View source for Lea Salonga

{{Short description|Filipino actress and singer (born 1971)}}
{{For|her eponymous album|Lea Salonga (album){{!}}''Lea Salonga'' (album)}}
{{Philippine name|Imutan|Salonga}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Lea Salonga
| honorific_suffix   = [[Order of Lakandula|CL]]
| image              = LeaSalonga-byPhilipRomano (cropped).jpg
| caption            = Salonga in 2025
| birth_name         = Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1971|2|22}}
| birth_place        = [[Manila]], Philippines
| occupation         = {{hlist|Actress|singer}}
| years_active       = 1978–present
| works              = {{hlist|[[Lea Salonga discography|Discography]]|[[Lea Salonga on screen and stage|screen and stage]]}}
| spouse             = {{marriage|Robert Chien|January 10, 2004-2023}}
| children           = [[Nic Chien]]
| relatives          = {{ubl|[[Gerard Salonga]] (brother) |[[Jovito Salonga]] (uncle)| |[[Maniya Barredo]] (cousin)|[[Shay Mitchell]] (cousin)}}
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Lea Salonga|Full list]]
| honors             = {{Plainlist|[[File:PHL_Blue_White_Red.png|25px]] [[Presidential Medal of Merit (Philippines)|Presidential Merit Award]]<br>[[File:PHI_Order_of_Lakandula_Commander_BAR.svg|frameless|25px]] [[Order of Lakandula]]
}}
| website            = {{URL|https://leasalonga.com}}
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed           = yes
| genre           = {{flatlist|
* [[Original Pilipino Music|OPM]]
* [[Pop music|pop]]
* [[musical theatre]]
}}
| instrument      = Vocals
| label           = {{flatlist|
* [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
* [[Arista Records|Arista]]
* [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]
* [[EMI Philippines]]
* [[Sony Music Philippines]]
* [[Warner Music Group|WEA]]
* [[Walt Disney Records|Walt Disney]]
}}
}}
| signature          = Lea Salonga autograph.svg
| signature_size     = 150px
}}
'''Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga''' (born February 22, 1971)<ref>{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Mary |date=December 27, 1992 |title=Lea Salonga moves from the Vietnam era to the French Revolution |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1051060626/?match=1&terms=%22Lea%20Salonga%22%20and%20pronounced |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 12, 2025 |work=[[The Journal News|Tarrytown Daily News]] |location=[[Tarrytown, New York]] |pages=64 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> is a Filipino actress and singer. Known as the "[[Honorific nicknames in popular music|Pride of the Philippines]]", she has headlined [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] and [[West End theatre|West End]] productions, appeared on international television and film, and released albums of her work.

Salonga began performing in Philippine [[musical theatre]] as a child, making her professional debut at age seven. She achieved international recognition in 1989 when she originated the role of Kim in the West End production of ''[[Miss Saigon]]'', later reprising the role on Broadway in 1991. She earned critical success for her performances in ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'' (1993, 2007) and ''[[Flower Drum Song]]'' (2002–2003). On film, she was praised for her performances in ''[[Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal]]'' (1992) and ''[[Sana Maulit Muli (film)|Sana Maulit Muli]]'' (1995), and she provided the singing voices for [[Jasmine (Aladdin)|Princess Jasmine]] in ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992) and [[Mulan (Disney character)|Fa Mulan]] in ''[[Mulan (1998 film)|Mulan]]'' (1998) and ''[[Mulan II]]'' (2004). She has also appeared on television in ''[[That's Entertainment (Philippine TV program)|That's Entertainment]]'', ''[[As the World Turns]]'', and ''[[Pretty Little Liars (2022 TV series)|Pretty Little Liars]]'', and served as a coach on ''[[The Voice of the Philippines]]'' as well as its spin-off series ''[[The Voice Kids (Philippine TV series)|The Voice Kids]]'' and ''[[The Voice Teens (Philippine TV series)|The Voice Teens]]''.

As a [[Lea Salonga discography|recording artist]], Salonga began her career at age ten with the [[Philippine Association of the Record Industry|Gold-certified]] album ''[[Small Voice]]'' (1981). She then later signed with [[Atlantic Records]] and released the album ''[[Lea Salonga (album)|Lea Salonga]]'' (1993), which achieved [[Philippine Association of the Record Industry|Platinum status]], followed by ''[[I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (album)|I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing]]'' (1997) and ''[[By Heart (Lea Salonga album)|By Heart]]'' (1999). She has released two holiday albums, ''[[The Christmas Album (Lea Salonga album)|The Christmas Album]]'' (2000) and ''[[Sounding Joy (album)|Sounding Joy]]'' (2024). Salonga has performed concerts at notable international venues, including [[Carnegie Hall]], [[Lincoln Center]], the [[London Palladium]], the [[Nippon Budokan]], the [[Royal Albert Hall]], and the [[Sydney Opera House]].

Salonga's major [[List of awards and nominations received by Lea Salonga|accolades]] include a [[Laurence Olivier Awards|Laurence Olivier Award]] (1990), [[Tony Awards|Tony Award]] (1991), and two [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]] nominations (2004, 2019). In her home country, she has received 15 [[Aliw Awards]] (1980–2024) and has been inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with receiving a [[FAMAS Award]] (2005), and a star on the [[Eastwood City Walk of Fame]] (2006). Salonga has also been recognized by the [[Government of the Philippines|Philippine government]] for her cultural contributions, receiving the [[Presidential Medal of Merit (Philippines)|Presidential Merit Award]] in 1990 and the [[Philippine Congressional Medal (House of Representatives)|Congressional Medal of Achievement]] in 2007, and being appointed [[Order of Lakandula|Commander of the Order of Lakandula]] in the same year. She is the first Asian actress to win a Tony Award, and in 2026, Salonga will become the first Filipino to receive a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].

==Life and career==

===1971–1989: Early life and career beginnings===
Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga<ref>{{cite news |last=de Leon |first=Ed |date=June 12, 2020 |title=Lea nainis na sa nagpipilit sa kanyang maling pangalan |trans-title=Lea is tired of insisting on her wrong name |url=https://www.philstar.com/pang-masa/pang-movies/2020/06/12/2020337/lea-nainis-na-sa-nagpipilit-sa-kanyang-maling-pangalan |access-date=January 11, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Philippine Star]] |language=tl}}</ref> was born on February 22, 1971,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Aquino |first1=Maine |last2=Eusebio |first2=Aaron Brennt |date=February 3, 2018 |title=In photos: Celebrities born in February |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/news/8672/in-photos-celebrities-born-in-february/photo/104368/lea-salonga |access-date=January 11, 2024 |website=[[GMA Network]]}}</ref><ref name="LATimes1990">{{Cite web |last=Drogin |first=Bob |date=December 24, 1990 |title='Saigon's' Miss: Actress has big plans even if she can't play Broadway. Ask Mom |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-24-ca-5269-story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128020718/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-24-ca-5269-story.html |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |access-date=November 27, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> in [[Manila]], Philippines, to Maria Ligaya Alcantara Imutan (b. 1937)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Salterio |first=Leah |date=August 21, 2017 |title=Lea, Gerard Salonga throw surprise party for their mom's 80th birthday |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/21/17/lea-gerard-salonga-throw-surprise-party-for-their-moms-80th-birthday |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822012927/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/21/17/lea-gerard-salonga-throw-surprise-party-for-their-moms-80th-birthday |archive-date=August 22, 2017 |access-date=January 11, 2024 |publisher=[[ABS-CBN News]]}}</ref> and Feliciano Genuino Salonga Jr. (1929–2016),<ref>{{cite web |date=January 31, 2016 |title=Lea Salonga's father Feliciano Salonga dies |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/120909-lea-salonga-father-feliciano-dies/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108051956/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/120909-lea-salonga-father-feliciano-dies/ |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Rappler]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Salut |first=EJ |date=February 1, 2016 |title=Lea Salonga's dad passes away |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/2016/1/31/fresh-scoops/lea-salongas-dad-passes-away-92770 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |work=[[ABS-CBN]]}}</ref> a rear admiral in the [[Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary]] and chairman of the [[Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rocca |first=Jane |date=January 26, 2017 |title=What I know about men... |url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/what-i-know-about-men-20170124-gtxkt9.html |access-date=January 13, 2025 |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]}}</ref> [[Genealogy|Genealogical]] research presented on ''[[Finding Your Roots]]'' revealed that she is of [[Filipinos|Filipino]] and [[Germans|German]] descent, with maternal ancestry traced to the [[Prussia]]n region.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Callahan |first=Chrissy |date=January 7, 2025 |title=Lea Salonga reacts to 'wild' discovery her family 'didn't know anything about' on 'Finding Your Roots' |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/lea-salonga-finding-your-roots-german-rcna184911 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |work=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]}}</ref> She has a younger brother, [[Gerard Salonga|Gerard]] (b. 1973), a musical conductor, composer, and arranger.<ref name="LATimes1990" /> At age six, she and her family relocated from [[Angeles City]] to [[Quezon City]], later settling in [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubenstein |first=Shelley |date=June 6, 2022 |title=Lea Salonga interview: 'One of the best perks of the job is free entry to Disneyland for life' |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/lea-salonga-interview-one-of-the-best-perks-of-the-job-is-free-entry-to-disneyland-for-life-wbd5x673k |access-date=January 13, 2025 |website=[[The Times]]}}</ref>

At age seven, she made her professional stage debut in [[Repertory Philippines]]' production of ''[[The King and I]]'' (1978) and later played the [[Annie (Character)|title role]] in ''[[Annie (musical)|Annie]]'' in 1980 and 1984.<ref name="books.google.com">{{cite book |last1=Marquart |first1=Linda |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zyEcNr7MOvQC |title=The Right Way to Sing |publisher=[[Allworth Press]] |others=Foreword by Lea Salonga |year=2005 |isbn=9781621531340 |access-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914023457/https://books.google.com/books?id=aIu8qmB_wxEC&q=lea+salonga+age+of+seven+biography&pg=PA4 |archive-date=September 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MBArevalo2021">{{Cite web |last=Arevalo |first=Rica |date=March 9, 2021 |title=Lea Salonga on aging gracefully: 'Possible with plenty of laughter and wonderful friendships' |url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/03/09/lea-salonga-on-aging-gracefully-possible-with-plenty-of-laughter-and-wonderful-friendships/ |access-date=January 11, 2024 |work=[[Manila Bulletin]]}}</ref> She appeared in numerous other stage productions with the company, including ''[[The Sound of Music]]'' (1980)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Acar |first=Aedrianne |date=February 20, 2020 |title=Look: Old photo of Senator-elect Risa Hontiveros & Lea Salonga goes viral |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/look-old-photo-of-senator-elect-risa-hontiveros-lea-salonga-goes-viral/23194/ |access-date=September 3, 2025 |website=[[GMA Network]] |language=en}}</ref> and ''[[The Fantasticks]]'' (1988).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=November 7, 2005 |title=Salonga makes Carnegie Hall debut Nov. 7; Callaway, McArdle and Montalaban are special guests |url=https://playbill.com/article/salonga-makes-carnegie-hall-debut-nov-7-callaway-mcardle-and-montalaban-are-special-guests-com-129005 |access-date=September 3, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> In the 1980s, Salonga frequently sang for the [[Marcos family]] during state dinners at the [[Malacañang Palace]] in Manila.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Binlot |first=Ann |date=August 11, 2023 |title=Lea Salonga breaks new ground in Broadway musical 'Here Lies Love' |url=https://www.cnn.com/style/lea-salonga-here-lies-love-broadway-interview |access-date=September 3, 2025 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en}}</ref> Salonga's recording and screen careers developed simultaneously. In 1981, she released her debut album, ''[[Small Voice]]'', which achieved [[Philippine Association of the Record Industry|Gold certification]] in the Philippines,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haun |first=Harry |date=April 11, 2019 |title=From the archives: How Miss Saigon's Lea Salonga achieved overnight stardom at 20 |url=https://playbill.com/article/from-the-archives-how-miss-saigons-lea-salonga-achieved-overnight-stardom-at-20 |access-date=September 3, 2025 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> and made her film debut in ''Tropang Bulilit''. She earned a [[FAMAS Award|Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences]] (FAMAS) award nomination for Best Child Actress and won three consecutive [[Aliw Awards]] for Best Child Performer from 1980 to 1982.<ref name=":18">{{Cite book |last=Bautista |first=Veltisezar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K9d1AAAAMAAJ |title=The Filipino Americans: From 1763 to the Present: Their History, Culture, and Traditions |publisher=Bookhaus |year=1998 |isbn=0931613140}}</ref><ref name=":23">{{Cite news |date=October 22, 1982 |title=Filipino family variety show to be presented Nov. 7 in Hilo |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/555880309/?match=1&terms=%22lea%20salonga%22 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 3, 2025 |work=[[Hawaii Tribune-Herald]] |pages=19 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |quote=ALIW International 1982, a Filipino family variety show, will be presented in Hilo Nov. 7. ... and Lea Salonga, Best Child Performer of 1980 and 1981, will also be featured.}}</ref>

Between 1983 and 1985, Salonga hosted the television program ''Love, Lea''.''<ref name=":18" />'' She and her brother, Gerard, won second prize at the 1985 [[Metro Manila Popular Music Festival#The 8th Metro Manila Popular Music Festival|Metro Manila Popular Music Festival]] with Tess Concepcion's "''Musika, Lata, Sipol at La La La''" (Music, Tin Can, Whistle and La La La),<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=October 7, 2018 |title=Lea Salonga's career highlights |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2018/10/07/the-sunday-times/cover-story/lea-salongas-career-highlights/449118 |access-date=September 1, 2025 |website=[[The Manila Times]] |language=en}}</ref> and that same year, she opened for [[Menudo (group)|Menudo]] during their Manila concerts, later performing with them again and contributing to their album ''[[In Action (Menudo album)|In Action]]'' (1987).<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Arevalo |first=Rica |date=March 9, 2021 |title=Lea Salonga on aging gracefully: 'Possible with plenty of laughter and wonderful friendships' |url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/03/09/lea-salonga-on-aging-gracefully-possible-with-plenty-of-laughter-and-wonderful-friendships/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101195028/https://mb.com.ph/2021/03/09/lea-salonga-on-aging-gracefully-possible-with-plenty-of-laughter-and-wonderful-friendships/ |archive-date=January 1, 2023 |access-date=January 1, 2023 |work=[[Manila Bulletin]]}}</ref> As a teenager, Salonga appeared in films such as ''Like Father, Like Son'' (1985)<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eelkAAAAMAAJ&q=lea%20salonga%20like%20father%20like%20son |title=The Urian Anthology, 1980-1989: Film Essays and Reviews by the Manunuri Ng Pelikulang Pilipino, with a Filmography of Philippine Movies |publisher=Antonio P. Tuviera |year=2001 |editor-last=Tiongson |editor-first=Nicanor G. |location=[[Manila, Philippines]] |pages=463 |asin=B0046S6A10}}</ref> and ''Ninja Kids'' (1986)<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QG1ZAAAAMAAJ&q=ninja+kids+1986 |title=Out of the Shadows: Asians in American Cinema |publisher=Edizioni Olivares |year=2001 |isbn=9788885982604 |editor-last=Garcia |editor-first=Roger |pages=262 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> and appeared regularly on [[German Moreno]]'s teen variety show ''[[That's Entertainment (Philippine TV program)|That's Entertainment]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Rica |date=October 28, 2019 |title=Where are they now: That's Entertainment cast |url=https://www.pep.ph/peptionary/147046/that-s-entertainment-cast-a4495-a2670-20191028-lfrm2 |access-date=September 3, 2025 |website=[[Philippine Entertainment Portal]] |language=en}}</ref> She completed her primary and secondary education at Operation Brotherhood (OB) Montessori Center, then passed the [[National Achievement Test#History of the National Achievement Test|National College Entrance Examination]] (NCEE) and continuing on a [[pre-medical]] track at [[Ateneo de Manila University]].<ref name="LATimes1990" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Molina |first=Tony |date=March 29, 1988 |title=Jackielou's plans |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D5kVAAAAIBAJ&dq=lea+salonga&pg=PA10&article_id=6812,1704063 |access-date=October 5, 2025 |work=[[Manila Standard]] |pages=10 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> In 1988, Salonga released her second album, ''[[Lea (album)|Lea]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Miralles |first=Nitz |date=July 5, 1988 |title=Ronnie, Gabby deny rumors |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19880705&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=October 6, 2025 |work=[[Manila Standard]] |pages=14 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> starred in the film ''[[Pik Pak Boom]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 25, 1988 |title=Grand opening today |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19881225&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=October 6, 2025 |work=[[Manila Standard]] |pages=16 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> and opened for [[Stevie Wonder]] in Manila.<ref name=":7" /> That same year, Salonga auditioned in [[Manila]] for the lead role of Kim in the musical ''[[Miss Saigon]]'', singing "[[On My Own (Les Misérables)|On My Own]]" from ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'', a choice she later credited as the turning point of her international career, and "[[The Greatest Love of All]]."<ref>{{cite web |last=Pierce |first=Scott D. |date=March 30, 2012 |title=Stars reveal song that changed their lives in new TV series |url=https://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/sltrib/lifestyle/53820026-80/song-changed-byutv-cardon.html.csp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108052005/https://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/sltrib/lifestyle/53820026-80/song-changed-byutv-cardon.html.csp |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[The Salt Lake Tribune]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gelfand |first=Janelle |date=April 23, 2016 |title=Review: Disney princess to 'Dancing Queen,' Lea Salonga charms with Pops |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2016/04/23/disney-princess-dancing-queen-lea-salonga-charms-pops/83387668/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201055302/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2016/04/23/disney-princess-dancing-queen-lea-salonga-charms-pops/83387668/ |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]}}</ref> After final auditions and three days of intensive work sessions in [[London]] that December, she was offered the role.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 18, 2000 |title=A Broadway belle hits the books again |url=http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/magazine/2000/0218/people.html |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010627072123/http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/magazine/2000/0218/people.html |archive-date=June 27, 2001 |access-date=September 3, 2025 |work=[[Asiaweek]] |volume=26 |issue=6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Behr |first1=Edward |author-link1=Edward Behr (journalist) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BtsAPQAACAAJ |title=The Story of Miss Saigon |last2=Steyn |first2=Mark |author-link2=Mark Steyn |publisher=[[Arcade Publishing]] |year=1991 |isbn=9781559701242 |access-date=September 3, 2025}}</ref>

