Katrina Copino Velarde (born December 5, 1994) is a Filipino singer known for her vocal range and belting technique.[1] She began joining local singing competitions at age 7 and grew online fame for her covers and vocal impersonations.[2] Dubbed as The Vocal Supreme.[3] She rose to prominence following her runner-up finished on the reality show Masked Singer Pilipinas and was part of Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids (Season 2) as a judge and the variety show ASAP as a performer.

Katrina Velarde
Velarde in 2023
Born
Katrina Copino Velarde

(1994-12-05) December 5, 1994 (age 29)
Tondo, Manila, Philippines
OccupationSinger
Years active2012-present
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
LabelsViva Records
WebsiteKatrina Velarde Official

In 2019, Velarde released her debut EP "SiKat Ako" under Viva Records.[4] In the same year, she staged her first solo major concert 'Sikat Ako' at the New Frontier Theater in Manila,[5] followed by 'Sikat i2' last November 2019. During the pandemic in 2020, she joined Masked Singer Pilipinas as Diwata and grew online fame.[6]

She gained further international acclaim after representing the Philippines to perform in the 2020 Firdaus Holiday Experience at the Expo City Dubai with Firdaus Orchestra.[7]

Her work has earned her a number of nominations from various award-giving bodies, including an Awit Award, a PMPC Star Awards for Music which includes her Female R&B Artist of the Year award [8] and a Golden Screen Award.[9][10]

Life and career

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Born and raised in Tondo, Manila, Velarde started to join singing contest at age 7 to help her family's financial difficulties. She also sold Sampaguita lei made by her mother.[11] Velarde was known as a veteran contender in singing contests. She became part of Little Big Star hosted by Sarah Geronimo together with her batch mate Charice Pempengco and Sam Concepcion.[12]

2011: TV5's Talentadong Pinoy

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Velarde alongside Alyssa Quijano and Jennifer Maravilla formed the group New Born Divas to join the second season of Talentadong Pinoy, one of the most popular reality talent shows of its time. After posting consecutive wins, the group was named the 11th Hall of Famer.[13]

2012: ABS-CBN's The X Factor Philippines

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After New Born Divas disbanded, she joined The X Factor Philippines season 1 as a solo act. She sang "Dangerously in Love" by Beyoncé and got four yeses from the judges. On her bootcamp performance, Velarde sang (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin. After that audition, the judges called the names of Velarde, Alyssa Quijano, Auriette Divina, Monique Lualhati, Jhelsea Flores and Ashley Campbell to inform them that they were chosen as the last act in groups category that made it to the Top 20 and it was mentored by Gary Valenciano.[14] At the judges' home visit, A.K.A. J.A.M. performed Seasons of Love by the cast of Rent the musical and made it to the top 12. On the first week of their live show, their group performed Got to Be Real by Cheryl Lynn. On the second week, they performed This Is My Life (La vita) by Shirley Bassey. On the third week of their live show performance, A.K.A. J.A.M. performed Survivor by Destiny's Child. Unfortunately, their group didn't make it to the next level after losing to Daddy's Home via text votes of 4.42% and 5.53%, respectively.[15]

2013: Suklay Diva

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After she uploaded a video of herself singing Dangerously In Love 2 by Beyoncé while holding a plastic comb as her microphone, netizens started calling her Suklay Diva (Comb Diva). It went viral after catching the attention of the netizens and started to gain international fame through social media.[16] Her video went viral after Chris Brown and Beyoncé's guitarist Bibi McGill shared it on social media from worldstarhiphop.com and became a female talent of the week.[17] Because of her viral video. Velarde got an invitation to showcase her talent on The Ellen DeGeneres Show[18] a segment that open its door for Filipino singer and internet sensation like Charice Pempengco. But due to her Bell's palsy condition, Velarde turned down the offer.

2014-2019: TV5 career

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Velarde became part of TV5's weekly drama series "Trenderas" with Isabella de Leon and Lara Maigue where she played the role of Diva Salambangon. Her natural wit and sense of humor brought her to nomination at the 2015 Golden Screen Awards as Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by an Actress.[19] In 2015, she also played a main role in TV5's Wattpad presents #Bitterella.[20] Velarde had a chance to showcase her talent on Wish 107.5 Bus YouTube channel singing her rendition of Go The Distance by Michael Bolton.[21] Because of her ability to imitate local and international singers, she started to upload a video of her song covers that became popular to some foreign reactors on YouTube.[22]

