On Saturday, September 7, 2024, the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall came alive with the excitement and cheers of proud parents, enthusiastic fans, and, of course, the dazzling young stars of the SM Little Stars 2024 Grand Finals. The spotlight was firmly fixed on 28 young finalists who brought their A-game, leaving the audience in awe of their extraordinary talents. From singing and dancing to acting and other performances, the young contestants poured their hearts out on stage, vying for the coveted titles of SM Little Stars Boy and Girl Grand Winner.
But what makes SM Little Stars such a beloved and enduring event? Why do thousands of children across the Philippines audition each year, hoping to become the next rising star? Let’s dive into this remarkable event and discover how it has grown into the country’s premier kiddie mall talent search.
The Journey to the Grand Finals: Record-Breaking Auditions
This year’s SM Little Stars broke all records, with a staggering 38,651 children auditioning from across the Philippines. Auditions were held in 71 SM malls nationwide, allowing kids from every corner of the country to showcase their talents. Over six weekends, from June 8 to July 14, 2024, young hopefuls performed their hearts out in front of regional judges, all for a shot at the big stage.
SM Little Stars has long been a beacon of hope and opportunity for talented kids. As SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Special Events and Tenant Marketing, Hanna Carinna Sy, eloquently stated, “At SM Supermalls, we believe in the brilliance, skill, and talent of our youth. We believe in their dreams and aspirations... Every child deserves a chance to shine.” This commitment to empowering young talent is what keeps the competition thriving year after year.
Meet the 2024 Winners: Stars in the Making
The 2024 SM Little Stars were nothing short of extraordinary. This year’s Boy and Girl Grand Winners stood out not only for their talent but for their undeniable charm and charisma.
- Boy Grand Winner: Jaspher Baylon from SM City Trece Martires wowed the judges and audience with his exceptional acting skills, leaving everyone in awe of his performance.
- Girl Grand Winner: Erisha Lynn Alayon from SM City Bacolod stunned the crowd with her elegance and grace, particularly during the formal wear segment.
In addition to their prestigious titles, both Jaspher and Erisha took home an array of incredible prizes, including:
- Php100,000 worth of cash and SM Gift Certificates
- Php30,000 worth of Toy Kingdom Gift Cards
- Php25,000 worth of SM Fashion – Kids Gift Certificates
- A brand-new Suzuki Dzire GL MT
- A 100% Discount on Tuition and Miscellaneous Fees at National University
- A Talent Management Contract from Sparkle – GMA Artist Center
- A Trip to Korea for two (5 days, 4 nights)
- Annual pass certificates for unlimited bowling and skating at SM
- Gift vouchers for a two-night stay at Radisson Blu Cebu
These prizes not only recognize the hard work and dedication of the young winners but also provide them with opportunities to further hone their talents and develop their potential.
The Runners-Up: No Less Spectacular
While Jaspher and Erisha walked away with the top prizes, the competition was fierce, and the runners-up were equally deserving of praise and admiration:
- 1st Runner-Up: Aliyah Brillante from SM City Lipa wowed the audience with her impeccable dance moves and natural stage presence.
- 2nd Runner-Up: Jan Ellaine Seares from SM City Bacoor was a force to be reckoned with on the dance floor, delivering a stunning performance.
- 3rd Runner-Up: Daniel Martin Marinas from SM City Tanza brought energy and charisma to the stage, electrifying the audience with his stellar performance.
Each of these young performers demonstrated exceptional skill and passion, making the judges’ decision an incredibly tough one.
The Role of Judges and Mentors: Fostering Talent
This year’s SM Little Stars panel of judges included an impressive lineup of experts from the entertainment industry:
- MLD Entertainment CEO Hyoung Jin Lee
- Film director Tonet Jadaone
- MLD Entertainment performance director Wan Hee Bae
- Singer Darren Espanto
- Singer and former SM Little Stars contestant Esang De Torres
Their expertise and guidance were invaluable in nurturing and inspiring the contestants. Esang De Torres, who was the 3rd Runner-Up in SM Little Stars 2013, served as a reminder of the competition’s potential to launch careers. “I started my journey on this very stage, and now I’m here, giving back to the new generation of stars.”
The judges’ input not only provided valuable feedback for the young performers but also encouraged them to push their boundaries and shine even brighter.
The Legacy of SM Little Stars: A Launchpad for Success
Over the years, SM Little Stars has produced a number of successful alumni who have gone on to make their mark in the entertainment industry. One notable alumnus is Marcus Cabais, the 2016 Boy Grand Winner, who is now a member of the global pop group HORI7ON. Marcus returned to the stage this year as one of the event hosts, serving as an inspiration to the finalists.
His story, like that of many other past contestants, is a testament to the impact and influence of SM Little Stars. As SM Supermalls President Steven Tan noted, “SM Little Stars is not just a competition; it’s a community that fosters young talent and helps them reach their fullest potential.”
The Future of SM Little Stars: What’s Next?
As the curtains close on the SM Little Stars 2024 Grand Finals, one can’t help but wonder: What’s next for these bright young stars? Will they follow in the footsteps of past winners and pursue successful careers in entertainment? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – the future is bright for these talented kids.
SM Supermalls remains committed to nurturing young talent, and we can expect more exciting opportunities for kids in the coming years. For those who didn’t make it to the finals this year, the message is clear: Don’t give up. Keep dreaming, keep practicing, and your time to shine will come.
A Celebration of Talent and Dreams
The SM Little Stars 2024 Grand Finals was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the brilliance and potential of Filipino youth. With so many young talents emerging from all over the country, SM Supermalls has once again proven that they are the Mall for All, providing opportunities for every child to shine.
The question remains: Where will the journey take this year’s winners? As we look forward to their bright futures, one thing is certain – SM Little Stars will continue to inspire and uplift the next generation of Filipino talent.
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