Jona Viray
{{Short description|Filipino singer (born 1989)}}
{{Philippine name|Roxas|Viray}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=March 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Jona
| image = JonalynVirayfearless1.jpg
| caption = Jona in 2013
| birth_name = Jonalyn Roxas Viray
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|11|15}}
| birth_place = Marikina, Philippines
| alma mater = University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music
| occupation = Singer, songwriter
| years_active = 1995–present
| agent = Viva Artists Agency (2023–present){{Cite web|url=https://www.lionheartv.net/2023/11/jona-viray-viva-artists-agency/#google_vignette|title=Will Jona Viray remain a Kapamilya now that she's with Viva Artists Agency?|work=LionHearTV|date=November 29, 2023|access-date=November 30, 2023}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| background = solo_singer
| instrument = Vocals
| origin = Pio Duran, Albay, Philippines{{cite web|url=http://www.igma.tv/profile/jonalyn-viray |title=Jonalyn Viray Basic Info from TV Network GMA 7 |publisher=GMA 7 Philippine TV Network |access-date=March 22, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629145206/http://www.igma.tv/profile/jonalyn-viray |archive-date=June 29, 2011 }}
| genre = Pop, R&B, soul, classical
| label = {{hlist|GMA Records|Creative Media Entertainment|Star Music|Star Magic}}
| website = [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA0nWBiJGfkt9IhnNLiLcxA YouTube channel]
}}
}}
Jonalyn Roxas Viray (born November 15, 1989), known mononymously as Jona, is a Filipino singer and songwriter.{{cite web|url=http://www.the-top-tens.com/lists/best-female-singer-21st-century.asp |title=56k |publisher=The-top-tens.com |access-date=March 22, 2011}} She was catapulted to mainstream prominence after she emerged as the first grand champion of Pinoy Pop Superstar.
She was the lead singer of trio girl-group La Diva, alongside Maricris Garcia and Aicelle Santos following her career as a solo artist. They were chosen to sing the Philippine National Anthem at the Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto boxing match in Las Vegas as well as the theme song of Philippine remake of the Mexican telenovela, Rosalinda. Following the group's disbandment and her return as a solo artist, she released her single "Help Me Get Over" which was awarded the Song of the Year Award at the 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music.{{cite news|work=GMA News|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/379400/showbiz/chikaminute/my-husband-s-lover-ending-theme-by-jonalyn-viray-named-song-of-the-year-at-star-awards|title='My Husband's Lover' ending theme by Jonalyn Viray named Song of the Year at Star Awards}} Jona ended her decade-long exclusivity with GMA in February 2016 and transferred to ABS-CBN, changing her screen name to Jona. On her first project in the Kapamilya Network, Jona sang "I Will Survive", the theme song of primetime drama series, We Will Survive.{{cite news|url=http://www.pep.ph/news/62283/jonalyn-viray-now-a-kapamilya-changes-screen-name-to-jona?ref=latest|title=Jonalyn Viray now a Kapamilya; changes screen name to Jona|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal|last=Anarcon|first=James Patrick|date=February 24, 2016|access-date=February 24, 2016}} She also sang the second version of "I'll Never Love This Way Again" from the OST soundtrack of 2016 romantic-drama film Barcelona: A Love Untold and was chosen to sing the 65th Miss Universe theme titled "Confidently Beautiful".
Throughout her career as a member of La Diva and as a solo artist, Jona has won 9 Awit Awards, Aliw Awards, PMPC Star Awards for Music and World Championship of Performing Arts. In 2018, Jona made Awit Award history as the first Filipino artist sweeping all digital categories – Most Downloaded Song for "You", Most Downloaded Artist, Most Streamed Song for "Pusong Ligaw", and Most Streamed Artist – while her self-titled album won Best-Selling Album of the Year.{{Cite web|url=https://pop.inquirer.net/64377/kz-gloc-9-iv-of-spades-win-top-prizes-at-31st-awit-awards|title=KZ, Gloc-9, IV of Spades Win Top Prizes at 31st Awit Awards|website=Inquirer.net|date=October 19, 2018 }} She is known for her belting technique, melismatic singing style, and her ability to sing operatic arias.