In October 2018, Velarde performed in the 2018 Philippine Popular Music Festival, an annual songwriting competition organized by the Philpop MusicFest Foundation. She interpreted "Tama Na",[23] an original song written by Michael Rodriguez & Jeanne Columbine Rodriguez which was chosen as one of the 10 finalists and nominated as Best Ballad Recording by the 32nd Awit Awards.[24] Velarde sang theme songs for VIVA films "Magkaibang Mundo", the Original Sound Track of the movie Just A Stranger starring Anne Curtis and Marco Gumabao. Followed by "Isang Himala" from the box office movie Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019 Philippine film) written by Miguel Mendoza which also nominated as Movie Theme Song of the Year by the PMPC Star Awards for Movies.[25]

Velarde released her first album Sikat Ako.[26] The title of her album was based on her first solo major concert last February 2019 where Regine Velasquez surprised and joined her for a duet of "Araw Gabi".[27] Due to its success, it follows her 2nd major solo concert called "SiKat i2",[28] where she also have been nominated as Female Concert Performer of the Year.[29]

2020-present: Masked Singer Pilipinas and Expo City Dubai

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She later joined Masked Singer Pilipinas 2020 as DIWATA where she became 1st runner up over Daryl Ong[30] and was chosen as a judge on a reality singing competition Born to Be a Star.[31]

Velarde has often been referred to as "The Vocal Supreme"[32] since her performance in Firdaus Holiday Experience at the Expo City Dubai with Firdaus Orchestra in December 2022, where she represented the Philippines. She performed her single "Isang Himala", the official soundtrack of the box office movie Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019 Philippine film), "Hindi Tayo Pwede" from The Juans and "Pasko Na Sinta Ko" by Gary Valenciano.[33]

In February 2023, Velarde participated in Louie Ocampo’s 45th Anniversary Concert, Composer Ka Lang, where she performed the song "Anak".[34] Following the pandemic, Velarde released her first single, "Ako Ba O Siya?", an original composition by Vehnee Saturno. This song was also used as the theme for the Philippine television drama series, "Minsan pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan", broadcast by TV5.[35]

In October 2023, Velarde performed in Pinoy Playlist Music Festival at the BGC Arts Center where she sang "Dadalhin" as a tribute song to the "Asia's Songbird" Regine Velasquez.[36] She also served as a judge for the segment "Stars of All Seasons" in the noontime show, It's Your Lucky Day.[37] Velarde regularly performed on the Kapamilya Channel's ASAP Natin 'To and was a part of the segment, "ASAP Champions". In December 2023, Velarde performed at The Grand Countdown to 2024 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom.[38]

In February 2024, Velarde released her new single under Viva Records "Ika'y Nag-iisa", a Carlo Espinosa-written ballad produced by the Awit Award winning producer Civ Fontanilla Carlo[39] and it's used as a theme song for TV5's drama series "Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa".[40] Velarde undergone appendectomy last March 2024 then suddenly recovered. She also invited to compete at Britain's Got Talent but for some reasons, she declined the offer.[41]

In April 2024, Velarde staged herself to another concert called "Z Con: The Gen Z Icon Concert" at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.[42] She also awarded as the "Female R&B Artist of the Year" of the 14th PMPC Star Awards for Music for her single "Sa Panaginip" under Viva Records.[43]

Discography

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Studio Album

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Year Title
2019 SiKat Ako
  • Released: January 11, 2019
  • Formats: CD, Digital download

Singles

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Title Original soundtrack of Album
Isang Dakot Na Luha Isang Dakot Na Luha
Pananagutan Honesto
Lason Mong Halik Wag Mong Agawin Ang Akin
Taksil
Leron Leron Sinta Awit At Laro
Tama Na SiKat Ako
Ikaw Pa Rin
Kung Naging Tayong Dalawa
Magkaibang Mundo Just A Stranger
Isang Himala Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019 Philippine film)
Sunlight ft. Daryl Ong
Balang Araw (with BuDaKhel)
Love Me Now (ft. Daryl Ong)
Mahal Pa Kita
Sa Panaginip
Tililing Tililing
Di Na Nag-iisa Darna Official Soundtrack
Ako Ba O Siya? Minsan pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan
Ika’y Nag-iisa Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa

Concerts

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Headlining

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List of headlining concerts, with dates and venues.
Title Date Venue City Ref(s)
SiKat Ako February 1, 2019 New Frontier Theater Cubao, Quezon City [44]
SiKat Ako i2 November 29, 2019 New Frontier Theater [45]
Katrina Velarde: Live In Doha, Qatar January 3, 2020 Al Arabi Sports Club Doha, Qatar [46]
Z Con: The Gen Z Icon Concert April 13, 2024 Samsung Performing Arts Theater Circuit Makati [47]