===1989–1992: ''Miss Saigon'' and ''Aladdin''===
{{See also|Miss Saigon controversy#Lea Salonga}}
[[File:Theatre Royal, Drury Lane 20130408 022.jpg|thumb|230x230px|The [[Theatre Royal, Drury Lane]], where Salonga gained international recognition in 1989]]On September 20, 1989, ''[[Miss Saigon]]'' premiered at the [[Theatre Royal, Drury Lane]] to critical acclaim, following a gala performance the previous evening before [[Diana, Princess of Wales]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barcelona |first=Ainhoa |date=September 20, 2018 |title=Disney star Lea Salonga recalls magical meeting with Princess Diana – see what she had to say |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2018092062529/lea-salonga-magical-meeting-princess-diana/ |access-date=September 28, 2025 |work=[[Hello! (magazine)|Hello!]]}}</ref> For her performance, Salonga won the [[1990 Laurence Olivier Awards|1990]] [[Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reynolds |first=Nigel |date=April 9, 1990 |title=Return to the Forbidden Planet named best musical |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/751424547/?match=1&terms=%22lea%20salonga%22%2C%20olivier |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 3, 2025 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |location=[[London]] |pages=3 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref name=":192">{{Cite news |last=Branigin |first=William |date=December 25, 1990 |title=Will she miss 'Saigon'? |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1990/12/26/will-she-miss-saigon/6314b832-a2b8-4851-a24f-be02ec013d72/ |url-access=registration |access-date=September 3, 2025 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> She also starred alongside [[Herbert Bautista]] in the [[Anthology film|anthology]] [[horror film]] ''Dear Diary'' (1989).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ignacio |first=Alwin |date=October 23, 2023 |title=What 'Miss Saigon' means to Pinoys |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2023/10/23/what-miss-saigon-means-to-pinoys |access-date=October 6, 2025 |work=[[Daily Tribune (Philippines)|Daily Tribune]]}}</ref> In June 1990, she received the [[Presidential Medal of Merit (Philippines)|Presidential Merit Award]] from [[Corazon Aquino|President Corazon Aquino]] for her contributions to the arts, and in December of the same year, she headlined ''A Miss Called Lea'', a televised homecoming concert in Manila with the [[Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra]] and [[Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club]].<ref name=":192" />[[File:King Kong at the Broadway Theater (48047447453).jpg|left|thumb|238x238px|The [[Broadway Theatre (53rd Street)|Broadway Theatre]], where Salonga made her Broadway debut in 1991]]
When ''Miss Saigon'' opened at the [[Broadway Theatre (53rd Street)|Broadway Theatre]] in 1991, Salonga reprised the role of Kim.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rothstein |first=Mervyn |date=March 2, 1990 |title='Miss Saigon' finds home on Broadway |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE3D8163AF931A35750C0A966958260 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914023457/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/02/theater/miss-saigon-finds-home-on-broadway.html |archive-date=September 14, 2023 |access-date=May 7, 2010 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> For her performance, she won the [[Drama Desk Awards|Drama Desk]], [[Outer Critics Circle Awards|Outer Critics Circle]], [[Theatre World Award|Theatre World]], and [[Tony Awards|Tony]] awards,<ref name=":30">{{Cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=January 22, 2003 |title=Lea Salonga does double-duty: Flower Drum Song and 'As the World Turns' |url=https://playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-does-double-duty-flower-drum-song-and-as-the-world-turns-com-111132 |access-date=September 3, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> becoming the first actress of Asian descent and the second-youngest performer to win the [[Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gioia |first=Michael |date=July 24, 2015 |title='I'm hoping there is a shift,' says Lea Salonga on diversity and the 'United Colors' of this season |url=https://playbill.com/article/im-hoping-there-is-a-shift-says-lea-salonga-on-diversity-and-the-united-colors-of-this-season-com-354199 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603001440/http://www.playbill.com/article/im-hoping-there-is-a-shift-says-lea-salonga-on-diversity-and-the-united-colors-of-this-season-com-354199 |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |access-date=September 3, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Ashley |date=November 24, 2015 |title=Asian actors onstage: Lea Salonga, Phillipa Soo sound off on Broadway representation, cultural perceptions |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/asian-actors-onstage-lea-salonga-842293/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108065317/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/asian-actors-onstage-lea-salonga-842293/ |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Her casting prompted a [[Miss Saigon controversy#Lea Salonga|brief dispute]] with the [[Actors' Equity Association]], which sought to prioritize [[Asian Americans|Asian-American]] performers, but the decision was overturned after producer [[Cameron Mackintosh]] argued no suitable replacement could be found.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Branigin |first=William |date=January 1, 1991 |title=Lea Salonga: She accepts 'Saigon' fuss |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19910101&slug=1258381 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025035455/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19910101&slug=1258381 |archive-date=October 25, 2022 |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[The Seattle Times]] |agency=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Sternfeld |first=Jessica |url=https://iupress.org/9780253347930/the-megamusical/ |title=The Megamusical |publisher=[[Indiana University Press]] |year=2006 |isbn=9780253347930 |chapter=The Megamusical in the 1990s}}</ref> In the same year, ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine named her one of its [[50 Most Beautiful People]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 12, 1997 |title=Beautiful through the years |url=https://people.com/archive/beautiful-through-the-years-vol-47-no-18/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602084013/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20122069,00.html |archive-date=June 2, 2009 |access-date=September 3, 2025 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |volume=47 |issue=18}}</ref> She also performed for [[George H. W. Bush|President George H. W. Bush]] and [[Barbara Bush|First Lady Barbara Bush]] at the [[MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital|National Rehabilitation Hospital]]'s Victory Awards at the [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts|Kennedy Center]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Groom |first=Robin |date=October 27, 1991 |title=A harvest of happenings |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1991/10/27/a-harvest-of-happenings/3a821a2e-a5ed-4a27-98e6-c497b56de4a3/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 28, 2025 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Radcliffe |first=Donnie |date=November 18, 1991 |title=Against the odds: The boisterous Victory Awards |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1991/11/19/against-the-odds-the-boisterous-victory-awards/bc5076d6-7efe-445f-a90a-286c609e2a1a/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 28, 2025 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> as well as for [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]] and [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]], during the [[Royal Variety Performance]] at the [[Victoria Palace Theatre]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 25, 1991 |title=Stars glitter for Cameron |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/937871415/?match=1&terms=lea%20salonga |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 28, 2025 |work=[[Bristol Evening Post]] |location=[[Bristol, England]] |pages=17 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

Beyond ''Miss Saigon'', Salonga's work began attracting attention outside of theatre. In early 1992, while performing in ''Miss Saigon'', [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] casting director Albert Tavares attended a performance and left a note, expressing interest in her for a project.<ref name=":62">{{Cite web |last=Talley |first=Lori |date=October 24, 2001 |title=Lea Salonga: Her own rules |url=http://www.backstage.com/interview/lea-salonga-her-own-rules/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814112331/http://www.backstage.com/interview/lea-salonga-her-own-rules/ |archive-date=August 14, 2016 |access-date=September 3, 2025 |website=[[Backstage (publication)|Backstage]]}}</ref> Her agent soon arranged an audition, where she performed "[[Part of Your World]]" from ''[[The Little Mermaid (1989 film)|The Little Mermaid]]'' (1989).<ref name=":62" /> Salonga was then invited to record a demo of "[[A Whole New World]]" and was ultimately cast as the singing voice of [[Jasmine (Aladdin)|Princess Jasmine]] in ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992), the first Disney princess of color.<ref name="DLegend">{{Cite news |last=Chavez |first=Yong |date=August 21, 2011 |title=Lea Salonga becomes a Disney legend |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/21/11/lea-salonga-becomes-disney-legend |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820063757/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/21/11/lea-salonga-becomes-disney-legend |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |work=[[ABS-CBN News]]}}</ref><ref name=":92">{{Cite book |last=Hains |first=Rebecca |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xVY8BAAAQBAJ&q=jasmine+mark+henn&pg=PT193 |title=The Princess Problem: Guiding Our Girls through the Princess-Obsessed Years |publisher=[[Sourcebooks (publisher)|Sourcebooks]] |year=2014 |isbn=9781402294044 |location=[[Naperville]], Illinois |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> The song was released as a single and, as of March 2025, has been [[RIAA certification|certified Platinum]] three times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American single certifications – Lea Salonga & Brad Kane – A Whole New World |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Lea+Salonga+%26+Brad+Kane&ti=A+Whole+New+World&format=Single&type=#search_section |access-date=September 3, 2025 |website=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]}}</ref> Later in 1992, Salonga starred alongside [[Aga Muhlach]] and [[Ariel Rivera]] in the film ''[[Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal]]'', for which she was nominated for [[Metro Manila Film Festival Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] at the [[1992 Metro Manila Film Festival]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 25, 1992 |title=Lea nominated best actress |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_pROAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2AoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5921%2C3627778 |access-date=September 7, 2025 |work=[[Manila Standard]] |publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corporation |pages=20 |via=[[Google News]]}}</ref> and appeared alongside [[Julie Andrews]], [[Ben Kingsley]], [[Peabo Bryson]], and [[Marilyn Horne]] on the [[The King and I (1992 studio cast album)|studio cast recording]] of ''[[The King and I]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kuchwara |first=Michael |date=January 1, 1993 |title=Julie Andrews sparkles for 'King and I' recording |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1165985457/?match=1&terms=%22lea%20salonga%22%20album |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[Jackson Citizen Patriot]] |location=[[Jackson, Michigan]] |pages=7 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> That same year, her agent submitted her for the role of [[Eliza Doolittle]] in the 1993 Broadway revival of ''[[My Fair Lady]]'', but the casting director declined to audition her, citing her race.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Holden |first=Stephen |date=May 24, 2013 |title=Serenely indomitable, whatever the challenge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/25/arts/music/lea-salonga-at-the-cafe-carlyle.html |url-access=limited |access-date=September 3, 2025 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en}}</ref> Shortly afterward, Mackintosh invited her to join the Broadway production of ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Handel |first=Nelson |date=March 4, 2005 |title=Whole new worlds yet to conquer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/192862604/?match=1&terms=%22Lea%20Salonga%22 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |location=[[Los Angeles, California]] |pages=1, 24, 28–29 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

===1993–1996: ''Les Misérables'', films, and other musicals===
[[File:W 45 St Oct 2021 100.jpg|thumb|254x254px|The [[Imperial Theatre]], where Salonga became the first Asian to perform as [[Éponine]] on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]]]]
In early 1993, Salonga played the role of [[Éponine]] in the Broadway production of ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'' at the [[Imperial Theatre]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 19, 1993 |title='Miss Saigon' star will play Eponine in 'Les Miserables' |url=https://www.deseret.com/1993/1/19/19027825/miss-saigon-star-will-play-eponine-in-les-miserables/ |access-date=September 3, 2025 |work=[[Deseret News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> After leaving the production, she performed "[[A Whole New World]]" from ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992) with [[Brad Caleb Kane|Brad Kane]] at the [[65th Academy Awards]] in [[Los Angeles]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Wiley |first1=Mason |author-link1=Mason Wiley |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tmVPPgAACAAJ |title=Inside Oscar: The Unofficial History of the Academy Awards |last2=Bona |first2=Damien |author-link2=Damien Bona |publisher=[[Ballantine Books]] |year=1996 |isbn=9780345400536 |edition=5 |location=New York |page=883}}</ref> where the song won an [[Academy Awards|Oscar]],<ref>{{cite web |date=October 4, 2014 |title=Best Original Song - The 65th Academy Awards (1993) |url=http://oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1993 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202000120/http://oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1993 |archive-date=February 2, 2018 |access-date=September 3, 2025 |publisher=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]]}}</ref> having already won a [[Golden Globe Awards|Golden Globe Award]]<ref name=":02">{{cite web |title=Aladdin |url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/film/23558 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713032324/http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/film/23558 |archive-date=July 13, 2010 |access-date=September 3, 2025 |publisher=[[Hollywood Foreign Press Association]]}}</ref> and [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]].<ref name=":22">{{cite news |last=Pareles |first=Jon |date=March 2, 1994 |title=Top Grammy to Houston; 5 for 'Aladdin' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/02/movies/top-grammy-to-houston-5-for-aladdin.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602224016/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/02/movies/top-grammy-to-houston-5-for-aladdin.html |archive-date=June 2, 2009 |access-date=September 3, 2025 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> That same year, she released her [[Lea Salonga (album)|self-titled international debut album]] with [[Atlantic Records]], which achieved [[Philippine Association of the Record Industry|Platinum status]] in the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Seaberg |first1=Maureen |last2=Flannagan |first2=Tom |date=November 4, 1993 |title=Gourmet gala raises $650,000 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1119309268/?match=1&terms=%22lea%20salonga%22%20album |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[Staten Island Advance]] |location=[[Staten Island, New York]] |pages=55 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=July 25, 1994 |editor-last=Dipasupil |editor-first=Ester G. |title=Lea Salonga to host 'Sigaw Manila' |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qZ8VAAAAIBAJ&dq=Lea+Salonga+platinum&pg=PA123&article_id=3879,3603533 |access-date=September 23, 2025 |work=[[Manila Standard]] |pages=18 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> In 1994, Salonga played in various musical theatre productions in the Philippines and [[Singapore]], including Sandy in ''[[Grease (musical)|Grease]]'', Eliza Doolittle in ''[[My Fair Lady]]'', and the Witch in ''[[Into the Woods]]''.<ref name=":20">{{Cite news |last=Gil |first=Baby A. |date=October 11, 2019 |title=Lea 30 years after Miss Saigon |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-philippine-star/20191011/282531545157922?srsltid=AfmBOoqsPpwEmqbjnIZ30H1gRyvs16yJqHJrtbZtX3ADWzqdt-zxZErM |access-date=September 3, 2025 |work=[[The Philippine Star]] |via=[[PressReader]]}}</ref> In March 1994, Salonga performed at the New England Presidential Dinner in [[Boston]], where [[Bill Clinton|President Bill Clinton]] expressed his appreciation for her having traveled "thousands of miles to sing" before an audience that included [[Hillary Clinton|First Lady Hillary Clinton]] and [[United States Senate|Senators]] [[Ted Kennedy]] and [[John Kerry]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 14, 1994 |title=Remarks at the New England Presidential Dinner in Boston |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PPP-1994-book1/pdf/PPP-1994-book1-doc-pg450.pdf |access-date=September 28, 2025 |website=[[United States Government Publishing Office]] |publisher=[[Presidency of Bill Clinton|Administration of William J. Clinton]]}}</ref> Three months later, she opened for [[Frank Sinatra]] during his concerts in Manila.<ref name=":6" />

In 1995, Salonga starred alongside [[John Lithgow]] and [[Jeff Daniels]] in the role of Geri Riordan in the [[Hallmark Hall of Fame]] film ''[[Redwood Curtain (film)|Redwood Curtain]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Tucker |first=Ken |date=April 21, 1995 |title=Redwood Curtain |url=https://ew.com/article/1995/04/21/redwood-curtain/ |access-date=September 3, 2025 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |language=en}}</ref> In the same year, she also starred again alongside [[Aga Muhlach]] in the film ''[[Sana Maulit Muli (film)|Sana Maulit Muli]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tabanera |first=Lily Grace |date=August 16, 2020 |title=An honest review of 'Sana Maulit Muli' |url=https://www.cosmo.ph/entertainment/honest-review-sana-maulit-muli-25th-anniversary-a2520-20200816-lfrm |access-date=September 3, 2025 |website=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]] |language=en-ph}}</ref> earning a nomination for ''[[Gawad Urian for Best Actress|Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktres]]'' (Best Lead Actress) at the 19th annual [[Gawad Urian Award|Gawad Urian Awards]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Buccat |first=Rhys |date=July 21, 2017 |title=Tausug film, 'Vilmanians' triumphant at 40th Gawad Urian |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/life/07/20/17/tausug-film-vilmanians-triumphant-at-40th-gawad-urian |access-date=September 23, 2025 |work=[[ABS-CBN]]}}</ref> She reprised the role of Éponine in the 10th-anniversary concert of ''Les Misérables'' at the [[Royal Albert Hall]] in London, which was recorded and later released as a film titled ''[[Les Misérables: The Dream Cast in Concert]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Parsons |first=Tony |author-link=Tony Parsons (British journalist) |date=October 5, 1995 |title=The flop that stormed the world |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/751975078/?match=1&terms=%22Lea%20Salonga%22 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 7, 2025 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |pages=16 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2007 |title=Tony winner Lea Salonga gets early start as new Fantine of Les Miz |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/96323/tony-winner-lea-salonga-gets-early-start-as-new-fantine-of-les-miz/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221041544/http://www.broadway.com/buzz/96323/tony-winner-lea-salonga-gets-early-start-as-new-fantine-of-les-miz/ |archive-date=February 21, 2017 |access-date=September 3, 2025 |website=[[Broadway.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