Early life and career
=Early life=
Jonalyn Roxas Viray was born on November 15, 1989, in Marikina, Philippines. She is the only girl and the eldest of four children from Pio Duran, Albay.{{cite web|url=http://www.igma.tv/profile/jonalyn-viray |title=Jonalyn Viray Basic Info and Facts from TV Network GMA 7 |publisher=GMA 7 Philippine TV Network |access-date=March 22, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629145206/http://www.igma.tv/profile/jonalyn-viray |archive-date=June 29, 2011 }} She started joining singing contests at an early age. She won first runner-up in Birit Bulilit of IBC 13 as a child{{cite web |url=http://www.filipinomusica.com/jonalyn-viray.html |title=Jonalyn Viray Singing Competitions Joined Article Source |publisher=filipinomusica.com |access-date=March 22, 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226073355/http://www.filipinomusica.com/jonalyn-viray.html |archive-date=December 26, 2010 }} and one of the finalists in MTB Teen Pop Star where her winning piece was Mariah Carey's "Never Too Far".
Jona was 15 years old when she competed at the singing competition Pinoy Pop Superstar held by the local television station GMA Network and hosted by Regine Velasquez. Jona emerged as the weekly champion after singing the Whitney Houston hit song "Run to You". She also sang "Reflection", "I Have Nothing" and "Never Too Far" on the weeks that follow, and after four consecutive weeks of being weekly champion, she qualified to the grand finals.
For winning the title of, Jona won 1 million pesos in cash and became the owner of a Futura Classic house and lot developed by Filinvest and a brand-new Toyota Innova. She also won an exclusive one-year contract with GMA Records, the recording arm of GMA Network, and received 100,000 pesos worth of Belo Medical services, plus gift certificates worth 50,000 pesos from Gandang Ricky Reyes.{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/manila-bulletin/mi_7968/is_2005_May_11/jonalyn-viray-pinoy-pop-superstar/ai_n34021238/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714224230/http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/manila-bulletin/mi_7968/is_2005_May_11/jonalyn-viray-pinoy-pop-superstar/ai_n34021238/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |title=Jonalyn Viray Emerged as the first ever Pinoy Pop Superstar |publisher=Findarticles.com |date=May 11, 2005 |access-date=March 22, 2011 }}
=Transfer to ABS-CBN=
In February 2016, Jona ended her decade of exclusivity with GMA and transferred to rival network ABS-CBN. Part of her reintroduction was the changing of her screen name to Jona. Her earliest project in the Kapamilya Network saw her competing in the 2016 edition of Himig Handog, a songwriting and music video competition and also singing "I Will Survive", the theme song of primetime drama series, We Will Survive.
From then on she has sung several theme songs for ABS-CBN films and drama series, became a mainstay of the longest noontime musical variety show ASAP, released her first album under Star Music which achieved Gold and Platinum certifications, held two major concerts, and competed and won second place in Himig Handog 2017. On the 31st Awit Award, Jona won 6 awards, Most Downloaded Artist, Most Streamed Artist, Most Downloaded Song for "You", Most Streamed Song for "Pusong Ligaw", People's Voice for Favorite Collaboration for "Till the End of Time" with BoybandPH and Best Selling Album of the Year for self-titled album "Jona". Her collaboration with Regine Velasquez, "Matibay", also won Best Musical Arrangement award for composer Marvin Querido.
=ASAP Birit Queens=
On May 15, 2016, ASAP launched a group called the ASAP Birit Queens. The group is composed of Jona, Morissette, Angeline Quinto and Klarisse de Guzman. The group held a concert on March 31, 2017, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The group temporarily disbanded in late 2017, but has since reunited occasionally.
