Jonalyn Viray (born November 15, 1989 in San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines) is a Filipina singer from noted for her vocal ability. She is also known as "The Soul Princess."
Biography:
Jonalyn is the eldest of four children. She started joining singing contests in her early age, winning first runner-up on IBC's "Birit Bulilit" as a child and on "MTV Teen Pop Star." Her winning piece was Mariah Carey’s "Never Too Far." Growing up, Jonalyn, much like any aspiring singer, admired Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Regine Velasquez and later, Kelly Clarkson. She joined GMA Network's talent search Pinoy Pop Superstar and won with her rendition of Reflection by Lea Salonga. On its second week, she won again with her rendition of it might be you and make her a fix finalist when she sung Get Here on its following week. At the finals night, she first sang "It Might Be You." From the eight finalists, four were chosen: Jonalyn along with Charmaine Piamonte, Michael Garcia and the crowd’s favorite, Brenan Espartinez.
In the second bout involving four of them, Jonalyn sang Whitney Houston’s "Run to You." She was chosen to be one of the final two contenders, the other being Brenan who sang George Michael’s "Careless Whisper." In their face off, they both sang "My Miracle" and it was Jonalyn who emerged as the champ. Among her prize winnings was a P100,000 gift certificate from Belo Medical Group which she notoriously availed by undergoing rhinoplasty and other cosmetic enhancements at a young age to improve her marketability.
Present, On My Own:
Finally, the time has come for Pinoy Pop Superstar Jonalyn Viray to shine on her own as GMA Records releases her debut album “On My Own”. Jonalyn's first album is in fact a dream come true – from the little girl who aimed for a goal to reach her destiny, the young diva has now achieved that goal and made her dream a reality.
The petite belter now proves to everyone that she has made it as a singer with an album like “On My Own”. Now a GMA Artist Center talent, Jonalyn rightfully claimed the title of being the ultimate Pinoy Pop Superstar, besting aspiring singers from all over the Philippines. The amateur singing contest paved the way for the young lass and she is now reaping the fruits of her hard work. And with her first solo album, her talent sparkles even brighter with the ten tracks that highlight her vocal prowess. “Close to Where You Are”, Jonalyn's carrier single can effortlessly turn any listener to a fan. Composed by ace composer Danny Tan, this is the first song Jonalyn sang as a Pinoy Pop Superstar grand winner.
Jonalyn's renditions of “It Might Be You”, “Get Here”, and “Run To You” are for the young and old. She will aims to mesmerize listeners with her rendition of the Darna theme song “Di Na Mag-iisa”.
Jonalyn's soulful voice is in full force with “On My Own”. Pinoy Pop Superstar's “Soul Sister” sheds off the shyness of a former dreamer to wear the cloak of a certified diva.
Jonalyn also competed at the prestigious World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood and was awarded the Industry Award Female Vocal Solo for winning five gold medals.
Source: http://biopinoys.blogspot.com/2008/06/jonalyn-viray.html