In 1996, Salonga was again in ''Les Misérables'' as Éponine in the [[West End theatre|West End]] production of the musical, playing at the [[Palace Theatre, London|Palace Theatre]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hatfield |first=Phil |date=March 6, 1996 |title=Trainspotting goes back to the stage |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1233090231/?match=1&terms=%22Lea%20Salonga%22 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 7, 2025 |work=[[Daily Gazette (Colchester)|Evening Gazette]] |pages=22 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{Cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=February 13, 2023 |title=Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga will star in limited West End run of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends |url=https://playbill.com/article/bernadette-peters-and-lea-salonga-will-star-in-limited-west-end-run-of-stephen-sondheims-old-friends |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213173413/https://playbill.com/article/bernadette-peters-and-lea-salonga-will-star-in-limited-west-end-run-of-stephen-sondheims-old-friends |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |access-date=February 13, 2023 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> In September of that same year, she continued to perform the role at the [[Neal S. Blaisdell Center|Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall]] in [[Honolulu|Honolulu, Hawaii]], during the musical's U.S. national tour.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 9, 2019 |title=Timeline: A look back at some Broadway touring shows at the Blaisdell |url=https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/04/09/timeline-look-back-some-broadway-touring-shows-blaisdell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417000054/http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/04/09/timeline-look-back-some-broadway-touring-shows-blaisdell/ |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=October 2, 2019 |website=[[Hawaii News Now]]}}</ref> In December 1996, Salonga represented the Philippines while performing at ''ONE: The WTO Show'', the closing ceremony for the inaugural [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO) [[World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference of 1996|ministerial conference]] held at the [[Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Singapore Ministerial 1996 |url=https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/minist_e/min96_e/min96_e.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019221931/https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/minist_e/min96_e/min96_e.htm |archive-date=October 19, 2022 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=[[World Trade Organization]]}}</ref>

=== 1997–2000: Recordings, ''Mulan'', and Philippine stage work ===
In 1997, Salonga released ''[[I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (album)|I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing]]'', which achieved [[Philippine Association of the Record Industry|Gold sales]] in the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DIRmAAAAMAAJ&q=Lea%20Salonga |title=Sulong Pilipina! Sulong Pilipinas!: A Compilation of Filipino Women Centennial Awardees |publisher=[[Philippine Centennial|National Centennial Commission, Women Sector]] |year=1999 |isbn=9789719127659 |location=Philippines |pages=198 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> That same year, she performed at the [[Hong Kong handover ceremony]], appearing before [[Charles III|Charles, Prince of Wales]] and [[Jiang Zemin|President Jiang Zemin]] as part of the official celebrations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 29, 1997 |title=Gala concert, new play to mark Hong Kong turn-over |url=https://playbill.com/article/gala-concert-new-play-to-mark-hong-kong-turn-over-com-70834 |access-date=September 28, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> In 1998, Salonga provided the singing voice of the [[Mulan (Disney character)|title character]] in [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]'s ''[[Mulan (1998 film)|Mulan]]''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gerstel |first=Judy |date=June 19, 1998 |title=A feast of yin and yang |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/948538171/?match=1&terms=%22Lea%20Salonga%22 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[The Toronto Star]] |pages=57 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> and released the album ''In Love'', which achieved [[Philippine Association of the Record Industry|multi-Platinum status]] in the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bautista |first1=Mary Ann A. |last2=Gallardo |first2=Ricky T. |date=January 2, 1999 |title=10: The best of 1998 |url=http://www.inquirer.net/saturday/jan99wk1/spc_main.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123193112/http://www.inquirer.net/saturday/jan99wk1/spc_main.htm |archive-date=January 23, 2008 |access-date=October 17, 2007 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 22, 1998 |editor-last=Pride |editor-first=Dominic |title=Global music pulse: the latest music news from around the planet |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EQoEAAAAMBAJ&dq=Lea+Salonga+platinum+album&pg=PA41 |access-date=September 23, 2025 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |pages=41 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> That year, she relocated to New York City, purchasing her own apartment, which she still owned as of 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Bianca |date=September 29, 2013 |title=Lea Salonga on life as Kim, Sonia, Eponine, wife & mom |url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/sunday-life/2013/09/29/1239225/lea-salonga-life-kim-sonia-eponine-wife-mom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514060253/http://www.philstar.com/sunday-life/2013/09/29/1239225/lea-salonga-life-kim-sonia-eponine-wife-mom |archive-date=May 14, 2015 |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Nadal |first=Kevin L. |author-link=Kevin Nadal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V6HOBgAAQBAJ |title=Filipinos in New York City |date=March 30, 2015 |publisher=[[Arcadia Publishing]] |others=[[Filipino American National Historical Society|Filipino American National Historical Society Metropolitan New York Chapter]] |isbn=9781467123082 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> She also appeared in ''[[Hey, Mr. Producer!]]'', a London tribute concert to [[Cameron Mackintosh]] held at the [[Lyceum Theatre, London|Lyceum Theatre]], performing for [[Queen Elizabeth II]] and [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]].<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |last=Simonson |first=Robert |date=May 21, 1998 |title=Judi Dench, Bernadette Peters to join Lea Salonga in London benefit |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/judi-dench-bernadette-peters-to-join-lea-salonga-in-london-benefit-com-75494 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108063216/https://www.playbill.com/article/judi-dench-bernadette-peters-to-join-lea-salonga-in-london-benefit-com-75494 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mandelbaum |first=Ken |date=January 20, 2004 |title=DVDs: Mackintosh's Salad Days |url=http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=33514 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610191722/http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=33514 |archive-date=June 10, 2008 |access-date=June 10, 2008 |website=[[Broadway.com]]}}</ref>

In 1999, Salonga made a return to ''[[Miss Saigon]]'' on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]].<ref name=":24">{{Cite web |last=Simonson |first=Robert |date=January 17, 1999 |title=Lea Salonga returns to Bway Miss Saigon, Jan. 18 |url=https://playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-returns-to-bway-miss-saigon-jan-18-com-79513 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515112613/https://playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-returns-to-bway-miss-saigon-jan-18-com-79513 |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> In February of that year, she was featured in an episode of the [[American Theatre Wing]]'s ''[[Working in the Theatre]]'' alongside [[Iain Glen]], [[Nicole Kidman]], and [[Anna Manahan]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 23, 1999 |title=NY Wing seminar features multi-national Kidman, Glen, Manahan, Salonga Feb. 23 |url=https://playbill.com/article/ny-wing-seminar-features-multi-national-kidman-glen-manahan-salonga-feb-23-com-80203 |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> That same year, Salonga starred as Sonia Walsk in the [[Singapore Repertory Theatre]] production of ''[[They're Playing Our Song]]'' at the [[Raffles Hotel]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stephens |first=Jacintha |date=November 5, 1999 |title=Change of pace |url=https://www.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/magazine/99/1105/as.salonga.html |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[Asia Week]] |via= |volume=25 |issue=44}}</ref> and released the album ''[[By Heart (Lea Salonga album)|By Heart]]'' (1999).<ref name=":29" />

In 2000, Salonga reprised her role in ''They're Playing Our Song'', this time staged in [[Camp Aguinaldo]], Philippines,<ref name="Lea Salonga at home and playing her own song" /> where she began a relationship with her co-star [[Michael K. Lee]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lo |first=Ricky |date=May 17, 2001 |title=Lea and Michael: Can marriage be far behind? |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2001/05/17/99769/lea-and-michael-can-marriage-be-far-behind |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004052604/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2001/05/17/99769/lea-and-michael-can-marriage-be-far-behind |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=October 4, 2022 |website=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref> In the same year, she briefly studied [[philosophy]] and [[history]] at [[Fordham University]]<ref name="Lea Salonga at home and playing her own song">{{Cite web |last=Kirk |first=Don |date=August 15, 2000 |title=Lea Salonga, at home and playing her own song |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/15/style/IHT-lea-salonga-at-home-and-playing-her-own-song.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128020718/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/15/style/IHT-lea-salonga-at-home-and-playing-her-own-song.html |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |access-date=November 27, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tang |first=Terry |date=May 9, 2001 |title=Woman of the world |url=https://dailybruin.com/2001/05/09/woman-of-the-world |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128020718/https://dailybruin.com/2001/05/09/woman-of-the-world |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |access-date=November 27, 2022 |website=[[Daily Bruin]]}}</ref>  and performed in several major concerts, including ''The Millennium Concert'',<ref name=":29">{{Cite news |last=Soliven |first=Preciosa S. |date=March 2, 2000 |title=Presenting Gerard Salonga: the musical composer and orchestra conductor |url=https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2000/03/02/103128/presenting-gerard-salonga-musical-composer-and-orchestra-conductor-point-awareness |access-date=September 23, 2025 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref> ''The Homecoming Concert'',<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 5, 2000 |title=Regine in Songbird Sings the Classics |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2000/10/05/92133/regine-songbird-sings-classics |access-date=September 23, 2025 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref> and ''Songs from the Screen'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gil |first=Baby A. |date=August 15, 2001 |title=Lea's new album is for people who love movies |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2001/08/15/130204/lea146s-new-album-people-who-love-movies |access-date=September 23, 2025 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref> with the latter two recorded and released as albums. In October, she returned to Manila to appear in a Philippine production of ''Miss Saigon'' at the [[Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lefkowitz |first=David |date=August 15, 2000 |title=She will be ''Miss Saigon'' again: Salonga to be Kim in October Manila mounting |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/she-will-be-miss-saigon-again-salonga-to-be-kim-in-october-manila-mounting-com-91263 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108050152/https://www.playbill.com/article/she-will-be-miss-saigon-again-salonga-to-be-kim-in-october-manila-mounting-com-91263 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref>

===2001–2004: Broadway return, concerts, and marriage===
In 2001, Salonga returned to the [[Broadway Theatre (53rd Street)|Broadway Theatre]] production of ''[[Miss Saigon]]'', reprising the role of Kim and closing the show on January 28.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tornquist |first=Cynthia |date=January 16, 2001 |title=Miss Saigon star returns |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Arts/01/16/miss.saigon/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217134008/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Arts/01/16/miss.saigon/index.html |archive-date=February 17, 2020 |access-date=May 7, 2010 |work=[[CNN]]}}</ref> She then transitioned to television, appearing as Lien Hughes on ''[[As the World Turns]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=January 22, 2003 |title=Lea Salonga does double-duty: ''Flower Drum Song'' and "As the World Turns" |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-does-double-duty-flower-drum-song-and-as-the-world-turns-com-111132 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108075417/https://www.playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-does-double-duty-flower-drum-song-and-as-the-world-turns-com-111132 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> guesting in [[Russell Watson]]'s ''The Voice'' concert,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pareles |first=Jon |date=June 5, 2002 |title=Music review: A dulcet tenor's 'popsical' debut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/05/arts/music-review-a-dulcet-tenor-s-popsical-debut.html |url-access=limited |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[New York Times]]}}</ref> narrating the [[PBS]] special ''My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States'',<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Sierra |first=Gabrielle |date=February 19, 2010 |title=Lea Salonga comes to the Cafe Carlyle with 'The Journey So Far' |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Lea-Salonga-Comes-To-The-Cafe-Carlyle-With-The-Journey-So-Far-20100219 |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> and portraying a [[lymphoma]] patient in the Season 8 Christmas episode of ''[[ER (TV series)|ER]]''.<ref name=":2" /> That November, she starred in the role of Wu Mei-Li in the Los Angeles premiere of the [[Rodgers and Hammerstein]] revival ''[[Flower Drum Song]]'' at the [[Mark Taper Forum]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2001 |title=Lea Salonga confirmed for ''Flower Drum Song'' |url=http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=5316 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610191728/http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=5316 |archive-date=June 10, 2008 |website=[[Broadway.com]]}}</ref> Her performance earned her the [[Ovation Awards|Ovation Award]] for Lead Actress in a Musical.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ehren |first=Christine |date=November 25, 2002 |title=''Big River'', ''Napoli Milionaria'' big winners at L.A.'s Ovation Awards |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/big-river-napoli-milionaria-big-winners-at-las-ovation-awards-com-109948 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727211303/https://www.playbill.com/article/big-river-napoli-milionaria-big-winners-at-las-ovation-awards-com-109948 |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> During this production, fellow cast member Christine Yasunaga introduced Salonga to American businessman of Chinese and Japanese heritage, Robert Chien, and the two began a relationship.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Lo |first=Ricky |date=January 23, 2002 |title=Go ahead, Lea, live it up... 'love' it up! |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2002/01/23/148027/go-ahead-lea-live-it-up-145love146-it-up |access-date=August 18, 2025 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 22, 2020 |title=Lea Salonga was once tapped to record song demo for 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/9/9/exclusive-baron-geisler-s-daughter-sophia-asistio-on-entering-showbiz-it-s-possible-0831 |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[ABS-CBN]]}}</ref>

In 2002, Salonga went on to appear in her first non-musical stage role as Catherine in ''[[Proof (play)|Proof]]'' in Manila,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Simonson |first=Robert |date=January 10, 2002 |title=Lea Salonga stars in Manila premiere of Auburn's Proof |url=https://playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-stars-in-manila-premiere-of-auburns-proof-com-103272 |access-date=August 18, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> headlined ''The Broadway Concert'' at the [[Philippine International Convention Center]],<ref name=":9" /> and performed in a [[Richard Rodgers]] tribute at the [[56th Tony Awards]] with [[Harry Connick Jr.]], [[Peter Gallagher]], and [[Michele Lee]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=June 2, 2002 |title=2002 Tony Awards presented tonight at Radio City Music Hall |url=https://playbill.com/article/2002-tony-awards-presented-tonight-at-radio-city-music-hall-com-109902 |access-date=August 18, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> In July, Salonga and Chien became engaged.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Manis |first=Aimee |title=Filipina singer Lea Salonga's red wedding in Los Angeles |url=https://www.insideweddings.com/weddings/lea-salonga-robert-chien/45080 |access-date=August 18, 2025 |website=Inside Weddings}}</ref> When ''[[Flower Drum Song]]'' transferred to [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] at the [[Virginia Theatre]] in October, Salonga reprised her role opposite [[Jose Llana]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=October 17, 2002 |title=The ''Flower'' blooms: Rodgers and Hammerstein's ''Drum Song'' opens Oct. 17 on Broadway |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/the-flower-blooms-rodgers-and-hammersteins-drum-song-opens-oct-17-on-broadway-com-108959 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108063213/https://www.playbill.com/article/the-flower-blooms-rodgers-and-hammersteins-drum-song-opens-oct-17-on-broadway-com-108959 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> The Broadway revival cast album was later nominated for a [[Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album|Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album]],<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Christenfeld |first=Seth |date=December 4, 2003 |title=Five musical show albums nominated for Grammy Awards |url=https://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/five-musical-show-albums-nominated-for-grammy-awar_4167.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616072644/https://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/five-musical-show-albums-nominated-for-grammy-awar_4167.html |archive-date=June 16, 2020 |access-date=June 16, 2020 |website=[[TheaterMania]]}}</ref> and her performance was praised by New York critics, earning her a nomination for [[The Drama League]]'s [[Drama League Distinguished Performance Award|Distinguished Performance Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003 |title=The 2003 Drama League nominees and winners |url=https://www.insideweddings.com/weddings/lea-salonga-robert-chien/45080 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610182841/http://www.broadwaytovegas.com/dramaleague.html |archive-date=June 10, 2008 |access-date=September 8, 2025 |website=Broadwaytovegas.com}}</ref> She also returned to ''[[Working in the Theatre]]'' in September, appearing with [[John Cullum]], [[Edie Falco]], [[Stanley Tucci]], [[Marissa Jaret Winokur]], and [[Charlayne Woodard]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003 |title=American Theatre Wing seminars 'Working in the Theatre' |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/american-theatre-wing-seminars-working-theatre-1-41039/ |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[Backstage (publication)|Backstage]]}}</ref>