= Billboard Philippines =
On the launch of the Billboard Philippines, three of Jona's songs charted in Billboard Philippines Top 20: "Pusong Ligaw" and "Maghihintay Ako" charted at number 3 and number 4 respectively,{{Cite magazine|title=Billboard Philippines Launches First National Charts|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7840919/billboard-philippines-launches-first-national-charts|access-date=2021-02-06|magazine=Billboard|language=en}} and "You" charted at number 9.{{Cite web|title=3 kanta ni Jona, kasama sa BillboardPH top 20|url=https://www.philstar.com/pang-masa/pang-movies/2017/06/17/1711099/3-kanta-ni-jona-kasama-sa-billboardph-top-20|access-date=2021-02-06|website=Philstar.com}}
= 24th ASIAN Television Awards =
Jona was called to perform for 2 Nights at the 27th Asian Television Awards when it happened for the first time in the Philippines. On the gala night, she performed a cover of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and "The Magic Flute "Queen of the Night aria" ("Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen"){{Cite web|date=2020-01-16|title=Anggun napatulala, gustong makacollab si Jona|url=https://phentertainment.net/anggun-napatulala-gustong-makacollab-si-jona/522|access-date=2021-02-06|website=PH Entertainment {{!}} Philippine Entertainment|language=en-US}} On the artist's night, she performed "Love Don't Cost A Thing", "Into the Unknown", "Fifth Element Aria" and her own song "Till the End of Time".{{Cite web|last=ClickTheCity|date=2020-01-08|title=Stars of PH, Thailand, and More to Gather in Manila For Asian Television Awards|url=https://www.clickthecity.com/events/article/2724/stars-of-ph-thailand-and-more-to-gather-in-manila-for-asian-television-awards/|access-date=2021-02-06|website=ClickTheCity|language=en-US}}
= YouTube Music Night =
Jona was chosen by YouTube Philippines to be the first Filipina to headline the YouTube Music Night for the whole of Southeast Asia.{{Cite web|last=Corporation|first=ABS-CBN|title=Jona ignites the love month celebration in "YouTube Music Night's" free virtual concert {{!}} ABS-CBN Corporate|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom/news-releases/2021/2/4/love-jone-youtube-music-night-digital-concert-vale?lang=en|access-date=2021-02-06|website=ABS-CBN}}{{Cite web|title=Jona Viray feels pressured being the first local artist to represent the Philippines at 'YouTube Music Night'|url=https://www.msn.com/en-ph/entertainment/other/jona-viray-feels-pressured-being-the-first-local-artist-to-represent-the-philippines-at-e2-80-98youtube-music-night-e2-80-99/ar-BB1dqQi3|access-date=2021-02-06|website=www.msn.com}} Jona has been called "one of the industry's top female performers and recording artists".{{Cite web |last=Red |first=Isah V. |date=2015-12-12 |title=Jonalyn's new chapter in her career |url=https://manilastandard.net/showbitz/columns0/simply-red-by-isah-v-red/194246/jonalyn-s-new-chapter-in-her-career.html |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=Manila Standard |language=en-US}}
Artistry
= Influences =
Jona has said that from childhood she has been influenced by Regine Velasquez, Céline Dion, and Mariah Carey for her musical style, and sound.{{Cite web |last=Santiago |first=Ervin |title=Flashback Friday |website=Bandera |date=August 5, 2016 |url=https://bandera.inquirer.net/127858/flashback-friday-3 |access-date=2023-06-07 |language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=http://www.celebrityring.info/Jonalyn_Viray.html |title=Jonalyn Viray Biography, Voice, Albums |publisher=Celebrity Ring |date=August 22, 2008 |access-date=March 22, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126181259/http://www.celebrityring.info/Jonalyn_Viray.html |archive-date=November 26, 2010 }} She also admires to Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Sam Smith.{{Cite web |date=2015-12-14 |title=Jonalyn singing a new tune |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2015/12/14/1532652/jonalyn-singing-new-tune |access-date=2023-06-07 |website=www.philstar.com |language=en-US}}
=Voice and timbre=
File:Jona performing in 2022.jpg
