La Diva (group)
La Diva was a Filipino pop girl group, first established for the now-defunct musical variety-show "SOP". The group is composed of two winners and a runner-up of "Pinoy Pop Superstar". The line-up was originally composed of Jona Viray, Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia. The group's final line-up included only Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia; Jona departed the group on December 15, 2013. La Diva has sold more than 20,000 albums in the Philippines, and earned several achievements including Awit Awards and two PMPC Star Awards for Music. These successes lead the  group to being the fourth best-selling female group in the Philippines behind the Sexbomb Girls, Aegis and the Mocha Girls. They are known for the 2012 hit "I Know He's There," which was featured in the OST of "Legacy". The group revealed that they officially retired on February 10, 2020 as their last performance on Zirkoh to pursue Viray, Garcia, & Santos more as a solo career. History. In May 2008, it was confirmed that the GMA Artist Center would be forming a female music trio called La Diva. With its "Three of a Kind" segment, the musical variety  show was ready to introduce a new generation of "divas." Member Jonalyn Viray noted that a meeting for the creation of La Diva was held as far back as January 2008, with the stipulation that each member of the group would maintain their own identity, conducive to their eventual solo careers. While the members of La Diva aren't exactly certain of how the group was formed, they did cite their past experience on the singing competition, "Pinoy Pop Superstar", as their common link. Viray and Garcia were Grand Champions of the first and third seasons, respectively, and Santos was  the runner-up of the second season. From October 24–28, 2011, La Diva was invited to guest on three shows in Indonesia. They performed hits such as "I'm Yours" and "Empire State of Mind." On the now-defunct talk show, "Showbiz Central", it was reported and confirmed that La Diva were going to begin working on an international album. La Diva: self-titled debut album. The group's first self-titled debut album was released, and a promotional tour was made at major record bars across the Philippines in November 2009. The album contained 10 tracks, including covers of  the songs "Apologize," "Angels Brought Me Here," "I'm Yours," "Best of My Love," "Stand Up For Love," and "Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan," and original tracks including "Kasiping Ka" (the album's carrier single), "One Last Goodbye," and "Rosalinda." (born February 24, 1985) is a Filipina soul, R&B, pop and jazz singer-songwriter, actress, and pianist, who first emerged in the Philippine music scene as a contestant in a nationwide search for the Philippines' next big singer on the first season of ABS-CBN's "Star in a Million". She has been dubbed the "First Undefeated Pinoy Pop Superstar" for  achieving eight-straight wins on GMA 7's "Pinoy Pop Superstar", and was hailed as the Philippines' "Ballad Princess." She is the oldest member of the group. (born September 26, 1987 in Caloocan, Philippines) is a Filipino singer and actress best known for winning "Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 3". She first auditioned for the premiere season of the same show, but did not emerge as a finalist. Two years later, she won the competition with her rendition of Barry Manilow's "One Voice" during the Grand Finale held at Araneta Coliseum. She was the 3rd Pinoy Pop Superstar champion. Her  voice is distinctly similar to that of the Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla, thus earning the title of "Divine Princess." She is the second oldest member of the group, and now the "Queen of GMA Teleserye Themesongs." Artistry and influences. Musical styles. La Diva's debut album produced a distinct mixed style of reggae, belting-pop, novelty and dance tracks. Thematically, La Diva's music highlights female independence and empowerment, specifically in such songs as "Angels Brought Me Here" and "Best of My Love." The trio offers a blending of vocal styles: Viray's soprano, Garcia's mezzo-soprano, and  Santos' alto ranges respectively. Image. La Diva was known for their "belting" vocals and "sexy" styling. Their label, Sony BMG Philippines, described the group as a "pop group characterized by bold, bright outfits, and big, catchy hooks punctuated by rap verses and an 'in-your-face swagger.'" Styles and themes. La Diva has recorded R&B/novelty/pop tracks with styles encompassing urban, contemporary and dance-pop genres. They have named former R&B female group Destiny's Child and fellow Filipina singer Regine Velasquez as among their influences. Jona's departure, hiatus and disbandment. Though the group was experiencing a string  of success, Jonalyn Viray decided to leave on December 15, 2013 to pursue growth opportunities as a solo artist. Her departure was announced via GMA Network 's Facebook page. Viray's departure left Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia as a duo. After Viray's departure, the remaining members of the group, along with their management, took a year-long hiatus. Though initial plans for a follow-up album fell through, in late 2014 the duo continued to make guest appearances on various GMA Network shows. Julie Anne San Jose made occasional appearances with the duo, temporarily replacing Viray during guest  appearances and performances in early 2015. Eventually, the group faced management issues leading to a failed album, eventually leading to the duo's disbandment on June 13, 2015. At present, Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia are still artists of GMA Network, making cameo appearances in some of the network's programs. Jonalyn Viray eventually signed with Star Music, launching her career as a solo artist under the stage name, Jona.