From 2003 to 2004, Salonga remained active in both the Philippines and the United States. She staged her first "all-Filipino" concert in Manila, ''Songs from Home'', for which she won the [[Aliw Awards|Aliw Award]] for Entertainer of the Year,<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 5, 2013 |title=Three icons reunite in 'The Legends and the Classics' |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/129221/three-icons-reunite-in-the-legends-and-the-classics/amp/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329095421/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/129221/three-icons-reunite-in-the-legends-and-the-classics/amp/ |archive-date=March 29, 2020 |access-date=September 8, 2025 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]}}</ref> and gave additional performances at [[Mohegan Sun]] in [[Connecticut]], a holiday concert in the Philippines titled ''Home for Christmas'', and shows in [[New Jersey]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Lea Salonga |url=http://www.carouselpinoy.com/leacaroustar.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122081612/http://www.carouselpinoy.com/leacaroustar.html |archive-date=January 22, 2020 |access-date=December 12, 2007 |website=Carouselpinoy.com}}</ref> On October 18, 2003, she performed at [[Malacañang Palace]] for [[George W. Bush|President George W. Bush]] and [[Laura Bush|First Lady Laura Bush]] during a state visit to the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2003 |title=Remarks by President Bush and President Arroyo of the Philippines |url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/p/eap/rls/rm/2003/25454.htm?safe=1 |access-date=September 28, 2025 |publisher=[[United States Department of State]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jamora-Garceau |first=Therese |date=October 24, 2010 |title=Bettina Aboitiz on life & style in Malacañang |url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/sunday-life/2010/10/24/623332/bettina-aboitiz-life-style-malacaang |access-date=September 28, 2025 |website=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref> On January 10, 2004, she married Chien in a televised ceremony at the [[Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels]] in [[Los Angeles]].<ref name=":10" /> Later that year, she starred as Lizzie in the Manila production of the musical ''[[Baby (musical)|Baby]]'', receiving another [[Aliw Awards|Aliw Award]] nomination,<ref>{{cite news |title=Bringing up Baby |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2004/09/01/ENTR2004090117458.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051112105255/http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2004/09/01/ENTR2004090117458.html |archive-date=November 12, 2005 |access-date=October 15, 2007 |work=[[Manila Bulletin]]}}</ref> and reprised her [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] role as the singing voice of [[Mulan (Disney character)|Fa Mulan]] in ''[[Mulan II]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Luppi |first=Kathleen |date=April 1, 2016 |title=Lea Salonga, of princess fame in 'Aladdin' and 'Mulan,' will be herself in concert in Costa Mesa |url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/tn-dpt-et-0401-lea-salonga-20160401-story.html |access-date=August 18, 2025 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>

===2005–2007: International ventures and motherhood===

In 2005, Salonga embarked on her first U.S. concert tour.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=February 12, 2005 |title=Lea Salonga kicks off U.S. concert tour Feb. 12 |url=https://playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-kicks-off-us-concert-tour-feb-12-com-124142 |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> On November 7, she performed to a sold-out audience at [[Carnegie Hall]] in New York City for the benefit of the Diverse City Theater Company.<ref>{{cite web |last=Strothmann |first=Ben |date=November 8, 2005 |title=Photo coverage: Lea Salonga at Carnegie Hall |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Lea-Salonga-at-Carnegie-Hall-20051108 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108065323/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Lea-Salonga-at-Carnegie-Hall-20051108 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> That year, she also received the Golden Artist Award at the [[FAMAS Award|53rd FAMAS Awards]] for her international achievements,<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 28, 2005 |title=The 53rd FAMAS Awards: A family affair |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2005/06/28/283819/53rd-famas-awards-family-affair |access-date=August 24, 2025 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref> sang at the grand opening of [[Hong Kong Disneyland]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 10, 2005 |title=Lea topbills HK Disney opening |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2005/09/10/295956/lea-topbills-hk-disney-opening |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[The Philippine Star]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> voiced Yasuko Kusakabe in [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney's]] English-language [[Dubbing|dub]] of [[Hayao Miyazaki]]'s ''[[My Neighbor Totoro]]'',<ref name="books.google.com" /> appeared on the [[Daniel Rodríguez (tenor)|Daniel Rodríguez]] album ''In The Presence'' (2005),<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fenza |first=W. J. |date=March 25, 2006 |title=Disc reviews |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/280639711/?match=1&terms=%22Lea%20Salonga%22 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[The Morning Call]] |location=[[Allentown, Pennsylvania]] |pages=40 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> and contributed the foreword to Linda Marquart's ''The Right Way to Sing''.<ref name="books.google.com" />

In 2006, Salonga gave birth to [[Nic Chien]] at [[Asian Hospital and Medical Center]] in [[Muntinlupa]], Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lo |first=Ricky |date=July 12, 2006 |title=Mama Lea |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2006/07/12/346862/mama-lea |access-date=August 18, 2025 |website=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=C. |first=Toff |date=May 16, 2025 |title=Lea Salonga pens heartfelt birthday post for son Nic |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/5/16/lea-salonga-pens-heartfelt-birthday-post-for-son-nic-1704 |access-date=August 18, 2025 |work=[[ABS-CBN]]}}</ref> Later that year, she performed "Triumph of the One" before 50,000 attendees at the closing ceremony of the [[2006 Asian Games|15th Asian Games]] in [[Doha|Doha, Qatar]], held at [[Khalifa International Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Liew |first=Lena |date=December 19, 2006 |title=Doha Asian Games comes to close amid mythology of 1001 nights |url=http://travelvideo.tv/news/more.php?id=10468_0_1_0_M135 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610182137/http://travelvideo.tv/news/more.php?id=10468_0_1_0_M135 |archive-date=June 10, 2008 |website=Travel Video Television News |publisher=[[China Daily]]}}</ref> Broadcast throughout Asia, the performance served as a highlight of the event's cultural program, celebrating regional unity and athletic excellence while reinforcing Salonga's reputation as one of the Philippines' foremost international performers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Armero |first=Arman |date=December 15, 2006 |title=Lea leads closing program |url=http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports2_dec15_2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106060221/http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports2_dec15_2006 |archive-date=January 6, 2009 |work=[[Manila Standard Today]]}}</ref>

In 2007, Salonga released ''Inspired'', her first studio album in seven years, which was certified Platinum in the Philippines.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lugay |first=Elton |date=September 19, 2007 |title=Lea on leadership |url=http://broadwayasia.squarespace.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121150008/http://broadwayasia.squarespace.com/ |archive-date=November 21, 2007 |access-date=November 21, 2007 |publisher=Philippine News |via=Broadway Asia News}}</ref> That same year, she returned to Broadway as [[Fantine]] in ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'' at the [[Broadhurst Theatre]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gans |first1=Andrew |last2=Jones |first2=Kenneth |date=March 2, 2007 |title=Voices soft as thunder: Lea Salonga to make early entrance in ''Les Miz'' revival |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/voices-soft-as-thunder-lea-salonga-to-make-early-entrance-in-les-miz-revival-com-138964 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108053203/https://www.playbill.com/article/voices-soft-as-thunder-lea-salonga-to-make-early-entrance-in-les-miz-revival-com-138964 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> where her performances boosted ticket sales<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 10, 2008 |title=Broadway grosses: Lea boosts Les Miz |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/96356/broadway-grosses-lea-boosts-les-miz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108065317/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/96356/broadway-grosses-lea-boosts-les-miz/ |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Broadway.com]]}}</ref> and secured her a place on [[Broadway.com]]'s Audience Award shortlist for Best Replacement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2007 |title=Nominees announced for 2007 Broadway.com Audience Awards: Spring Awakening tops list |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/96504/nominees-announced-for-2007-broadwaycom-audience-awards-spring-awakening-tops-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108065318/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/96504/nominees-announced-for-2007-broadwaycom-audience-awards-spring-awakening-tops-list/ |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Broadway.com]]}}</ref> [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo|President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]] attended one of her performances, which also featured Filipino-American actors [[Adam Jacobs]] as [[Marius Pontmercy|Marius]] and [[Ali Ewoldt]] as [[Cosette]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Dalangin-Fernandez |first=Lira |date=September 27, 2007 |title=Arroyo goes to Broadway, watches Lea Salonga in Les Miz |url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=91076 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011120018/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=91076 |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=September 27, 2007 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]}}</ref> During her Broadway run, Salonga performed at ''[[Broadway on Broadway]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keddy |first=Genevieve Rafter |date=September 17, 2007 |title=Photo coverage: Broadway on Broadway 2007 |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Broadway-on-Broadway-2007-20070917 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820063757/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Broadway-on-Broadway-2007-20070917 |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref>'' and ''[[Stars in the Alley]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rupp |first=Mark |date=June 7, 2007 |title=Photo coverage: Stars in the Alley 2007 |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Stars-in-the-Alley-2007-20070607 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820063759/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Stars-in-the-Alley-2007-20070607 |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> spoke at the Broadway Artists Alliance summer intensives,<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 17, 2007 |title=Photo coverage: Lea Salonga at Broadway Artists Alliance |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Lea-Salonga-at-Broadway-Artists-Alliance-20070817 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820063758/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Lea-Salonga-at-Broadway-Artists-Alliance-20070817 |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> guested in ''[[The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Ernio |date=March 16, 2007 |title=Salonga joins Esparza & Mitchell for 'Broadway Night' at ''Spelling Bee'' |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/salonga-joins-esparza-mitchell-for-broadway-night-at-spelling-bee-com-139329 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108063219/https://www.playbill.com/article/salonga-joins-esparza-mitchell-for-broadway-night-at-spelling-bee-com-139329 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> and participated in [[Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS]]' ''Nothing Like a Dame'' benefit.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=March 9, 2007 |title=Diva talk: Chatting with 'Les Miz' star Lea Salonga, plus news of LuPone, Cook, and Kuhn |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/diva-talk-chatting-with-les-miz-star-lea-salonga-plus-news-of-lupone-cook-and-kuhn-com-139118 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108075419/https://www.playbill.com/article/diva-talk-chatting-with-les-miz-star-lea-salonga-plus-news-of-lupone-cook-and-kuhn-com-139118 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> On August 14, President Arroyo appointed Salonga as ''[[Order of Lakandula#Commander (Komandante)|Komandante]]'' (Commander) of the ''[[Order of Lakandula|Orden ni Lakandula]]'' (Order of Lakandula), in recognition of using her talents to benefit Philippine society and foster cultural exchange.<ref name=":26">{{cite news |last1=Romero |first1=Paolo |date=February 8, 2007 |title=Order of Lakandula for Lea, climbers |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/383966/order-lakandula-lea-climbers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917195723/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/383966/order-lakandula-lea-climbers |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |access-date=11 November 2015 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref> That same day, she received the [[Philippine Congressional Medal (House of Representatives)|Congressional Medal of Achievement]] from the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines]] for showing "the extent and depth of the Filipino musical talent" and "opening the way for other Filipino artists to break into the finest theaters in the world."<ref name=":26" /> In October, she headlined a concert with the [[West Point Band|U.S. Military Academy Band]] in [[United States Military Academy|West Point]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=USMA Band fall/winter guest artist series: Come hear the voice of Mulan in ''Mulan'' and Jasmine in ''Aladdin'' |url=http://www.usma.edu/band/event.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013042413/http://www.usma.edu/band/event.htm |archive-date=October 13, 2007 |website=[[West Point Band|U.S. Military Academy Band]]}}</ref>

===2008–2012: ''Philippine Daily Inquirer'' columnist and touring===
In 2008, Salonga began writing a column for the ''[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]''{{'}}s entertainment section under the title ''Backstory'', debuting with the piece "Introducing: Lea Salonga, writer."<ref>{{cite news |last=Diego Jr. |first=Bayani San |date=July 3, 2008 |title=Lea Salonga, the writer, debuts in PDI |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080703-146131/Lea-Salonga-the-writer-debuts-in-PDI |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901025609/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080703-146131/Lea-Salonga-the-writer-debuts-in-PDI |archive-date=September 1, 2010 |access-date=September 9, 2025 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]}}</ref> She performed select concerts around the world and was nominated for Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist at the [[21st Awit Awards]].<ref name=":25">{{cite web |date= |title=List of finalists of the 21st Awit Awards |url=http://www.awitawards.com.ph/finalists2007.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621051806/http://www.awitawards.com.ph/finalists2007.htm |archivedate=June 21, 2008 |accessdate=September 20, 2014 |publisher=[[Philippine Association of the Record Industry]]}}</ref> She also toured Asia in the title role of [[Cinderella (Rodgers and Hammerstein musical)|''Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella'']], which opened in Manila in late 2008 and concluded in mid-2009.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=January 26, 2007 |title=Lea Salonga to star in ''Cinderella'' tour |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-to-star-in-cinderella-tour-com-138030 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108053201/https://www.playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-to-star-in-cinderella-tour-com-138030 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref>
[[File:Lea Salonga2.jpg|thumb|201x201px|Salonga in New York in 2009]]
Throughout 2009, Salonga launched her ''Inspired'' concert tour in the U.S. and marked several milestones, including singing "''[[Bayan Ko]]''" (My Country) at the [[Death and funeral of Corazon Aquino|state funeral]] of former [[Corazon Aquino|President Corazon Aquino]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Holandes Ubalde |first=Joseph |date=August 5, 2009 |title=Lea Salonga's 'Bayan Ko' rendition brings mourners back to EDSA '86 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/169060/lea-salonga-s-bayan-ko-rendition-brings-mourners-back-to-edsa-86/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108065322/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/169060/lea-salonga-s-bayan-ko-rendition-brings-mourners-back-to-edsa-86/story/ |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[GMA Network]]}}</ref> and celebrating the twentieth anniversary of ''[[Miss Saigon]]'' with concerts at the [[Philippine International Convention Center]], including [[Richard Poon]] and [[Ai-Ai delas Alas]] as guests.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 13, 2009 |title=Lea Salonga will have Richard Poon and Ai-Ai delas Alas as guests in her December concert |url=http://www.pep.ph/guide/5101/Lea-Salonga-will-have-Richard-Poon-and-Ai-Ai-delas-Alas-as-guests-in-her-December-concert |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091116161107/http://www.pep.ph/guide/5101/Lea-Salonga-will-have-Richard-Poon-and-Ai-Ai-delas-Alas-as-guests-in-her-December-concert |archive-date=November 16, 2009 |access-date=January 24, 2010 |work=[[Philippine Entertainment Portal]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Oliveros |first=Oliver |date=December 12, 2009 |title=Photo coverage: Lea Salonga's Your Songs concert |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Lea-Salongas-YOUR-SONGS-Concert-20091212 |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> The same year, Salonga became a brand ambassador for [[Avon Products]].<ref>{{cite news |date=July 10, 2009 |title=Avon launches Anew Rejuvenate and Anew Ambassador Lea Salonga |url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=485401&publicationSubCategoryId=111 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906200245/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=485401&publicationSubCategoryId=111 |archive-date=September 6, 2012 |access-date=January 24, 2010 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref> In 2010, she returned to musical theatre as [[Grizabella]] in the Manila staging of the Asia-Pacific tour of ''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hernandez |first=Ernio |date=January 13, 2010 |title=Lea Salonga to star in Manila run of Cats |url=https://playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-to-star-in-manila-run-of-cats-com-164922 |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> and later performed as [[Fantine]] in ''[[Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary]]'', fifteen years after appearing in the [[Les Misérables: The Dream Cast in Concert|10th Anniversary production]] as [[Éponine]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Kenneth |date=June 2, 2010 |title=Nick Jonas as Marius! Lea Salonga as Fantine! Les Miz anniversary concert to play London |url=https://playbill.com/article/nick-jonas-as-marius-lea-salonga-as-fantine-les-miz-anniversary-concert-to-play-london-com-168895 |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref>

Salonga was named a [[Disney Legends|Disney Legend]] in 2011 for her work as the singing voice of [[Jasmine (Aladdin)|Princess Jasmine]] in ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992) and [[Mulan (Disney character)|Fa Mulan]] in ''[[Mulan (1998 film)|Mulan]]'' (1998).<ref name="DLegend" /> She also served as a judge for the [[Miss Universe 2011|Miss Universe]] pageant in [[São Paulo|São Paulo, Brazil]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Rosky |first=Nicole |date=September 7, 2011 |title=Lea Salonga set to judge Miss Universe pageant, 9/12 |url=http://broadwayworld.com/article/Lea-Salonga-Set-to-Judge-Miss-Universe-Pageant-912-20110907 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023221659/http://broadwayworld.com/article/Lea-Salonga-Set-to-Judge-Miss-Universe-Pageant-912-20110907 |archive-date=October 23, 2011 |access-date=September 7, 2011 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> In 2012, she originated the role of Kei Kimura in the world premiere of ''[[Allegiance (musical)|Allegiance]]'' at the [[Old Globe Theatre]] in [[San Diego]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Kenneth |date=September 28, 2012 |title=''Allegiance'' musical, with George Takei and Lea Salonga, extends run in CA |url=https://playbill.com/article/allegiance-musical-with-george-takei-and-lea-salonga-extends-run-in-ca-com-198082 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108050855/https://playbill.com/article/allegiance-musical-with-george-takei-and-lea-salonga-extends-run-in-ca-com-198082 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> and starred in Philippine and Singapore productions of ''[[God of Carnage]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jambora |first=Anne A. |date=July 9, 2012 |title=Lea Salonga goes straight in 'God of Carnage' |url=http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/56742/lea-salonga-goes-straight-in-%E2%80%98god-of-carnage%E2%80%99 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712154602/http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/56742/lea-salonga-goes-straight-in-%E2%80%98god-of-carnage%E2%80%99 |archive-date=July 12, 2012 |access-date=September 24, 2012 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]}}</ref> She narrated [[Candlelight Processional (Disney Parks)|Disney's Candlelight Processional]] at [[Epcot]] in [[Walt Disney World]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 23, 2012 |title=Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Lea Salonga and more set for Epcot Candlelight Processional, now thru Dec 30 |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/orlando/article/Neil-Patrick-Harris-Whoopi-Goldberg-Lea-Salonga-and-More-Set-for-Epcot-Candlelight-Processional-Now-thru-Dec-30-20121123 |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref>