Jona has been noted for her "melismatic singing style" or use of melodic variations.{{Cite web |title=The soulful birit styles of Angeline, Morissette, Jona, and Klarisse known as the Birit Queens {{!}} ABS-CBN Entertainment |url=https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-videos/the-soulful-birit-style-of-angeline-morissette-jona-and-klarisse-known-as-the-birit-queens-13255 |access-date=2023-06-07 |website=ent.abs-cbn.com |language=en}} Her voice has been described "soulful" and "powerful".{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2017 |title=Jona Viray, Ready To Conquer Solaire In "Prima Jona" Concert |url=https://orangemagazine.ph/2017/jona-viray-ready-conquer-solaire-prima-jona-concert/ |website=Orange Magazine}} She is a classically trained artist from the UST Conservatory of Music with a major in classical voice.{{Cite web |title=Jona Viray sings theme song for 'The World of a Married Couple' on ABS-CBN |url=https://push-web.abs-cbn.com/2020/6/10/fresh-scoops/jona-viray-sings-theme-song-for-the-world-of-a-ma-27929 |website=ABS-CBN Push}} Critics often lists her among the Top Filipino singers in the world alongside music icons like Lea Salonga{{Cite web |title=Lea Salonga named top Filipino singer of 2023 |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/17/lea-salonga-named-top-filipino-singer-of-2023 |access-date=2023-06-07 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en}} for "her powerful vocals and her ability to convey raw emotion through her performances" and has been referred to as the Philippines' "Soul Princess" for her vocal talent.{{Cite web |title=FROM 'KONTESERA' TO MENTOR {{!}} Jona helps mold the country's next standout voices |url=https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/from-kontesera-to-mentor-jona-helps-mold-the-countrys-next-standout-voices |access-date=2023-06-06 |website=TV5 News}}{{Cite web |title=Jonalyn Viray, muling bibirit sa Music Museum |url=https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/showbiz/2014/10/19/1381876/jonalyn-viray-muling-bibirit-sa-music-museum |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=Philstar.com}}{{Cite web |title=Makipagkwentuhan online with Soul Princess Jonalyn Viray! {{!}} GMA Entertainment |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/news/9928/makipagkwentuhan-online-with-soul-princess-jonalyn-viray/story?amp |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=www.gmanetwork.com}}
=Musical Style=
Love is the subject for the vast majority of Jona's music. She is also known for her power ballads which deals with themes of heartbreak, hope, and perseverance.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Simon |date=2023-04-11 |title=20 Famous Filipino Singers - Singersroom.com |url=https://singersroom.com/famous-topic-filipino-singers/ |access-date=2023-06-07 |language=en-US}}
Discography
{{Main|Jona discography}}
Studio albums
- On My Own (2005)
- Jona (2017)
Extended plays
- Jonalyn Viray (2013)
Concerts
Filmography
=Television=
| class="wikitable" | ||
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Birit Bulilit {{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2072821/ |title=Jonalyn Viray Filmography |website=IMDb |date=August 22, 2008 |access-date=March 22, 2011}} | Rowspan="5"| Herself |
| 2004 | MTB Teen Popstar | |
| 2004—2005 | Pinoy Pop Superstar | |
| 2005—2010 | SOP | |
| 2005 | My Guardian Abby | |
| 2006 | I Luv NY | Jenny de Castro |
| 2010—2013 | Party Pilipinas | Herself |
| 2012 | My Daddy Dearest | Guest Singer |
| 2013—2015 | Sunday All Stars | Herself |
| Rowspan="2"| 2013 | Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman | Guest |
| Kahit Nasaan Ka Man | rowspan="3"| Herself | |
| 2014 | Cattleya | |
| 2015 | Sarap Diva | |
| 2015—2016 | Marimar | Real Ate Corazón |
| 2016–present | ASAP | Rowspan="3"| Herself |
| 2017 | Magandang Buhay | |
| 2018 | I Can See Your Voice | |
| 2023–present | Tawag ng Tanghalan | Hurado |
Awards and nominations
{{toptextcells}}
| class="wikitable toptextcells" |
| scope="col" | Award ceremony
! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Nominee(s)/work(s) ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="15" | World Championship of the Performing Arts
| rowspan="15" | 2006 | Industry Award For Female Solo | | {{won}} |
| Gold Medal for Broadway Category
| | {{won}} |
| Gold Medal for Original Song
| "Close to Where You Are" | {{won}} |
| Gold Medal for Pop Category
| | {{won}} |
