Disney Legend Lea Salonga has made history as the first Filipina artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Lea Salonga on the Walk of Fame
For Disney fans, Salonga is best known as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in the 1992 animated film Aladdin. She performed “A Whole New World” with Brad Kane, the singing voice of Aladdin. The song went on to win both the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Salonga later performed the singing voice of Fa Mulan in Mulan, including “Reflection,” and returned for Mulan II. The Walt Disney Company named her a Disney Legend in 2011 in the Voice category. Her Hollywood Walk of Fame honor recognizes a career spanning more than four decades across theater, film, television, recording, and live performance.
Salonga was presented with the Walk of Fame’s 2,855th star during a ceremony on Friday, September 4. Located on Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, the star recognizes Salonga in the category of Live Performance.
Entertainment journalist Sibley Scoles hosted the ceremony, which featured tributes from fellow Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen, singer and actress Brandy, and actor Darren Criss.
Wen, who provided Mulan’s speaking voice while Salonga performed the character’s songs, spoke about their friendship and shared connection to the Disney heroine. She described Salonga as an inspiration who helped create opportunities for Asian performers in the entertainment industry.
Brandy reflected on the importance of Salonga’s performances to children who had not previously seen themselves represented in fairy tales. She said Salonga’s voice became a “doorway” and a “mirror” for those audiences while praising the singer’s grace, precision, and character.
Criss discussed Salonga’s influence on younger generations of performers and her support of Asian American and Pacific Islander causes. He also contrasted her extraordinary abilities onstage with the humble and approachable person he has come to know away from the spotlight.
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ron Frierson presented Salonga with a resolution from the City of Los Angeles on behalf of Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez. California Assemblymember Jessica Caloza followed with a certificate of recognition from the State of California.
In her acceptance speech, Salonga reflected on the journey that took her from performing as a child in the Philippines to receiving one of Hollywood’s most recognizable honors.
When I began my career, I didn’t see very many people who look like me, doing the things I dreamed of doing on the world’s biggest stages and screens. There wasn’t an obvious road.
There are so many extraordinary Filipino and Asian artists working today, telling our stories, playing roles we once could have never imagined being offered, and creating new opportunities for future generations. That means an enormous amount to me. I hope that someday a young filipino kid comes to Hollywood, sees my name, and thinks ‘Oh, maybe I can get here, too!’”
The full ceremony is available to watch online.
Lea Salonga’s Disney and Broadway Career
Salonga began performing professionally at age 7 and achieved international recognition after originating the role of Kim in the West End production of Miss Saigon. When the musical reached Broadway, her performance earned her the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Theatre World awards. She was also the first Asian performer to portray Éponine on Broadway in Les Misérables and later returned to the production as Fantine.
Her other Broadway credits include Flower Drum Song, Allegiance, Once on This Island, Here Lies Love, and Old Friends. Beyond the stage, Salonga has appeared in projects including Yellow Rose and Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, served as a judge on several editions of The Voice in the Philippines, released multiple solo albums, and performed in concert venues around the world.
Her Disney involvement has continued through concerts and special appearances, including serving as a narrator for the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. In August 2026, she also joined the company’s largest gathering of Disney Princess talent for Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration at Disney California Adventure.
Her star is listed by the Hollywood Walk of Fame as being located at 6255 Hollywood Boulevard.
What is your favorite performance from Lea Salonga’s career? Share it with us on social media.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post Disney Legend Lea Salonga, Singing Voice of Jasmine and Mulan, Becomes First Filipina to Receive Hollywood Walk of Fame Star appeared first on WDW News Today.