===2013–2018: ''The Voice of the Philippines'' and return to Broadway===
In January 2013, Salonga appeared in [[Lincoln Center]]'s American Songbook concert series at the [[Jazz at Lincoln Center#Rose Hall|Allen Room]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hetrick |first=Adam |date=January 30, 2013 |title=Tony Award winner Lea Salonga launches American Songbook Series Jan. 30 |url=https://playbill.com/article/tony-award-winner-lea-salonga-launches-american-songbook-series-jan-30-com-202024 |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> and, the following month, provided the theme song for [[TV5 (Philippine TV network)|TV5]]'s reality singing competition ''[[Kanta Pilipinas]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 15, 2012 |title=Lea Salonga on reality singing contests: 'It's a chance at what your future can hold. But it's not a guarantee of anything.' |url=https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/26760/lea-salonga-on-reality-singing-contests-its-a-chance-at-what-your-future-can-hold-but-its-not-a-guar |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Philippine Entertainment Portal]]}}</ref> She also starred as Mother in a concert staging of ''[[Ragtime (musical)|Ragtime]]'' at Lincoln Center's [[Avery Fisher Hall]] alongside [[Tyne Daly]], [[Patina Miller]], and [[Norm Lewis]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Champion |first=Lindsay |date=November 16, 2012 |title=Lea Salonga, Norm Lewis & Tyne Daly to headline ''Ragtime'' concert |url=http://www.broadway.com/buzz/165581/lea-salonga-norm-lewis-tyne-daly-to-headline-ragtime-concert |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708142705/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/165581/lea-salonga-norm-lewis-tyne-daly-to-headline-ragtime-concert/ |archive-date=July 8, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |work=[[Broadway.com]]}}</ref> That June, she headlined ''4 Stars: One World of Broadway Musicals'' in [[Tokyo]] and [[Osaka]] with [[Ramin Karimloo]], [[Sierra Boggess]], and [[Yu Shirota]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=June 15, 2013 |title=Lea Salonga, Ramin Karimloo, Yu Shirota and Sierra Boggess are 4 Stars in One World of Broadway, beginning June 15 |url=https://playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-ramin-karimloo-yu-shirota-and-sierra-boggess-are-4-stars-in-one-world-of-broadway-beginning-june-15-com-206564 |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> Later that month, Salonga became one of four coaches on the [[The Voice of the Philippines season 1|inaugural season]] of [[ABS-CBN]]'s ''[[The Voice of the Philippines]]'', joining [[apl.de.ap]], [[Sarah Geronimo]], and [[Bamboo Mañalac]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 5, 2013 |title='The Voice Philippines' to premiere June 9 |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/26026-the-voice-philippines-june-8/ |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Rappler]]}}</ref> In December, she launched her ''Lea Salonga: Playlist'' concert tour in the Philippines to commemorate her thirty-fifth anniversary in entertainment, including [[Martin Nievera]] and [[Nic Chien]] as guests.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ager |first=Maila |date=January 18, 2014 |title=Lea Salonga's 'Playlist' guests daughter Nicole Chien, Martin Nievera |url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/130401/lea-salongas-playlist-guests-daughter-nicole-chien-martin-nievera |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413145152/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/130401/lea-salongas-playlist-guests-daughter-nicole-chien-martin-nievera |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |access-date=April 11, 2014 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]}}</ref>

[[File:Lea Salonga - 2014.jpg|left|thumb|Salonga performing at the [[Malacañang Palace]] in 2014|243x243px]]Salonga returned as a coach for the second season of ''The Voice of the Philippines'' in 2014 and joined the new Philippine edition of ''[[The Voice Kids (Philippine TV series)|The Voice Kids]]'', serving for four seasons.<ref>{{cite web |last=Donida |first=Krissa |date=January 15, 2014 |title=Lea Salonga talks about being back on 'The Voice' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/features/10234/lea-salonga-talks-about-being-back-on-the-voice |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121044511/http://push.abs-cbn.com/features/10234/lea-salonga-talks-about-being-back-on-the-voice/ |archive-date=January 21, 2014 |access-date=January 27, 2014 |publisher=[[ABS-CBN Interactive|Push]] |language=fil}}</ref> That year, she recorded "Wished That I Could Call You" for the [[Children in Need]] benefit album, ''Love on 42nd Street'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Michael |first=Gioia |date=March 17, 2014 |title='Love on 42nd Street' CD, with Lea Salonga, Ramin Karimloo, Sierra Boggess and more, released March 17 |url=https://playbill.com/article/love-on-42nd-street-cd-with-lea-salonga-ramin-karimloo-sierra-boggess-and-more-released-march-17-com-216032 |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> and toured [[Asia]], [[Europe]], and [[North America]] with [[Il Divo]], including a concert at [[Nippon Budokan]] in [[Tokyo]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Henry |first=Alan |date=May 22, 2014 |title=BWW interviews: Lea Salonga talks Il Divo tour, Allegiance, Miss Saigon, and more! |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-Interviews-Lea-Salonga-Talks-Il-Divo-Tour-Allegiance-Miss-Saigon-and-More-20140522 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108065323/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-Interviews-Lea-Salonga-Talks-Il-Divo-Tour-Allegiance-Miss-Saigon-and-More-20140522 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 24, 2014 |title=Lea salonga joins Il Divo on European leg of A Musical Affair Tour, beginning tonight |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Lea-Salonga-Joins-Il-Divo-on-European-Leg-of-A-MUSICAL-AFFAIR-Tour-This-Fall-20140923 |access-date=September 17, 2025 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> In 2015, she toured in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Cerasaro |first=Pat |date=July 24, 2015 |title=Lea Salonga kicks off Australia & New Zealand tour today |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Lea-Salonga-Kicks-Off-Australia-New-Zealand-Tour-Today-20150723 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108065322/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Lea-Salonga-Kicks-Off-Australia-New-Zealand-Tour-Today-20150723 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> and reprised the role of Kei Kimura in the Broadway production of ''[[Allegiance (musical)|Allegiance]]'' at the [[Longacre Theatre]], earning critical acclaim for her vocal performance.<ref>{{cite web |last=Isherwood |first=Charles |date=November 8, 2015 |title=Review: 'Allegiance,' a musical history lesson about interned Japanese-Americans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/09/theater/review-allegiance-a-musical-history-lesson-about-interned-japanese-americans.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208210939/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/09/theater/review-allegiance-a-musical-history-lesson-about-interned-japanese-americans.html |archive-date=December 8, 2016 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In April 2016, she guest-starred on the season finale of ''[[Crazy Ex-Girlfriend]]'', portraying Josh's visiting aunt, a former [[Star Search]] contestant, and performing the [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney-style]] parody song "One Indescribable Instant."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mallenbaum |first1=Carly |date=April 18, 2016 |title=Exclusive clip: 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' finale has the perfect guest star |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/18/crazy-ex-girlfriend-finale/83189626/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730070254/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/18/crazy-ex-girlfriend-finale/83189626/ |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |access-date=July 30, 2022 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> In November 2016, Salonga starred as Helen Bechdel in the international premiere of ''[[Fun Home (musical)|Fun Home]]'' in [[Manila]], receiving praise for her emotional range.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hetrick |first=Adam |date=November 18, 2015 |title=Lea Salonga will star in ''Fun Home'' international premiere |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-will-star-in-fun-home-international-premiere-com-372281 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108053159/https://www.playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-will-star-in-fun-home-international-premiere-com-372281 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bunoan |first=Vladimir |date=November 12, 2016 |title=Review: Superb 'Fun Home' cast moves audience to tears |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/life/11/11/16/review-superb-fun-home-cast-moves-audience-to-tears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108075339/https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/11/11/16/review-superb-fun-home-cast-moves-audience-to-tears |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[ABS-CBN News]]}}</ref> That year, she also won two [[Aliw Awards]], including Best Major Concert in a Foreign Venue and a second Entertainer of the Year honor.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 2, 2016 |title=Lea Salonga wins Entertainer of the Year at Aliw Awards 2016 |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/12/02/16/lea-salonga-wins-entertainer-of-the-year-at-aliw-awards-2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108092341/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/12/02/16/lea-salonga-wins-entertainer-of-the-year-at-aliw-awards-2016 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[ABS-CBN News]]}}</ref>[[File:LeaSalonga.jpg|thumb|225x225px|Salonga after a performance of ''[[Once on This Island]]'']]In 2017, Salonga joined ''[[The Voice Teens (Philippine TV series)|The Voice Teens]]'' as a coach<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 1, 2017 |title=Lea excited to mentor teens on 'The Voice' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/01/17/lea-excited-to-mentor-teens-on-the-voice |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108085307/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/01/17/lea-excited-to-mentor-teens-on-the-voice |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |work=[[ABS-CBN News]] }}</ref> and released ''Bahaghari: Lea Salonga Sings Traditional Songs of the Philippines''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanjutco |first=Carol |date=December 20, 2017 |title=Ilonggo lullaby crowns Lea Salonga's new Bahaghari album |url=https://usa.inquirer.net/8879/ilonggo-lullaby-crowns-lea-salongas-new-bahaghari-album |access-date=September 9, 2025 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]}}</ref> She then portrayed [[Erzulie]] in the Broadway revival of ''[[Once on This Island]]'' at the [[Circle in the Square Theatre]], earning critical acclaim for her vocals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stasio |first=Marilyn |date=December 3, 2017 |title=Broadway review: 'Once on This Island' |url=https://variety.com/2017/legit/reviews/once-on-this-island-review-broadway-1202629232 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131071000/http://variety.com/2017/legit/reviews/once-on-this-island-review-broadway-1202629232/ |archive-date=January 31, 2018 |access-date=January 29, 2018 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> In July 2018, Salonga played Grace Farrell in the [[Hollywood Bowl]] production of ''[[Annie (musical)|Annie]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Culwell-Block |first=Logan |date=April 27, 2018 |title=Tony winner Lea Salonga joins cast of Hollywood Bowl Annie |url=https://playbill.com/article/tony-winner-lea-salonga-joins-cast-of-hollywood-bowl-annie |access-date=September 28, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> She later returned to ''Once on This Island'' in December for its final performances,<ref>{{cite web |last=Wild |first=Stephi |date=December 27, 2018 |title=Lea Salonga returns to Once on This Island today, December 27 |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Lea-Salonga-Returns-to-ONCE-ON-THIS-ISLAND-Today-December-27-20181227 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107072348/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Lea-Salonga-Returns-to-ONCE-ON-THIS-ISLAND-Today-December-27-20181227 |archive-date=January 7, 2019 |access-date=January 6, 2019 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> and the cast album subsequently received a [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]] nomination for [[Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album|Best Musical Theater Album]].<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2019 |title=2019 Grammy winners: Complete list |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/grammys-2019-winners-live-updating-list-1178567/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211035732/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/grammys-2019-winners-live-updating-list-1178567/ |archive-date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>

===2019–2022: ''Yellow Rose'', ''Sweeney Todd'', Dream Again Tour, and ''Pretty Little Liars''===
In 2019, Salonga appeared as Aunt Gail alongside [[Eva Noblezada]], [[Dale Watson (singer)|Dale Watson]], and [[Princess Punzalan]] in the film ''[[Yellow Rose (2019 film)|Yellow Rose]]'', which premiered at the [[Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Ng |first=Philiana |date=May 1, 2019 |title=Broadway icon Lea Salonga opens up about her first big-screen movie in 20 years |url=https://www.etonline.com/lea-salonga-returning-to-big-screen-yellow-rose-124336 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506230119/https://www.etonline.com/lea-salonga-returning-to-big-screen-yellow-rose-124336 |archive-date=May 6, 2019 |access-date=May 6, 2019 |website=[[Entertainment Tonight]]}}</ref> That May, she launched [[The Human Heart Tour]], performing across [[North America]] before bringing the production to the [[United Kingdom]], including a special appearance by [[Rachelle Ann Go]] in [[London]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=October 16, 2018 |title=Tony winner Lea Salonga will play U.S., Canada, U.K., China, and more in The Human Heart Tour |url=https://playbill.com/article/tony-winner-lea-salonga-will-play-us-canada-uk-china-and-more-in-the-human-heart-tour#:~:text=Cabaret%20&%20Concert%20News%20Tony%20Winner,FROM%20BROADWAY%20WITH%20PLAYBILL%20UNIVERSE |access-date=August 10, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> She also recorded the theme song "[[We Win As One]]" for the [[SEA Games|Southeast Asian Games]], which served as the official anthem for the 2019 event.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 2, 2020 |title=Why Lea Salonga will not perform at SEA Games opening ceremony |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/life/11/25/19/why-lea-salonga-will-not-perform-at-sea-games-opening-ceremony |access-date=November 25, 2019 |work=[[ABS-CBN News]]}}</ref> Later in the year, she starred as [[Mrs. Lovett]] in ''[[Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street]]'' in [[Manila]] and [[Singapore]], a performance critics pointed to as a standout in her career.<ref>{{cite web |last=Meyer |first=Dan |date=October 23, 2019 |title=What do critics think of ''Sweeney Todd'' in Manila, starring Lea Salonga? |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/what-do-critics-think-of-sweeney-todd-in-manila-starring-lea-salonga |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108063209/https://www.playbill.com/article/what-do-critics-think-of-sweeney-todd-in-manila-starring-lea-salonga |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> In the interim, Salonga performed concerts in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], and [[Brisbane]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Wild |first=Stephi |date=March 10, 2019 |title=Lea Salonga to tour Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in November 2019 |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/australia-melbourne/article/Lea-Salonga-To-Tour-Brisbane-Sydney-and-Melbourne-In-November-2019-20190310 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618100156/https://www.broadwayworld.com/australia-melbourne/article/Lea-Salonga-To-Tour-Brisbane-Sydney-and-Melbourne-In-November-2019-20190310 |archive-date=June 18, 2019 |access-date=June 18, 2019 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> [[PBS]]'s ''[[Great Performances]]'' later aired her [[Sydney Opera House]] concert with the [[Sydney Symphony Orchestra]], making the show accessible to home audiences.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ng |first=Philiana |date=October 12, 2020 |title=Lea Salonga talks 'Yellow Rose,' 'Mulan' criticisms and the power of BTS |url=https://www.etonline.com/lea-salonga-talks-yellow-rose-mulan-criticisms-and-the-power-of-bts-exclusive-154637 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101015919/https://www.etonline.com/lea-salonga-talks-yellow-rose-mulan-criticisms-and-the-power-of-bts-exclusive-154637 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |access-date=October 13, 2020 |website=[[Entertainment Tonight]]}}</ref>
[[File:Lea salonga 2021 2.jpg|thumb|269x269px|Salonga at the [[74th Tony Awards]] in 2021]]
In early 2020, following a performance in [[Dubai]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 8, 2019 |title=Lea Salonga to perform at the Dubai Opera in March 2020 |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/234842-lea-salonga-performing-dubai-opera-2020/ |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Rappler]]}}</ref> she postponed her planned North American tour in response to the global [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=March 18, 2020 |title=Lea Salonga postpones North American tour until the fall |url=https://playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-postpones-north-american-tour-until-the-fall#:~:text=“While%20I'm%20incredibly%20disappointed,Salonga%20said%20in%20a%20statement. |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 14, 2020 |title='We'll be back in 2021': Lea Salonga reschedules US tour again due to COVID-19 |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/14/20/well-be-back-in-2021-lea-salonga-reschedules-us-tour-again-due-to-covid-19 |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=[[ABS-CBN News]]}}</ref> During the pandemic, she participated in virtual fundraising events and released the song "[[Dream Again (song)|Dream Again]]" in August, a hopeful anthem supporting pandemic relief efforts.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |last1=Gans |first1=Andrew |last2=Mcphee |first2=Ryan |last3=Meyer |first3=Dan |date=August 21, 2020 |title=In the news: Lea Salonga drops inspiring anthem 'Dream Again,' Damon Daunno, Robert Torti featured on Blood Rock EP, more |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/in-the-news-lea-salonga-drops-inspiring-anthem-dream-again-damon-daunno-robert-torti-featured-on-blood-rock-ep-more |access-date=November 7, 2022 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> In 2021, Salonga lent her voice to the character of the Mysterious Woman in [[Netflix]]'s ''[[Centaurworld]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Alter |first=Rebecca |date=July 30, 2021 |title=''Centaurworld'' is a cartoon hybrid of infinite possibilities |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/centaurworld-creator-megan-nicole-dong-interview-netflix-animation.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730161215/https://www.vulture.com/article/centaurworld-creator-megan-nicole-dong-interview-netflix-animation.html |archive-date=July 30, 2021 |access-date=August 4, 2021 |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]}}</ref> and announced the [[Dream Again Tour]] with scheduled stops in the United Kingdom, later adding concerts across the [[United States]] and [[Canada]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meyer |first=Dan |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Lea Salonga unveils 2022 Dream Again Tour |url=https://playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-unveils-2022-dream-again-tour |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> She concluded the year with a performance at [[Expo 2020]] in Dubai, delivering a Christmas concert at the Dubai Exhibition Centre.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barretto |first=Jennifer |date=December 27, 2021 |title=Legendary Filipino singer Lea Salonga was happy to return to Dubai for concert |url=https://gulfnews.com/expo-2020/entertainment/legendary-filipino-singer-lea-salonga-was-happy-to-return-to-dubai-for-concert-1.84625544 |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Gulf News]]}}</ref>