Co-Headlining

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List of co-headlining concerts, with co-headliners, dates, and venues.
Title Co-headliner(s) Date Venue City Ref(s)
Gary V Presents Gary Valenciano
Mitoy Yonting
Janice Javier
Timmy Pavino
Jimmy Marquez
Rj Dela Fuente
Kiana Valenciano
Lara Maigue
July 15 – 16, 2016 Kia Theatre Cubao, Quezon City [48]
ANNEKULIT: PROMISE, LAST NA ‘TO! in Winnipeg Anne Curtis
Billy Crawford
Chad Kinis
G-force
March 17, 2019 Centennial Concert Hall Downtown Winnipeg [49]
Louie Ocampo 'Composer Ka Lang' The Valentine Concert Louie Ocampo
Martin Nievera
Pops Fernandez
Joey Albert
Marco Sison
Mark Bautista
Kuh Ledesma
Sam Concepcion
Lyca Gairanod
Janine Teñoso
February 4 – 5 and 15  – 16, 2023 The Theatre at Solaire Aceana Avenue Entertainment City [50]
BuDaKhel Live in Cebu Bugoy Drilon
Daryl Ong
Michael Pangilinan
Lucas Garcia
September 23, 2023 Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex Mandaue City [51]
The Music of Cecile Azarcon "A 45th Anniversary Concert Gary Valenciano
Ogie Alcasid
Martin Nievera
Iwi Laurel
Zsa Zsa Padilla
Regine Velasquez
May 24 – 25, 2024 The Theatre at Solaire Parañaque City [52]

Filmography

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Television

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Year Title Role Notes Network Ref(s)
2014 Trenderas Diva Salambangon Main Cast TV5 [53]
2015 Wattpad presents #Bitterella Ella Main Role

As a group

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Year Title Network Country Notes Ref(s)
2010 Eat Bulaga: Let’s Sing Eat! GMA 7 Philippines Contestant (New Born Divas)
2011 Talentadong Pinoy TV5 Contestant (New Born Divas)
2012 The X Factor Philippines ABS-CBN Contestant (AKA JAM) [54]
2013 It’s Showtime: Bida Kapamilya Contestant (AKA JAM)

As herself

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Year Title Network Country Notes Ref(s)
2018 ASAP: ASAP Versus ABS-CBN Philippines Performer [55]
2019 GGV Performer [56]
2020 Masked Singer Pilipinas TV5 Contestant, runner up (DIWATA) [57]
2021 Born to Be a Star Judge [58]
2022 All-Out Sundays GMA 7 Performer [59]
Sing Galing TV5 Performer
2023–present ASAP Natin 'To Kapamilya Channel Performer
2023 Stars of All Seasons Judge
2024 Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids Judge [60]
I Can See Your Voice Guest Star [61]

Accolades

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Year Award-giving Body/Critics Award(s)/Category Nominated Work Result Ref.
2015 Golden Screen TV Awards Breakthrough Performance by an Actress Trenderas Nominated
2018 Philippine Popular Music Festival Best Song "Tama Na" Top 10
2019 32nd Awit Awards Best Ballad Recording "Tama Na" Nominated
2020 33rd Awit Awards Best Song Written for Movie/TV/ Stage "Magkaibang Mundo" (Just A Stranger) Nominated
2021 36th PMPC Star Awards for Movies Movie Theme Song of the Year "Isang Himala" (Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019 Philippine film)) Nominated
12th Star Awards for Music Female Concert Performer of the Year SiKat i2 (Concert) Nominated
2024 14th Star Awards for Music Female R&B Artist of the Year "Sa Panaginip" Won [62]

