So you need to balance everything.

'Their span of attention is so short, but they absorb. When they hear the information, they are unsure how to proceed with it. So I feel like they absorb it and put it somewhere in their brain. It's like saying the brain doesn't know what to do with it, so when they grow up, they will realize, 'eto na pala yun,' she said.

Regine also mentioned that the group was careful about the language used for the contestants.

'Yung manner din ng pag correct namin sa kanila dapat doon sa language nila. It has to be maiintindihan nila sa emotions na dapat nilang ma-digest. (How we correct them should also be in their language. It has to be understandable to them through emotions that they should be able to digest), she added.

Angeline expressed that she had second thoughts about accepting the show, as it was also challenging for her to say no to children.

'Sa totoo lang, nagda-dalawang isip akong tumanggap ng ganitong trabaho kasi nanggaling din ako ng mga singing contest. Parang hindi ko kaya mag-sabi ng no sa mga contestant lalo na mga bata. May dalawang anak na rin ako. (To be honest, I was hesitant to accept this kind of job because I also came from singing contests. I don't think I can say no to contestants, especially children. I already have two children),' she said.

Angeline added: 'Grabe ang preparations ko kasi affected ang puso ko kapag may umiiyak na bata at matanda. Pero sa mga napagdaanan ko noon, marami rin akong natanggap na no. So ang lahat ng no na yun, ang laking tulong kung nasaan ako ngayon. (My preparations were intense because my heart is affected when children and adults cry. But in what I've been through, I've also received a lot of nos. So all those nos, they're a big help to where I am now.)'

JK felt that many parents disliked him because he rejected several contestants during the auditions.

'Feeling ko maraming magulang ang galit sa akin kasi ako yung no ng no. My approach (as a judge) is parang kuya. Most of them come in na nanginginig (dahil malamig) sa studio so yun ang ginagawa kong approach sa kanila. (I feel like a lot of parents are mad at me because I'm the one who says no to no. My approach (as a judge) is like that of an older brother. Most of them are shivering (because it's cold) in the studio, so that's how I approach them),' the Buwan singer said.

Gary emphasized that children should learn to accept defeat and strive harder to succeed.

'Bilang isang tatay and lolo, natutunan ko rin na kausapin ang mga kids sa Idol Kids Philippines yung gagamitin ko ang mga salita na bagay sa hilig nilang gawin maliban sa pagkanta. For example, hilig din nilang magbasketball, so in case sumablay, so I will say something they can understand or relate. (As a father and grandfather, I also learned to talk to the kids in Idol Kids Philippines using words that suit their interests besides singing. For example, they also enjoy basketball, so if they miss, I will say something they can understand or relate to.)'

'But it's not easy because, more than being hopeful, these are children who are just developing. Sometimes when you say no, hindi natin alam paano niya tatanggapin yun.

'Pero in a way, kailangan din silang matuto na when you lose, or when somebody says no, mas bibigyan mo ng konting halaga kapag nakatanggap ka ng konting panalo sa buhay. (But in a way, they also need to learn that when you lose, or when somebody says no, you will give a little more value when you receive a little victory in life.)'

'When you receive a win or yes in life, you treasure them because you know how it is to lose, and then you work harder to get better,' Gary also said.

Kiddie hopefuls from all over the country are ready to showcase their world-class vocal talent and win hearts with stories of courage, passion, and big dreams—bringing inspiration, joy, and moving performances to viewers every weekend.

Regine returns to the judging panel with her signature warmth and wisdom, bringing decades of experience that have inspired generations of singers. Gary V. adds his boundless energy and heartfelt perspective, shaped by a legendary career and personal resilience.

Angeline, making her debut as a judge, brings a fresh voice and powerful story of perseverance, offering empathy and encouragement to young contestants. Completing the panel is Juan Karlos, whose bold artistry and authenticity will challenge the kids to embrace their individuality and reach for greatness.

Bringing even more excitement and good vibes to the show are main hosts Jolina Magdangal and Robi Domingo, who will guide the viewers through every emotional and unforgettable moment. Adding a digital spin are “Idol Kids Spotlight” hosts Shanaia Gomez and Emilio Daez, ready to give fans an insider look at the contestants’ journeys and online exclusives.

Catch the kiddie hopefuls as they reach for their brightest dreams on Idol Kids Philippines, starting this June 28 (Saturday) and June 29 (Sunday).

Watch from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and Kapamilya Online Live every Saturday, and from 8:00 pm to 9:15 pm (Saturdays) and 8:15 pm to 9:30 pm (Sundays) on TV5.