In 2022, Salonga launched the Dream Again Tour across the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] in April before extending it to the [[United Kingdom]] that summer. In May, she performed "[[The Prayer (Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli song)|The Prayer]]" at the [[National Memorial Day Concert]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], which was broadcast on [[PBS]]. That July, she joined the cast of ''[[Pretty Little Liars (2022 TV series)#Season 1: Original Sin (2022)|Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin]]'' as Elodie Honrada<ref>{{cite web |last=Harms |first=Talaura |date=September 28, 2021 |title=In the news: Lea Salonga tapped for ''Pretty Little Liars'' reboot, Billy Porter and Henry Tisch elected to Actors Fund Board |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/in-the-news-lea-salonga-tapped-for-pretty-little-liars-reboot-billy-porter-and-henry-tisch-elected-to-actors-fund-board |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007182944/https://www.playbill.com/article/in-the-news-lea-salonga-tapped-for-pretty-little-liars-reboot-billy-porter-and-henry-tisch-elected-to-actors-fund-board |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |access-date=October 7, 2021 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> and, in September, portrayed Mama Soubirous in the [[Manhattan]] workshop of ''The Song of Bernadette''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=September 9, 2022 |title=Lea Salonga and Sophia Anne Caruso lead workshop of new Frank Wildhorn musical ''The Song of Bernadette'' |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-and-sophia-anne-caruso-lead-workshop-of-new-frank-wildhorn-musical-the-song-of-bernadette |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003033405/https://www.playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-and-sophia-anne-caruso-lead-workshop-of-new-frank-wildhorn-musical-the-song-of-bernadette |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=October 2, 2022 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> Later that month, Salonga was honored at the [[Time100 Impact Awards|''Time''100 Impact Awards]] as a "life-long role model for children of color,"<ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine |last=Mansoor |first=Sanya |date=September 25, 2022 |title=Lea Salonga, voice of Disney princesses, is a life-long role model for kids of color |url=https://time.com/collection/time100-impact-awards/6215729/lea-salonga-time100-impact-awards/ |access-date=October 2, 2022 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> and in October she was featured on [[Pentatonix]]'s album ''[[Holidays Around the World]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cua |first=Aric John Sy |date=October 28, 2022 |title=Lea Salonga sings Jose Mari Chan classic with Pentatonix's new Christmas album |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/28/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/lea-salonga-sings-jose-mari-chan-classic-with-pentatonixs-new-christmas-album/1864091 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029064145/https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/28/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/lea-salonga-sings-jose-mari-chan-classic-with-pentatonixs-new-christmas-album/1864091 |archive-date=October 29, 2022 |access-date=October 30, 2022 |work=[[The Manila Times]]}}</ref> She concluded the year as the headliner for the annual Christmas concerts with [[Tabernacle Choir|The Tabernacle Choir]] at the [[LDS Conference Center]] in [[Salt Lake City]], which were nationally televised and released the following year as the album ''Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pierce |first=Scott D. |date=December 16, 2022 |title=Tabernacle Choir boss is a stern taskmaster, says who? A Disney princess. |url=https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2022/12/16/tabernacle-choir-boss-is-stern/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216233921/https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2022/12/16/tabernacle-choir-boss-is-stern/ |archive-date=December 16, 2022 |access-date=December 17, 2022 |work=[[The Salt Lake Tribune]]}}</ref>

=== 2023–present: ''Here Lies Love'', ''Old Friends'', and Stage, Screen & Everything In Between Tour ===
[[File:Following the State Dinner on April 26, 2023, in the State Dining Room of the White House President Yoon surprises everyone by singing Don McLean’s “American Pie”.jpg|left|thumb|248x248px|Salonga at a [[White House]] state dinner in 2023]]
In 2023, Salonga made her [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] [[Theatrical producer|producing]] debut and appeared as Aurora Aquino, mother of [[Ninoy Aquino]], in ''[[Here Lies Love (musical)|Here Lies Love]]'' at the [[Broadway Theatre (53rd Street)|Broadway Theatre]], marking her return to Broadway and her first portrayal of a [[Filipinos|Filipino]] role on the Broadway stage.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Putman |first1=Leah |title=Tony and Olivier winner Lea Salonga will star in Broadway's Here Lies Love |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/tony-and-olivier-winner-lea-salonga-will-star-in-broadways-here-lies-love |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227190539/https://www.playbill.com/article/tony-and-olivier-winner-lea-salonga-will-star-in-broadways-here-lies-love |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |access-date=February 27, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> She performed concerts across the United States, appeared at ''Broadway Backwards'' at the [[New Amsterdam Theatre]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Wayne Brady, Lea Salonga, Ali Stroker, more set for 2023 Broadway Backwards concert |url=https://playbill.com/article/wayne-brady-lea-salonga-ali-stroker-more-set-for-2023-broadway-backwards-concert |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216044249/https://www.playbill.com/article/wayne-brady-lea-salonga-ali-stroker-more-set-for-2023-broadway-backwards-concert |archive-date=February 16, 2023 |access-date=February 16, 2023 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> and sang at the [[White House]] for [[Joe Biden|President Joe Biden]] and South Korean [[Yoon Suk Yeol|President Yoon Suk Yeol]].<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |last=Venkatraman |first=Sakshi |date=April 25, 2023 |title=Actor Lea Salonga and chef Edward Lee are among the stars at S. Korea state visit |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/actress-lea-salonga-chef-edward-lee-are-stars-s-korea-state-visit-rcna81345 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620060527/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/actress-lea-salonga-chef-edward-lee-are-stars-s-korea-state-visit-rcna81345 |archive-date=June 20, 2023 |access-date=June 20, 2023 |work=[[NBC News]]}}</ref> That spring, she received the Gold Legend Award at the [[Gold House|Gold House Gala]] for her contributions to Asian Pacific representation,<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Putnam |first=Leah |date=May 1, 2023 |title=Gold House's A100 list announces honorees Stephanie Hsu, Lea Salonga, more |url=https://playbill.com/article/gold-houses-a100-list-announces-honorees-stephanie-hsu-lea-salonga-more |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> performed at [[The Asian American Foundation]]'s Heritage Month Summit and Celebration,<ref>{{Cite news |last=White |first=Abbey |date=May 2, 2023 |title=Michelle Yeoh, Simu Liu, Daniel Dae Kim to headline TAAF Heritage Month Summit and Celebration |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/michelle-yeoh-simu-liu-taaf-heritage-month-summit-1235477877/ |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> and appeared on the world premiere studio cast recording of the musical ''Wild About You''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Masseron |first=Meg |date=June 15, 2023 |title=New musical Wild About You to record album featuring Lea Salonga, Alex Newell, Joaquina Kalukango, and more |url=https://playbill.com/article/new-musical-wild-about-you-to-record-album-featuring-lea-salonga-alex-newell-joaquina-kalukango-and-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620060529/https://playbill.com/article/new-musical-wild-about-you-to-record-album-featuring-lea-salonga-alex-newell-joaquina-kalukango-and-more |archive-date=June 20, 2023 |access-date=June 20, 2023 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> From September 2023 to January 2024, she starred alongside [[Bernadette Peters]] in ''[[Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends]]'' in the [[West End theatre|West End]] at the [[Gielgud Theatre]].<ref name=":21" />[[File:BernadettePetersAndLeaSalonga-byPhilipRomano.jpg|alt=|thumb|243x243px|Salonga and [[Bernadette Peters]] at the opening night of [[Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends|''Old Friends'']] in 2025]]In 2024, Salonga performed again with The Tabernacle Choir at the [[SM Mall of Asia Arena]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Felipe |first=MJ |date=February 28, 2024 |title=Tabernacle Choir, Lea Salonga amaze Filipino audience |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2024/2/28/tabernacle-choir-lea-salonga-amaze-filipino-audience-1326 |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=[[ABS-CBN]]}}</ref> reprised her role in ''[[Pretty Little Liars: Summer School#Season 2: Summer School (2024)|Pretty Little Liars: Summer School]]'',''<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Adeyemi |first=Boluwatife |date=April 10, 2024 |title=Pretty Little Liars: Summer School premiere date revealed, Original Sin Season 2 gets new villain |url=https://screenrant.com/pretty-little-liars-season-2-release-date-may-synopsis/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref>'' and launched the European leg of the [[Stage, Screen & Everything In Between Tour|Stage, Screen & Everything In Between]] concert tour, including a performance at the [[Theatre Royal, Drury Lane]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wild |first=Stephi |date=December 4, 2023 |title=Lea Salonga will embark on a new UK Tour in 2024 |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Lea-Salonga-Will-Embark-on-a-New-UK-Tour-in-2024-20231204 |access-date=December 5, 2023 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> That October, she starred in the Philippine adaptation of [[Franz Xaver Kroetz]]'s ''[[Request Concert (play)|Wunschkonzert]]'', retitled ''Request sa Radyo'', alternating performances with [[Dolly de Leon]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 25, 2024 |title=Lea Salonga and Dolly De Leon to star in 'Request sa Radyo' stage play |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/911138/lea-salonga-and-dolly-de-leon-to-star-in-request-sa-radyo-stage-play/story/#goog_rewarded |access-date=September 6, 2024 |website=[[GMA News]] |language=en}}</ref> In November, she released ''[[Sounding Joy (album)|Sounding Joy]]'', her first holiday album in more than two decades,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hall |first=Margaret |date=September 3, 2024 |title=Lea Salonga releasing new holiday album, Sounding Joy |url=https://playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-releasing-new-holiday-album-sounding-joy |access-date=September 21, 2024 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> launched the Asian leg of the Stage, Screen & Everything In Between concert tour,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wild |first=Stephi |date=November 4, 2024 |title=Lea Salonga will perform at the Theatre at Solaire this week |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/philippines/article/Lea-Solonga-Will-Perform-at-the-Theatre-at-Solaire-This-Week-20241104 |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> and performed on the [[Sesame Street|''Sesame Street'']] float at the [[Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stump |first=Scott |date=November 28, 2024 |title=Elmo, Oscar and Big Bird make an appearance on the 'Sesame Street' float |url=https://www.today.com/life/holidays/blog/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-2024-live-updates-rcna181218 |access-date=November 30, 2024 |work=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]}}</ref> In December, she embarked on the Sounding Joy: The Holiday Tour in the United States, which included a concert with the [[Boston Pops]] at [[Symphony Hall (Boston)|Symphony Hall]] in [[Boston]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reedy |first=R. Scott |date=December 15, 2024 |title=Interview: Lea Salonga talks 'Sounding Joy' with the Boston Pops |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/boston/article/Interview-Lea-Salonga-Talks-Sounding-Joy-with-the-Boston-Pops-20241215 |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref>

In 2025, Salonga reprised alongside Peters in ''Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends'' on Broadway at the [[Samuel J. Friedman Theatre]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Culwell-Block |first=Logan |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga will star in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends on Broadway |url=https://playbill.com/article/bernadette-peters-and-lea-salonga-will-star-in-stephen-sondheims-old-friends-on-broadway |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> following a pre-Broadway run at the [[Ahmanson Theatre]] in [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Bernadette Peters & Lea Salonga to headline new Sondheim Broadway revue 'Old Friends'; pre-Broadway staging set for L.A. |url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/bernadette-peters-lea-salonga-sondheim-broadway-1235878300/ |access-date=September 9, 2025 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> In the same year, she also appeared on ''[[Finding Your Roots]]'',''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mangalindan |first=JP |date=August 15, 2024 |title=Finding Your Roots season 11 will feature Chrissy Teigen, Kristen Bell and Laurence Fishburne |url=https://people.com/finding-your-roots-season-11-to-feature-chrissy-teigen-kristen-bell-more-exclusive-8695030 |access-date=November 30, 2024 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref>'' guest-starred on ''[[The Cleaning Lady (American TV series)|The Cleaning Lady]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Ellen |date=March 26, 2025 |title=Lea Salonga is entering her villain era — and she's loving it |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lea-salonga-the-cleaning-lady_n_67e3f50de4b0ae983054120f |access-date=March 28, 2025 |work=[[HuffPost]]}}</ref> and provided the singing voice for Celine in ''[[KPop Demon Hunters]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yap |first=Jade Veronique |date=June 25, 2025 |title=Lea Salonga credited in Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters' as singing voice of Celine |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/950471/lea-salonga-credited-in-netflix-s-kpop-demon-hunters-as-singing-voice-of-celine/story/ |access-date=October 15, 2025 |work=[[GMA News]]}}</ref> In May, she received the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre Award at the [[Drama League Award|91st Annual Drama League Awards]]<ref name=":17">{{Cite news |last=Rabinowitz |first=Chloe |date=January 22, 2025 |title=Lea Salonga, Whitney White & more to be honored at the 91st Annual Drama League Awards |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Lea-Salonga-Whitney-White-More-to-be-Honored-at-The-91st-Annual-Drama-League-Awards-20250122 |access-date=March 27, 2025 |work=[[Broadway World]]}}</ref> before returning to the Philippines to portray the Witch in ''[[Into the Woods]]'' in August alongside [[Arielle Jacobs]] and [[Nic Chien]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wild |first=Stephi |date=January 19, 2025 |title=Lea Salonga will star in Into the Woods in the Philippines this summer |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Lea-Salonga-Will-Star-in-INTO-THE-WOODS-in-the-Philippines-This-Summer-20250119 |access-date=March 27, 2025 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> In September, she launched the North American leg of the Stage, Screen & Everything In Between concert tour.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rosky |first=Nicole |date=May 20, 2025 |title=Lea Salonga will launch North American tour this fall |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Lea-Salonga-Will-Launch-North-American-Tour-This-Fall-20250520 |access-date=July 5, 2025 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> She is set to star in the upcoming short film ''The Vale: Origins''.''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gomez |first=Dessi |date=February 12, 2025 |title=Lea Salonga to topline short film prequel to Abigail Hing Wen novel; John Aoshima and Neil Blevins attached for animation |url=https://deadline.com/2025/02/lea-salonga-short-film-the-vale-origins-1236287165/ |access-date=March 27, 2025 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>''

== Artistry ==

=== Musical style and themes ===
Regarding her musical repertoire, Salonga has articulated a preference for live, orchestral textures in the studio. Discussing her holiday album ''[[Sounding Joy (album)|Sounding Joy]]'' (2024), she explained that "live strings, brasses and the rest of the live instruments" were added "to round out everything," noting the album's central themes of resilience and overcoming adversity.<ref name="People20242">{{cite news |last=Speakman |first=Kimberlee |date=November 1, 2024 |title=Lea Salonga talks 'hopeful' Christmas album, Sounding Joy: 'I've made a good living making people cry' |url=https://people.com/lea-salonga-new-christmas-album-sounding-joy-exclusive-8737703 |access-date=September 23, 2025 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> Within her pop output, industry classification places parts of her discography in ballad-leaning, melody-forward idioms; for example, [[AllMusic]] lists her studio album ''[[By Heart (Lea Salonga album)|By Heart]]'' (1999) under the "easy listening" genre.<ref name=":15">{{cite web |title=Lea Salonga: By Heart |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/by-heart-mw0001032816 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314092943/http://www.allmusic.com/album/by-heart-mw0001032816 |archive-date=March 14, 2016 |access-date=September 24, 2012 |website=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref>
[[File:Ryan Cayabyab 2021 - 90th Metropolitan Theater Anniversary (cropped).jpg|left|thumb|188x188px|[[Ryan Cayabyab]], who produced ''Bahaghari'' (2017)]]
Recurring lyrical [[Motif (music)|motifs]] across her discography include love, longing, home, hope, and identity—hallmarks of the Filipino ballad tradition. Scholarly studies of [[kundiman]] and [[Original Pilipino music|OPM]] highlight how these genres historically privilege romantic affect, melodic expressiveness, and emotional intimacy.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Nicolasora |first=Michelle Cacho |date=April 25, 2014 |title=Kundiman: A musical and socio-cultural exploration on the development of the philippine art song |url=https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/932/ |journal=Electronic Theses and Dissertations |series=1102 |issue=932 |access-date=September 23, 2025 |via=[[University of Memphis|University of Memphis Digital Commons]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Anderson |first=Quiliano Niñeza |date=August 2015 |title=Kundiman love songs from the Philippines: their development from folksong to art song and an examination of representative repertoire |url=https://iro.uiowa.edu/esploro/outputs/doctoral/Kundiman-love-songs-from-the-Philippines/9983777148002771 |journal=Iowa Research Online |publisher=[[University of Iowa]] |publication-place=[[Iowa City, Iowa]] |doi=10.17077/etd.hivytk5h |access-date=September 23, 2025|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Salonga's studio work also functions as heritage curation. ''Bahaghari'' (2017) gathers 15 traditional songs across six Philippine languages—[[Tagalog language|Tagalog]], [[Kapampangan language|Kapampangan]], [[Ilocano language|Ilocano]], [[Bikol languages|Bicolano]], [[Hiligaynon language|Hiligaynon]], and [[Cebuano language|Cebuano]] (Bisaya)—and was produced by [[National Artist of the Philippines|National Artist]] [[Ryan Cayabyab]].<ref name="ManilaStandard2018">{{cite news |last=Wang |first=Nickie |date=December 18, 2018 |title=Lea Salonga adds more color to OPM with 'Bahaghari' |url=https://manilastandard.net/?p=283276 |access-date=September 23, 2025 |work=[[Manila Standard]]}}</ref><ref name="ABSCBN2018">{{cite news |last=Salterio |first=Leah C. |date=December 10, 2018 |title=Lea Salonga releases album of traditional Pinoy folk songs |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/12/10/18/lea-salonga-releases-album-of-traditional-pinoy-folk-songs |access-date=September 23, 2025 |work=[[ABS-CBN]]}}</ref> Cayabyab has described the album's organizing principle as a wide expressive and topical spread—"varied in subject, in emotion and in tempo and rhythm . . . a good representation not only of language, but of a variety of subjects and emotions"—underscoring the project's studio aesthetic of restraint in service of text and tune.<ref name="ManilaStandard2018" />

