JONA

Jonalyn Roxas Viray (born November 15, 1989), better known by her stage name, Jona, is a Filipina singer and occasional actress. She was the first Pinoy Pop Superstar grand winner. She was the lead singer of trio girl-group La Diva, alongside Maricris Garcia and Aicelle Santos following her career as a solo artist. The trio covered songs such as "I'm Yours", "Angels Brought Me Here", "Apologize" and "Stand Up for Love". 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' at the 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music. In February 2016, Viray ended her decade-long exclusivity with GMA 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. 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. Last 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. Jona's self-titled album also bagged the “Best-Selling Album of the Year” award based on combined physical and digital sales. She is known for her belting technique, melismatic singing style, and her ability to sing operatic arias. Viray has been quoted as the "Philippines' Soul Princess" by Philippine media and critics.[citation needed]