| Gold Medal for R&B/Jazz Category
| | {{won}} |
| Gold Medal for Variety Category
| | {{won}} |
| Overall Champion Female Vocal Solo Awards
Original Category | "Close To Where You Are" | {{won}} |
| Overall Champion Female Vocal Solo Awards
Broadway Category | | {{won}} |
| Overall Champion Female Vocal Solo Awards
Pop Category | | {{won}} |
| Duet: Gold Medal for Pop Category
(w/ Brenan Espartinez) | | {{won}} |
| Duet: Gold Medal for R&B/Jazz Category
(w/ Brenan Espartinez) | | {{won}} |
| Vocal Duet Industry Award
| | {{won}} |
| Overall Champion for Duet: Broadway
Category | | {{won}} |
| Overall Champion for Duet: Pop
Category | | {{won}} |
| Overall Champion for Duet: Gospel Category
| | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | 22nd Awit Awards
| 2010 | People's Choice Favorite Group Recording Artists | "La Diva" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2nd PMPC Star Awards
| rowspan="2" | 2010 | Best Group of the Year | "La Diva" | {{won}} |
| Best Music Video of the Year
| "Kasiping Ka" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | 23rd Aliw Awards
| 2010 | Best Group Performance in a Concert | "Only La Diva Concert" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | 24th Aliw Awards
| 2011 | Best Performance by a Female in Hotel Lounges and Bars | "Jonalyn Uncovered" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | ASOP Music Festival
| 2013 | Song of the Year | "Ikaw" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | 6th PMPC Star Awards
| 2014 | Song of the Year | "Help Me Get Over You" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | 27th Aliw Awards
| 2014 | Best Performance in A Concert | "Fearless" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | RAWR Awards
| 2016 | Favorite Song of the Year | "I'll Never Love This Way Again" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | 7th EdukCircle Awards
| 2017 | Most Influential Female Concert Performers of the Year | "Birit Queens" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | MOR 2017 Music Awards
| 2017 | Song of the Year | "Maghihintay Ako" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | FILSCAP Songwriters
Award | 2017 | Hall of Fame | "Maghihintay Ako" | {{won}} | {{citation needed|date=February 2021}} |
| scope="row" | Himig Handog 2017
| 2017 | 2nd Best Song | "Sampu" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="8" | 31st Awit Awards
| rowspan="8" | 2018 |Best Performance by Female Recording Artist |"Sampu" | {{nom}} |
| Best Collaboration
| "Till The End of Time ft. BoybandPh" | {{won}} |
| Most Downloaded Song
| "You" | {{won}} |
| Most Streamed Song
| "Pusong Ligaw" | {{won}} |
| Best Musical Arrangement
| "Matibay ft. Regine Velasquez" | {{won}} |
| Most Downloaded Artist
| Jona | {{won}} |
| Most Streamed Artist
| Jona | {{won}} |
| Best Selling Album of the Year
| "Jona" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | 3rd Wish 107.5 Music Awards
| 2018 | Ballad Song of the Year | "Ano Nga Ba Tayo" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | Himig Handog 2018
| 2018 | 5th Best Song | "Tinatapos Ko Na" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | Himig Handog 2018
| 2018 | Producer's Award: Best Produced track | "Tinatapos Ko Na" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | 9th EdukCircle AWARDS
| 2019 | Most Influential Performer of the Year | "The ACES" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | 32nd Awit Awards
| 2019 | Best R&B Recording | "Take It To Forever" | {{won}} |
| scope="row" | PMPC Star Awards for Music
| 2019 | Female Recording Artist of the Year | "Ngayon at Kailanman" | {{nom}} |
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20110629145206/http://www.igma.tv/profile/jonalyn-viray Jonalyn Viray] at [http://www.igma.tv/ iGMA.tv]
- {{IMDb name|2072821}}
{{Jonalyn Viray}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Viray, Jonalyn}}
Category:Filipino child actresses
Category:Filipino child singers
Category:Filipino women pop singers
Category:Participants in Philippine reality television series
Category:People from San Mateo, Rizal
Category:Singers from Rizal (province)
Category:Actresses from Rizal (province)
Category:Singing talent show winners
Category:GMA Network (company) people
Category:21st-century Filipino singers