===Influences===
{{Multiple image
| direction         = horizontal
| total_width       = 230
| image1            = Barbra Streisand - 1966.jpg
| image2            = Karen Carpenter in 1972 White House.png
| footer            = Salonga's major influences include [[Barbra Streisand]] (left) and [[Karen Carpenter]] (right).
}}
Salonga has cited a wide range of musical artists as shaping her vocal style, but she has repeatedly emphasized [[Karen Carpenter]] and [[Barbra Streisand]] as among her most important influences. Speaking to the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', she praised Carpenter's ability to "cut down to the essence of a lyric," emphasizing that "it's not just about vocal calisthenics, it's about being simple and clear."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=David |date=March 2, 2011 |title=Influences: Broadway star and Tony winner Lea Salonga |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/culture-monster-blog/story/2011-03-02/influences-broadway-star-and-tony-winner-lea-salonga |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018050735/https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/culture-monster-blog/story/2011-03-02/influences-broadway-star-and-tony-winner-lea-salonga#:~:text=Barbra%20Streisand%3A%20She's%20one%20my,and%20she's%20wonderful%20to%20watch. |archive-date=October 18, 2022 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> She has also described Streisand as "one of my favorites . . . not just because of her talent, which is mammoth, but everything she's done—producing, television, arranging," citing her as a model of versatility and artistic control.<ref name=":0" /> In other interviews, Salonga has expressed hopes of someday collaborating with Streisand, calling it a lifelong dream.<ref>{{cite web |last=Estoista-Koo |first=Kaye |date=September 19, 2009 |title=Lea Salonga dreams of doing a duet with Barbra Streisand |url=https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/24209/lea-salonga-dreams-of-doing-a-duet-with-barbra-streisand |access-date=September 28, 2025 |website=[[Philippine Entertainment Portal]]}}</ref>

Alongside Carpenter and Streisand, Salonga has credited artists such as [[Olivia Newton-John]], [[The Osmonds]], [[ABBA]], [[Ella Fitzgerald]], [[Julie Andrews]], and [[Elaine Paige]] with shaping her approach to singing.<ref name="Playbill20104">{{cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=February 26, 2010 |title=Catching up with Tony winner Lea Salonga |url=https://playbill.com/article/diva-talk-catching-up-with-tony-winner-lea-salonga-com-166208 |access-date=September 28, 2025 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> She admires Paige's "timbre" and "cutting quality," especially in ''[[Evita (musical)|Evita]]'', and often cites these artists for their clarity, emotional honesty, and ability to tell stories through song.<ref name=":0" /> Salonga has contrasted this with modern singers whose technical virtuosity sometimes obscures lyrics, stressing that her influences taught her to prioritize communication and lyricism above all.<ref name=":0" />

=== Voice ===
[[File:LeaSalongaDallas3.jpg|thumb|258x258px|Salonga performing in [[Dallas]] in 2025]]
Salonga has been described as a [[soprano]],<ref name="LATimes2025">{{cite news |last=McNulty |first=Charles |date=February 14, 2025 |title='Old Friends' pay tribute to Sondheim in a luxurious pre-Broadway celebration at the Ahmanson |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2025-02-14/review-a-luxurious-pre-broadway-celebration-of-sondheim-with-old-friends-and-new-opens-at-ahmanson |access-date=September 23, 2025 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref name="Guardian2019">{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=John |date=July 23, 2019 |title=Lea Salonga review – musicals star evokes whole new world of stories |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/jul/23/lea-salonga-review-palladium-london |access-date=September 23, 2025 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> with [[absolute pitch]], also known as perfect pitch<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malonzo-Balane |first=Cristina |date=February 26, 2015 |title=Lea Salonga advises The Voice semi-finalists not to use their stories to campaign for votes |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/2015/2/25/fresh-scoops/lea-salonga-advises-the-voice-semifinalists-not-to-22637 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005010645/https://push.abs-cbn.com/2015/2/25/fresh-scoops/lea-salonga-advises-the-voice-semifinalists-not-to-22637 |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |access-date=October 4, 2022 |website=[[ABS-CBN]]}}</ref> [[Marilyn Stasio]] of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' referred to her voice as "golden",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stasio |first=Marilyn |author-link=Marilyn Stasio |date=November 8, 2015 |title=Broadway review: 'Allegiance' with Lea Salonga and George Takei |url=https://variety.com/2015/legit/reviews/allegiance-review-broadway-george-takei-1201636192/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006030258/https://variety.com/2015/legit/reviews/allegiance-review-broadway-george-takei-1201636192/ |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |access-date=October 5, 2022 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> while [[Rex Reed]] of ''[[The New York Observer|Observer]]'' described it as "clear and as sparkling as [[Baccarat (company)|Baccarat]] crystal".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Rex |author-link=Rex Reed |date=November 11, 2015 |title=Two musicals: Only one worth seeing |url=https://observer.com/2015/11/two-musicals-only-one-worth-seeing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006030257/https://observer.com/2015/11/two-musicals-only-one-worth-seeing/ |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |access-date=October 5, 2022 |website=[[The New York Observer|Observer]]}}</ref>

== Achievements and legacy ==
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Lea Salonga}}
=== Awards and nominations ===
Salonga is dubbed the "[[Honorific nicknames in popular music|Pride of the Philippines]]."<ref>Sources for honorific nickname "Pride of the Philippines" include:

*{{Cite news |last=Eusebio |first=Aaron Brennt |date=December 17, 2022 |title=Watch: Lea Salonga joins Pentatonix in singing Jose Mari Chan's classic Christmas song, 'Christmas In Our Hearts' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/96079/watch-lea-salonga-joins-pentatonix-in-singing-jose-mari-chans-classic-christmas-song-christmas-in-our-hearts/story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221182459/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/96079/watch-lea-salonga-joins-pentatonix-in-singing-jose-mari-chans-classic-christmas-song-christmas-in-our-hearts/story |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |access-date=September 9, 2023 |work=[[GMA Network]]}}
*{{Cite web |last=Oliveros |first=Oliver |date=October 12, 2010 |title=Photo flash: Salonga, Boe et al. in the Les Mis anniversary concert |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-Salonga-Boe-et-al-in-the-LES-MIS-Anniversary-Concert-20101012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123050335/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-Salonga-Boe-et-al-in-the-LES-MIS-Anniversary-Concert-20101012 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}
*{{Cite web |last=Nassour |first=Ellis |date=March 11, 2018 |title=Lea Salonga on theater, song & family |url=https://newyorklifestylesmagazine.com/articles/2018/03/11.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226173155/http://newyorklifestylesmagazine.com/articles/2018/03/11.html |archive-date=December 26, 2020 |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=New York Lifestyles Magazine}}
*{{Cite web |last=Sayco |first=Julia |date=March 29, 2021 |title=Lea Salonga: Pride of the Philippines |url=https://www.aapc-ud.com/lea-salonga-pride-of-the-philippines/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004202235/https://aapc-ud.com/lea-salonga-pride-of-the-philippines/ |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=October 4, 2022 |website=aapc-ud.com}}</ref> She is among the most awarded artists in the history of the [[Aliw Awards]], with 18 nominations and 15 wins, including three consecutive Best Child Performer awards from 1980 to 1982, Entertainer of the Year in 2004, 2016, and 2018, the first People's Choice Award in 2018, and induction into the Hall of Fame in 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wild |first=Stephi |date=December 16, 2018 |title=Lea Salonga and Erik Santos among Aliw Award recipients |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/philippines/article/Lea-Salonga-and-Erik-Santos-Among-Aliw-Award-Recipients-20181216 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> She also received [[FAMAS Award]] nominations for Best Child Actress in 1982 and Best Actress in 1996 before winning the Golden Artist Award in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 28, 2005 |title=The 53rd FAMAS Awards: A family affair |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2005/06/28/283819/53rd-famas-awards-family-affair |access-date=August 24, 2025 |website=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref> 

Her international breakthrough came with her performance as Kim in ''[[Miss Saigon]]'', for which she won the [[Laurence Olivier Awards|Laurence Olivier Award]] for [[Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical|Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical]] in 1990 and, in 1991, became the first Asian actress to win a [[Tony Awards|Tony Award]] and the second-youngest actress to win for [[Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical|Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical]].<ref name="tonyawards.com2">{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Marielle |title=Stars who won a Tony Award and an Olivier Award for the same role |url=https://www.tonyawards.com/news/stars-who-won-a-tony-award-and-an-olivier-award-for-the-same-role/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727211305/https://www.tonyawards.com/news/stars-who-won-a-tony-award-and-an-olivier-award-for-the-same-role/ |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=[[Tony Awards]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Marielle |date=April 19, 2016 |title=Women making history at the Tony Awards |url=https://www.tonyawards.com/news/women-making-history-at-the-tony-awards/ |access-date=August 24, 2025 |website=[[Tony Awards]]}}</ref> For the same performance, she also won the [[Drama Desk Awards|Drama Desk]], [[Outer Critics Circle Awards|Outer Critics Circle]], and [[Theatre World Award|Theatre World]] awards.<ref name=":30" /> In addition, she has received two [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]] nominations for [[Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album|Best Musical Theater Album]], for the Broadway [[cast recording]]s of ''[[Flower Drum Song]]'' (2004)<ref name=":12" /> and ''[[Once on This Island]]'' (2019).<ref name=":13" /> In 2025, Salonga was honored with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre Award at the 91st Annual [[Drama League Award]]s.<ref name=":17" />

=== Cultural and state honors ===
[[File:Lea Salonga 2021 stamp of the Philippines.jpg|thumb|Salonga featured on a 2021 Philippine stamp]]In recognition of her contributions to Philippine society and culture, Salonga has received multiple honors from [[President of the Philippines|Philippine presidents]]. In June 1990, she received the [[Presidential Medal of Merit (Philippines)|Presidential Merit Award]] from [[Corazon Aquino|President Corazon Aquino]] for her contributions to the arts.<ref name=":192" /> On August 14, 2007, she received the ''[[Order of Lakandula|Orden ni Lakandula]]'' (Order of Lakandula), with the rank of ''[[Order of Lakandula#Commander (Komandante)|Komandante]]'' (Commander), from [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo|President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]], in recognition of using her talents to benefit Philippine society and foster cultural exchange.<ref name=":26" /> That same day, she received the [[Philippine Congressional Medal (House of Representatives)|Congressional Medal of Achievement]] from the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines]] for showing "the extent and depth of the Filipino musical talent" and "opening the way for other Filipino artists to break into the finest theaters in the world." In 2006, she was honored with a star on the [[Eastwood City Walk of Fame]] in [[Quezon City]] in recognition of her impact on Philippine entertainment.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Co |first=Rona |date=December 2, 2006 |title=Kuya Germs adds more stars to RP Walk of Fame |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/content/22617/kuya-germs-adds-more-stars-to-rp-walk-of-fame/story/ |access-date=September 28, 2025 |work=[[GMA News]]}}</ref> Internationally, she was named a [[Disney Legends|Disney Legend]] in 2011 for her work as the singing voices of [[Jasmine (Aladdin)|Princess Jasmine]] in ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992) and [[Mulan (Disney character)|Fa Mulan]] in ''[[Mulan (1998 film)|Mulan]]'' (1998) and ''[[Mulan II]]'' (2004).<ref name="DLegend" /> She was included in the [[Time100 Impact Awards|''Time''100 Impact Awards]] in 2022,<ref name=":3" /> honored with the Gold Legend Award from [[Gold House]] in 2023,<ref name=":5" /> and featured as a wax figure at [[Madame Tussauds Singapore]] in 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Lea Salonga celebrated as cultural icon at Madame Tussauds Singapore |url=https://www.manilastandard.net/lifestyle/314456123/lea-salonga-celebrated-as-cultural-icon-at-madame-tussauds-singapore.html |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Manila Standard]]}}</ref> In 2026, she will be honored with a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=July 2, 2025 |title=Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, Shaq & more getting stars on Hollywood Walk of Fame: Full 2025-26 list |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/miley-cyrus-hollywood-walk-of-fame-star-2025-honorees-list/ |access-date=August 24, 2025 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

== Philanthropy and activism ==

=== Public health and reproductive rights ===
In 1987, the [[Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health]], the [[United States Agency for International Development]], and the Population Center Foundation (later renamed the Philippine Center for Population and Development) established the Philippine Young People's Project and selected Salonga and [[Menudo (group)|Menudo]] to lead the campaign.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Singhal |first1=Arvind |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3-7gxbbDba4C&dq=lea%20salonga&pg=PT96 |title=Entertainment-Education: A Communication Strategy for Social Change |last2=Rogers |first2=Everett |publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] |year=1999 |isbn=9781135669423 |chapter=Rock Music for Sexual Responsibility in the Philippines |access-date=September 23, 2025 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shaivitz |first=Marla |date=February 20, 2014 |title=#TBT: Lea Salonga and Menudo, the Ricky Martin Years |url=https://healthcommcapacity.org/tbt-lea-salonga-and-menudo-the-ricky-martin-years/ |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Health Communication Capacity Collaborative |publisher=[[Johns Hopkins University]]}}</ref> Music videos, commercials, and live performances were used to sell the message of responsible sexual behavior and to encourage counseling for discussing and solving their problems.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rimon |first=Jg |date=December 1989 |title=Leveraging messages and corporations: the Philippine experience |journal=Integration |location=[[Tokyo, Japan]] |issue=22 |pages=37–44 |pmid=12316164 }}</ref> Additionally, Salonga promoted the campaign's program Dial-A-Friend, a telephone hotline that provides confidential counseling regarding mental health, relationships, and [[contraception]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Aguilar |first=R. |date=October 1993 |title=Telephone provides "instant friend" |journal=Network |location=[[Research Triangle Park, North Carolina]] |volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=22 |pmid=12287150 }}</ref>
{{Quote box
| quote = You don't have to be pro-contraception to be pro-reproductive health . . . You choose for yourself, because I believe every individual has a choice.
| source = —Salonga during a 2011 interview on ''[[State of the Nation (Philippine TV program)|State of the Nation]]''<ref name="Montenegro">{{Cite news |last=Montenegro |first=Candice |date=May 19, 2011 |title=Lea Salonga: You don't have to use contraceptives to be pro-RH |work=[[GMA News]] |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/221054/lea-salonga-you-don-t-have-to-use-contraceptives-to-be-pro-rh/story/ |access-date=November 24, 2023}}</ref>
| width = 30em
| bgcolor = #E0E6F8
}}

In 2011, Salonga expressed support for the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill, later signed and known as the [[Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012]] or RH Law. On May 18, 2011, she was interviewed by [[Jessica Soho]] on [[State of the Nation (Philippine TV program)|''State of the Nation'']] about her views on the controversial bill.<ref name="Montenegro">{{Cite news |last=Montenegro |first=Candice |date=May 19, 2011 |title=Lea Salonga: You don't have to use contraceptives to be pro-RH |work=[[GMA News]] |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/221054/lea-salonga-you-don-t-have-to-use-contraceptives-to-be-pro-rh/story/ |access-date=November 24, 2023}}</ref> In the interview, Salonga showed understanding towards the anti-contraceptive stance held by many [[Catholic Church in the Philippines|Filipino Catholics]] at the time but stated that the bill was designed "to serve every single Filipino."

