From family gatherings to concert stage, Natalie Yanson is finding her spotlight

At such a tender age, Natalie Yanson has already proven her gift.

Last year, she was named Best Child Performer (Female) at the 38th Aliw Awards — and she earned it the way she always does: by singing, and letting the room fall quiet. It happened again at “RMA Studio Academy’s Destination: World Stage,” held on November 5 at the Proscenium Theater, where she enthralled the audience and reminded everyone why her voice lingers long after the last note.

At the recent musical production, Yanson performed twice — and twice, she made her presence felt.

First, she had a trio with Scarlett Belo, daughter of celebrity dermatologists Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., and Zia Dantes, daughter of Filipino actors Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera. Together, they sang “You’ll Be in My Heart.”

Despite being the less-known performer among the three, Yanson managed to showcase what she is made of — and how hard she has worked to merit the most attention from the crowd that night.

She did not overshadow; she simply shone. Quietly, steadily, unmistakably.

Nearing her teens, Yanson continues to soar with her singing talent. That same evening, she also performed a solo number — her version of “You Raise Me Up,” popularized by Josh Groban, who made the song a breakout international hit in 2003.

It was through that song that she established herself as one voice to be reckoned with someday. A voice still young, yet already carrying weight. A voice that does not beg for attention — it earns it.

Yanson is invited to perform at Jona’s upcoming concert, “Jona: Chapters,” set on Saturday, November 14, at 8 p.m., at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.

Like her idol, Lea Salonga, and other aspiring singers, the young Yanson began performing at family gatherings or parties.

As a toddler, she began singing and dancing in their home in Bacolod. In 2020, she had her first performance when she was five years old. She sang at her grandmom’s birthday together with her cousins. They performed Diana Ross’ “If We Hold On Together,” the theme song to the 1988 film “The Land Before Time.”

From a grandmother’s birthday in Bacolod to the Proscenium Theater stage — and soon, to New Frontier Theater — Yanson is still that little girl who sang because she loved to sing.

Only now, the world is beginning to listen.