The Madame Tussauds wax twin of Lea Salonga has been finally revealed in Manila, captivating the public and even surprising Salonga herself with its lifelike detail.
The Broadway star’s wax figure was revealed on September 13, 2024, at Solaire Resort Entertainment City, just days before its official display at Madame Tussauds Singapore. The unveiling comes three months after MTSG announced the creation of the wax sculpture.
“Ay grabe kuhang kuha and this is not a joke, I look at it and I’m like, I’m still in disbelief (“Oh wow, they really captured it, and this is not a joke. I look at it and I’m like, I’m still in disbelief),” Salonga said at the exclusive reveal event.
ICYMI: Broadway Star Lea Salonga Honored with Lifelike Wax Figure at Madame Tussauds
“I am deeply honored and thankful to receive my own wax figure. The wait is over and I’m thrilled for you all to see it. It means so much to me to be able to join the remarkable lineup of Filipinos immortalized at Madame Tussauds,” shared Lea, whose career spans 4 decades.
Salonga also shared an anecdote from her visit at Madame Tussauds when she was 12 years old. It was where her mother, Ligaya, envisioned a future Lea at the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. “Anak, you’ll never know. One day, that could be you.”
Lea Salonga is now the fourth Filipino to be immortalized by Madame Tussauds, joining Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
WATCH the making of Lea Salonga’s wax figure here:
Shining, Shimmering, Splendid! The legendary @msleasalonga will have her very own wax figure in #MadameTussuadsSG! Are you as excited as we are?#Legend #LeaSalonga #Inspiration pic.twitter.com/YAfaz4MIVC
— Madame Tussauds Singapore (@MTsSingapore) June 5, 2024
The wax figure is dressed in Salonga’s favorite blue gown, designed by long-time friend, Rajo Laurel. The gown, featuring a corset and crepe fabric, holds special significance to the singer.
“I chose this dress as I felt it best represented my personality and sensibilities when deciding what to wear for performances. This gown served me so well for so many shows, so it felt right for it to be continued to be seen on Madame Tussaud’s wax likeness of me,” said Salonga.
Lea Salonga first gained international fame as the original Kim in Miss Saigon, a role that earned her both Tony and Olivier Awards. She made history as the first Asian to play Eponine in Les Misérables and was named a Disney Legend for her singing roles as Jasmine in Aladdin and as Mulan.
WATCH: Lea Salonga reunites with fellow Disney Legends in online concert
“With her dynamic presence and musical magic, Lea Salonga continues to shine brightly on the global stage,” writes MTSG.
Elaine Quek, Head of Sales and Marketing at MTSG, explained, “Our team of expert sculptors spent up to six months making the figure, paying meticulous attention to detail to ensure that this wax figure captures her spirit and charisma. Together with Lea, we have chosen a pose that exudes her magnetic presence on stage where her talent and personality shine through. We hope that through this figure, her legacy continues to inspire visitors globally.”
Lea Salonga’s wax figure will be displayed at Madame Tussauds Singapore’s Music Zone starting September 20, 2024.
Read more Good Show stories and experience the magic of Lea Salonga’s legendary career by visiting her wax figure at Madame Tussauds Singapore.
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