=== LGBTQ rights ===
Salonga has long been a vocal advocate for [[LGBTQ rights by country or territory|LGBTQ equality]] and has consistently used her platform to promote inclusion and acceptance. On October 12, 2009, during a benefit concert at the [[Philippine Center]]'s Kalayaan Hall in New York for [[Typhoon Ondoy]] victims, she explicitly aligned herself with [[marriage equality]] by declaring, "I believe that every single human being has the fundamental right to marry whoever they want."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Eddie |date=October 19, 2009 |title=Stage tube: Lea Salonga sings at the Typhoon Ondoy relief benefit |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/STAGE-TUBE-Lea-Salonga-Sings-at-the-Typhoon-Ondoy-Relief-Benefit-20091019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103023332/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/STAGE-TUBE-Lea-Salonga-Sings-at-the-Typhoon-Ondoy-Relief-Benefit-20091019 |archive-date=November 3, 2022 |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> She was later recognized by ''[[The Advocate (magazine)|The Advocate]]'' in 2011 as a "major [[gay icon]]," in part due to her early support and resonance with LGBTQ communities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gieseke |first=Winston |date=October 3, 2011 |title=Lea Salonga: Reflections on her journey (and ours) |url=https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/music/2011/10/03/lea-salonga-reflections-her-journey-and-ours |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103023352/https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/music/2011/10/03/lea-salonga-reflections-her-journey-and-ours |archive-date=November 3, 2022 |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=[[The Advocate (magazine)|The Advocate]]}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = You presume correctly if you think I spend much of my time around gay people. Some of it is purely by circumstance, but a lot is by choice . . . It's time to think of gay people differently.
| author = —Salonga (2013)
| source = "Backstory," ''[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Salonga |first=Lea |author-link=Lea Salonga |date=March 13, 2013 |title=Time to see gay people in a different light |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/85091/time-to-think-of-gay-people-in-a-different |access-date=September 24, 2025 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]}}</ref>
| align = left
| width = 30em
| bgcolor = #E0E6F8
| qalign = left
}}

In February 2016, Salonga used her social media presence to denounce anti-LGBTQ statements made by Filipino politician [[Manny Pacquiao]], responding sharply and drawing attention to the harm of such rhetoric.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 21, 2016 |title=Lea Salonga reiterates support to LGBTs by tackling inconsistency of haters |url=https://outragemag.com/lea-salonga-reiterates-support-to-lgbts-by-tackling-inconsistency-of-haters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004222007/https://outragemag.com/lea-salonga-reiterates-support-to-lgbts-by-tackling-inconsistency-of-haters/ |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=October 4, 2022 |website=[[Outrage Magazine]]}}</ref> She further affirmed her solidarity with the transgender community in October 2018, [[tweeting]], "Trans rights are human rights, and trans people will not be erased," conveying her ongoing commitment .<ref>{{Cite news |last=Caedo |first=Tisha |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Lea Salonga wants same-sex marriage to be legalized in the PH |url=https://www.cosmo.ph/entertainment/lea-salonga-same-sex-marriage-legalized-philippines-a983-20181026 |access-date=November 24, 2023 |work=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]]}}</ref>

Salonga's advocacy extends beyond statements to active participation in LGBTQ-focused events and initiatives. In March 2025, she was announced as a special guest at ''Harmony'', the annual gala of the [[New York City Gay Men's Chorus]], where she presented the Gary Miller Award to [[George Takei]] for his contributions to LGBTQ activism.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rice |first=Emmy |date=March 16, 2025 |title=Lea Salonga to join Harmony as special guest |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/industry/article/Lea-Salonga-to-Join-HARMONY-as-Special-Guest-20250316#:~:text=Tony%2Dwinning%20actress%20Lea%20Salonga,decades%20of%20work%20and%20activism. |access-date=July 5, 2025 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref>

Perhaps most personally, Salonga has embraced transgender advocacy within her own family. In an April 2025 ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine feature, she publicly shared her experience raising her [[transmasculine]] son, [[Nic Chien|Nic]], emphasizing the importance of meeting each child "where they are" and providing unconditional love.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Smart |first=Jack |date=April 7, 2025 |title=How Broadway star Lea Salonga supports her trans son Nic, 18: 'Meet your kid where they are' |url=https://people.com/lea-salonga-trans-son-nic-chien-support-exclusive-11710763 |access-date=July 5, 2025 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> She reflected that her theatre background informed her openness and capacity to support Nic through his journey: "I've learned how to raise a child who is their own being."

===World hunger===
Salonga was appointed a [[FAO Goodwill Ambassador|Goodwill Ambassador]] for the [[Food and Agriculture Organization|Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations]] (FAO) on October 15, 2010, alongside [[Raoul Bova]], [[Celine Dion]], and [[Susan Sarandon]], in a ceremony tied to [[World Food Day]] in [[Rome]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clarke |first=Hilary |date=October 14, 2010 |title=FAO appoints four new Goodwill Ambassadors |url=https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/FAO-appoints-four-new-Goodwill-Ambassadors/en |access-date=September 24, 2025 |work=[[Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations]]}}</ref> In her acceptance remarks at FAO headquarters, she framed the role in personal terms, emphasizing its importance to her "as an artist, as a woman, as a mother," and expressing gratitude for the chance to support "the hungry and impoverished."<ref name=":27">{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2013 |title=Get involved: Lea Salonga |url=http://www.fao.org/getinvolved/ambassadors/ambassadors/ambassadors-leasalonga/en/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115094900/http://www.fao.org/getinvolved/ambassadors/ambassadors/ambassadors-leasalonga/en/ |archive-date=January 15, 2013 |website=[[Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations]] |via=www.fao.org}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = I am very honored to assume today the office of Goodwill Ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It is of great significance to me, as an artist, as a woman, as a mother, to have the opportunity to participate in this global effort to give support to the hungry and impoverished.
| source = —Salonga in her 2010 ambassador acceptance remarks<ref name=":27"/>
| width = 30em
| bgcolor = #E0E6F8
}}

Salonga's appointment drew attention in both entertainment and political media. Philippine press outlets lauded her selection and emphasized its potential to spotlight food security issues, and [[Kiko Pangilinan|Senator Kiko Pangilinan]] issued congratulations and noted the appointment could catalyze stronger policy dialogue on agriculture in the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 18, 2010 |title=Kiko Pangilinan congratulates Lea Salonga on appointment as Goodwill Ambassador of UN Food and Agriculture Organization |url=https://web.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2010/1018_pangilinan2.asp |access-date=September 24, 2025 |work=[[Senate of the Philippines]] |via=www.web.senate.gov.ph}}</ref>

=== Anti‑Asian hate and gender-based violence ===
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Salonga emerged as a vocal critic of [[Xenophobia and racism related to the COVID-19 pandemic|rising anti-Asian racism and gendered violence]]. On May 13, 2020, she joined [[Margaret Cho]], [[Eugene Lee Yang]], [[Judy Chu]], and [[Grace Meng]] in "United Against Hate," a virtual town hall hosted by [[NBC News|NBC Asian America]], condemning xenophobic rhetoric and urging solidarity.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramos |first=Dino-Ray |date=May 12, 2020 |title=NBC News to host virtual town hall on anti-Asian sentiment during coronavirus; Margaret Cho, Eugene Lee Yang and Lea Salonga set to appear |url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/nbc-news-to-host-virtual-town-hall-on-anti-asian-sentiment-during-coronavirus-margaret-cho-eugene-lee-yang-and-lea-salonga-set-to-appear-1202932065/ |access-date=September 23, 2025 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> On April 21, 2021, she appeared in "#AAPI Women Strong: Organizing Beyond a Hashtag," a forum backed by Public Wise, [[Onward Together]], and the [[National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum|National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum]]. She joined voices such as [[Hillary Clinton]], [[Lucy Liu]], and [[Padma Lakshmi]] to address how anti-Asian violence intersects with gender and disproportionately affects women.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moya |first=Jove |date=April 22, 2021 |title=Stop Asian hate: Hilary Clinton, Lucy Liu, Lea Salonga come together in solidarity |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/philanthropy/stopasianhate-influential-roster-of-aapi-women-and-allies-come-together-solidarity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004222007/https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/philanthropy/stopasianhate-influential-roster-of-aapi-women-and-allies-come-together-solidarity |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=October 4, 2022 |website=[[Tatler Asia]]}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = Silence is no longer an option. The Asian-Pacific Islander community has made significant contributions to the film industry as actors, producers, directors and writers, and now our people are being attacked.
| source = —Salonga in 2021 on the rise of Anti-Asian violence<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Donnelly |first1=Matt |last2=Jackson |first2=Angelique |last3=Tangcay |first3=Jazz |last4=Low |first4=Elaine |date=March 4, 2021 |title=Stop AAPI Hate: Industry heavyweights, activists on Hollywood's responsibility |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/how-hollywood-can-help-stop-asian-american-hate-aapi-1234921354/ |access-date=September 24, 2025 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
| align = left
| width = 30em
| bgcolor = #E0E6F8
}}

Salonga has also engaged in culture-based activism. In June 2021, she joined Filipino artists in the "#StopAllHate / #ShareLove" campaign, performing a version of "[[You've Got to Be Carefully Taught]]" as a response against anti-Asian discrimination.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 22, 2021 |title=Lea Salonga, Daniel Padilla, other Filipino stars join 'Stop All Hate' campaign |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/life/06/22/21/watch-lea-salonga-daniel-padilla-other-filipino-stars-join-stop-all-hate-campaign |access-date=September 24, 2025 |work=[[ABS-CBN]]}}</ref> On social media and in public remarks, she has denounced hate crimes, urged legislation to classify attacks on Asians as hate crimes, and responded to the 2022 murder of Christina Yuna Lee.<ref>{{Cite news |last=De Pacina |first=Michelle |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Lea Salonga reacts to Christina Yuna Lee news: 'My emotions haven't figured themselves out yet' |url=https://nextshark.com/lea-salonga-condemns-us-anti-asian-hate-crimes |access-date=September 24, 2025 |work=NextShark}}</ref>

==Screen and stage credits==
{{main|Lea Salonga on screen and stage}}
{{Hatnote|This section lists select works only. Refer to the main article for further information.}}
===Screen===
{{colbegin}}

====Film====
* ''[[Pik Pak Boom]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Sana Maulit Muli (film)|Sana Maulit Muli]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Mulan (1998 film)|Mulan]]'' (1998) 
* ''[[Les Misérables: The Dream Cast in Concert]]'' (1998)
* ''[[My Neighbor Totoro]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Mulan II]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Les Misérables: 25th Anniversary Concert|Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Allegiance (musical)|Allegiance]]'' (2016)
* ''[[Yellow Rose (2019 film)|Yellow Rose]]'' (2019)
* ''[[KPop Demon Hunters]]'' (2025)
* ''Forgotten Island'' (2026)

====Television====
* ''[[That's Entertainment (TV series)|That's Entertainment]]'' (1986)
* ''[[John en Marsha]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Sesame Street]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Redwood Curtain]]'' (1995)
* ''[[As the World Turns]]'' (2001, 2003)
* ''[[Sofia the First]]'' (2012, 2014)
* ''[[The Voice of the Philippines]]'' (2013, 2014–15)
* ''[[The Voice Kids (Philippine TV series)|The Voice Kids]]'' (2014–2019)
* ''[[Crazy Ex-Girlfriend]]'' (2016)
* ''[[The Voice Teens (Philippine TV series)|The Voice Teens]]'' (2017, 2020)
* ''[[Centaurworld]]'' (2021)
* ''[[Pretty Little Liars (2022 TV series)|Pretty Little Liars]]'' (2022, 2024){{colend}}

===Stage===
{{colbegin}}

====Broadway====
* ''[[Miss Saigon]]'' (1991–1992, 1999, 2001)
* ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Flower Drum Song]]'' (2002–2003)
* ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Allegiance (musical)|Allegiance]]'' (2015–2016)
* ''[[Once on This Island]]'' (2017–2018, 2018–2019)
* ''[[Here Lies Love (musical)|Here Lies Love]]'' (2023)
* ''[[Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends]]'' (2025)

====West End====
* ''[[Miss Saigon]]'' (1989–1990)
* ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'' (1996)
* ''[[Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends]]'' (2023–2024)

====Manila====
* ''[[The King and I]]'' (1978)
* ''[[Annie (musical)|Annie]]'' (1980, 1984)
* ''[[My Fair Lady]]'' (1994)
* ''[[Grease (musical)|Grease]]'' (1995)
* ''[[They're Playing Our Song]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Miss Saigon]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Baby (musical)|Baby]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Cinderella (Rodgers and Hammerstein musical)|Cinderella]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Fun Home (musical)|Fun Home]]'' (2016)
* ''[[Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street]]'' (2019)
* ''[[Request sa Radyo]]'' (2024)
* ''[[Into the Woods]]'' (2025){{colend}}

==Discography==
{{Main|Lea Salonga discography}}{{Hatnote|This section lists select works only. Refer to the main article for further information.}}
* ''[[Small Voice]]'' (1981)
* ''[[Lea (album)|Lea]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Lea Salonga (album)|Lea Salonga]]'' (1993)
* ''[[I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (album)|I'd Like to Teach The World to Sing]]'' (1997)
* ''[[By Heart (Lea Salonga album)|By Heart]]'' (1999)
* ''[[The Christmas Album (Lea Salonga album)|Lea Salonga: The Christmas Album]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Sounding Joy (album)|Sounding Joy]]'' (2024)

==Published works==
===Books===
* {{cite book |last=Marquart |first=Linda |title=The Right Way to Sing |publisher=[[Allworth Press]] |others=Foreword by Lea Salonga |year=2005 |isbn=9781581154078 |location=[[New York, New York]] |language= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zyEcNr7MOvQC}}
* {{cite book |last=Michael |first=Ted |title=So You Wanna Be a Superstar?: The Ultimate Audition Guide |date=October 2, 2012 |publisher=[[Running Press Kids]] |others=Foreword by Lea Salonga |isbn=9780762446100 |location=[[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]] |language= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ud8fAQAAQBAJ}}

===Columns===
* Salonga, Lea (2008–present). "[https://entertainment.inquirer.net/column/backstory Backstory]." ''Inquirer Entertainment''. [[Makati|Makati, Metro Manila]]: ''[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]''; Inquirer Holdings, Incorporated. {{ISSN|0116-0443}}.

===Audiobooks===
* {{Cite book |last=Ko |first=Lisa |author-link=Lisa Ko |url=https://www.amazon.com/Contractors-Out-Line-collection-ebook/dp/B08DXG5Z36 |title=The Contractors |publisher=[[Amazon Original Stories]] |others=Narrated by Lea Salonga |year=2020 |asin=B08FF2W658}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Theatre|Music|Philippines
}}
* [[Filipinos in the New York metropolitan area#Theater and arts|Filipinos in the New York metropolitan area]]
* [[Honorific nicknames in popular music#S|Honorific nicknames in popular music]]
* [[List of Asian Tony Award winners and nominees#Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical|List of Asian Tony Award winners and nominees]]
* [[List of gay icons#Lea Salonga|List of gay icons]]
* [[List of people with absolute pitch]]
* [[Presidential Medal of Merit (Philippines)#Recipients|Recipients of Presidential Medal of Merit in the Philippines]]
* [[Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical#1990s|Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical]]

==Notes==
<references group="lower-alpha" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{Cite book |last=Fernandez |first=Yvette |author-link=Yvette Fernandez |title=Princess Lea: The Life Story of Lea Salonga |publisher=[[Summit Media|Summit Publishing Company, Incorporated]] |year=2013 |isbn=9789719902393 |location=[[Mandaluyong, Metro Manila]]}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|display=Lea Salonga|wikt=No|c=Yes|n=No|q=Yes|s=No|b=No|v=No|voy=No|species=No|d=Yes}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{IMDb name|0758964}}
* {{IBDB name}}
* {{Playbill person|id=lea-salonga}}
* {{TCMDb name|id=168899{{!}}0}}
* {{Discogs artist}}
* {{AllMusic|id=mn0000788283}}

{{Navboxes
|title=Lea Salonga navigation boxes
|list1=
{{Lea Salonga}}
{{Disney Legends Awards 2010s}}
{{DramaDesk MusicalOutstandingActress 1975-2000}}
{{OlivierAward MusicalActress 1979–2000}}
{{TonyAward MusicalLeadActress 1976–2000}}
{{Order of Lakandula recipients}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Salonga, Lea}}
[[Category:Lea Salonga]]
[[Category:1971 births]]
[[Category:ABS-CBN people]]
[[Category:Actresses from Angeles City]]
[[Category:Actresses from Manila]]
[[Category:Actresses from Quezon City]]
[[Category:Arista Records artists]]
[[Category:Ateneo de Manila University alumni]]
[[Category:Atlantic Records artists]]
[[Category:Audiobook narrators]]
[[Category:Capitol Records artists]]
[[Category:Drama Desk Award winners]]
[[Category:FAO goodwill ambassadors]]
[[Category:Filipino expatriates in the United States]]
[[Category:Filipino musical theatre actresses]]
[[Category:Filipino people of German descent]]
[[Category:Filipino stage actresses]]
[[Category:Filipino voice actresses]]
[[Category:Fordham University alumni]]
[[Category:GMA Network (company) people]]
[[Category:Kapampangan people]]
[[Category:Laurence Olivier Award winners]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Musicians from Manila]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of Lakandula]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Merit (Philippines)]]
[[Category:Singers from Pampanga]]
[[Category:Sony Music Philippines artists]]
[[Category:Theatre World Award winners]]
[[Category:Tony Award winners]]
[[Category:Walt Disney Records artists]]
[[Category:Singers from Manila]]
[[Category:20th-century Filipino women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Filipino women singers]]