References

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  2. ^ "Katrina Velarde". Manila Genesis Entertainment & Management Inc. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  3. ^ "THRILLMAKER: The Suklay Diva Reaches New Highs". Manila Bulletin. April 19, 2021.
  4. ^ "Suklay Diva is girl from Tondo slums". philstar.com. January 25, 2019.
  5. ^ "Katrina Velarde, sasabak na sa kanyang first major concert". push.abs-cbn.com. February 2019.
  6. ^ "The Masked Singer Pilipinas, mainit ang pagtanggap ng viewers". Pep.ph. October 24, 2020.
  7. ^ "All-women Firdaus Orchestra, mentored by A.R. Rahman, returns to Expo City Dubai". ExpoCityDubai.com. November 10, 2022.
  8. ^ "SB19 sweeps six wins at 14th and 15th PMPC Star Awards for music". Daily Tribune. April 29, 2024.
  9. ^ "12th Star Awards for Music nominees bared". PEP.ph. June 16, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  10. ^ "Awit Awards nominees released". The Philippine Star. August 5, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  11. ^ "Suklay Sent Katrina To Stardom". The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  12. ^ Worldwide, Viral Videos (January 31, 2021). "Katrina Velarde - Run to you by Whitney Houston at Little Big Star" (Video). Retrieved February 13, 2023 – via YouTube.
  13. ^ ""Talentadong Pinoy" Battle of Champs Season 2". The Philippine Star. March 10, 2011.
  14. ^ "Aka Jam still thankful mentor Gary V." ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
  15. ^ "A.K.A. Jam eliminated on 'X Factor'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 20, 2012.
  16. ^ "AKA JAM member Katrina Velarde's cover of Beyoncé's song goes viral". Yahoo.
  17. ^ "Katrina Velarde strikes online gold". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 29, 2015.
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  19. ^ "6th Golden Screen TV Awards nominees bared; Angel Locsin, Marian Rivera snubbed for Best Actress". pep.ph. April 6, 2015.
  20. ^ Celi, Letty (March 2, 2015). "Wattpad tuloy ang paghataw". The Philippine Star (in Tagalog).
  21. ^ "Viral: Katrina Velarde aka suklay diva goes distance". Wish107.5.
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  29. ^ "12th Star Awards for Music nominees bared". pep.ph.
  30. ^ "Daryl Ong, grand winner ng Masked Singer Pilipinas". Pep.ph.
  31. ^ "Dating contestants sa singing competitions, hurado na ngayon sa Born to Be a Star". pep.ph. January 23, 2021.
  32. ^ "Be the next big thing in 'Born to be a Star'". Manila Bulletin Entertainment. February 11, 2021.
  33. ^ "Dubai's all-female orchestra set for first live online performance". TheNationalNews.com.
  34. ^ "Random thoughts on composer ka lang concert". Philstar.com.
  35. ^ "AUDIOJUNKIE: Nuevas Sonidas: The Juans, mrld, Silas, Chosen, Jude Pastor, the return of Katrina Velarde and the Cup Of Joe x Janine Teñoso connection". Manila Bulletin. May 8, 2023.
  36. ^ "Pinoy Playlist Music Festival 2023: Gunita At Mga Bukas". ABS-CBN Entertainment. September 30, 2023.
  37. ^ Severo, Jan Milo (October 16, 2023). "'It's Showtime' temporary replacement 'It's Your Lucky Day' debuts on top of X nationwide". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  38. ^ "The Grand Countdown to 2024 makes grand comeback to Newport World Resorts". Manila Bulletin Entertainment.
  39. ^ "Cup of Joe's "Lahat ng Bukas" and the Juan Caoile-Kyleswish collab "Marikit sa Dilim" headline Viva Music's February auditory offering". pikapika.ph.
  40. ^ "LOOK: Sarah Lahbati to star in TV series 'Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa'". Rappler. December 10, 2023.
  41. ^ "Katrina Velarde tumanggi sa Britain's Got Talent; inoperahan sa appendix". Inquirer. April 12, 2023.
  42. ^ "From 'Suklay Diva' to Gen Z icon". Manila Standard. April 1, 2024.
  43. ^ "SB19 Dominates 14th and 15th PMPC Star Awards for Music". ABS-CBN News. April 25, 2024.
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  47. ^ "Katrina Velarde is excited to to[sic] belt it out at 'ZCON' concert on April 13, 2024". Lionheartv.net. March 22, 2024.
  48. ^ "Gary V Presents: Mr. Pure Energy Invades Kia Theater this July 15 & 16". wheninmanila.com.
  49. ^ "ANNEKULIT: PROMISE, LAST NA 'TO! in Winnipeg". canadianinquirer.net.
  50. ^ "Louie Ocampo transports audience back in time with greatest hits & more". The Philippine Star. February 21, 2023.
  51. ^ "Catch BuDaKhel Live in Cebu this September 23, 2023: Event Details & Ticket Prices". Sugbo.ph. September 20, 2023.
  52. ^ "OPM composer Cecile Azarcon returns to Manila for 45th anniversary concert". ABS-CBN News. May 10, 2024.
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  54. ^ "Katrina Velarde says no conflict in acting, group A.K.A. Jam". Philippine Star. August 20, 2014.
  55. ^ "Katrina Velarde and Laarni Lozada's epic vocal face-off on ASAP Versus!". ABS-CBN News. August 5, 2018.
  56. ^ "WATCH: 'Suklay Diva' showcases impressive vocals by conquering singing challenges". The Filipino Times. February 18, 2019.
  57. ^ "Masked Singer Pilipinas Finale". Sunstar.com.ph. December 26, 2020.
  58. ^ "'Born To Be A Star' returns for new season on TV 5". Rappler.com. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  59. ^ "Katrina Velarde meets 'All-Out Sundays' Queendom". GMA Entertainment. March 6, 2022.
  60. ^ "Katrina Velarde, game na ginawa ang kakaibang hamon ni Vice Ganda, It's Showtime". ABS-CBN Entertainment. March 7, 2024.
  61. ^ "Katrina Velarde, naka-duet si 'Footprints In The Sound'/I Can See Your Voice". ABS-CBN Entertainment. May 5, 2024.
  62. ^ "SB19 Lead The Charge at the 14th and 15th PMPC Star Awards For Music". Billboard Philippines. April 26, 2024.
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