Eight aspiring performers are one step closer to stardom after “Viva’s Next Big Star” narrowed its nationwide search. The finalist will now compete for the title of the entertainment company’s newest talent.
Selected from an initial pool of about 50 hopefuls, the Top 8 finalists are Kurt of Rizal, Miguel and Mish of Davao City, Lougee of Caloocan City, Jaycee of Laguna, Calvin of Parañaque, Mina of Muntinlupa, and Jamie of Bulacan.”
The reality competition, now streaming on Viva One with new episodes every Friday, aims to discover fresh talents who can make their mark on television, in films and even on the international stage. Directed by Ryan Evangelista, the series follows the contestants through acting challenges, backstage preparations and their personal journeys toward becoming professional entertainers.
Serving as judges and mentors are award-winning filmmaker Jason Paul Laxamana, veteran director Mac Alejandre and actress Cristine Reyes, who guide the contestants while determining who possesses the qualities of Viva’s next leading star.
Laxamana said choosing the finalists was far from easy because each judge brought a different perspective to the competition.
“I believe the judges chosen for Viva’s Next Big Star each bring different points of view. At the end of the day, we had to make a decision. There were times when we simply had to vote because we couldn’t reach an agreement,” he said.
He also clarified that only one grand winner will emerge. “This isn’t a search for separate male and female champions. There will only be one.”
For Alejandre, finding the next star goes beyond acting ability or physical appearance.
“Remember, this is a search for Viva’s Next Big Star. It isn’t a search for the next Best Actor or Best Actress. A star has a certain brilliance. Sometimes that brilliance is already there — it just needs to be brought out,” he said.
The veteran director encouraged the finalists to view reaching the Top 8 as a major achievement regardless of the competition’s outcome.
“Making it to the Top 8 is already a huge accomplishment because it means they’ve already taken the first step. What they need now is an opportunity. Dream big, pray hard, work even harder, and destiny will come,” Alejandre said.
Laxamana, meanwhile, emphasized that discipline and continuous self-improvement carried significant weight during the judging process.
“For me, the most important basis is the craft. Today’s generation is competing for a very small space in show business. You can’t afford to be mediocre. I also want to reward hard work,” he said.
Reyes said the contestants were evaluated based not only on their looks but on what they were able to demonstrate throughout the competition.
“Of course, appearance is already a given, but beyond that, they have to show us what they have. We evaluate them based on what they bring to the table,” Reyes said.
Despite competing against one another, the finalists said they have developed a close bond during the competition.
“We don’t see this as a competition anymore because we feel like we’re family. It’s really fun while also challenging,” Mina said.
Asked about dealing with the pressures of fame, finalist Mish acknowledged that both success and criticism come with pursuing a career in entertainment.
“I believe we’re strong enough. This opportunity is something we can learn from, grow through, and use to understand how to handle both the rewards and the challenges that come with this industry,” she said.
The finalists also reflected on what they believe sets them apart.
Calvin cited humility and a commitment to continuous learning, while Miguel said his love for performing has been with him since childhood.
“I didn’t just dream about this when I was a child — I truly love what I do. I enjoy every moment of it,” she said.
For Mish, however, the competition is ultimately about connecting with audiences.
“We all shine in our own ways. Whoever resonates with you the most, whoever represents you, and whoever you believe shines the brightest—that’s the person you should vote for,” she said.
Only one contestant will ultimately be crowned “Viva’s Next Big Star,” but the judges believe all eight finalists have already taken a significant step toward careers in show business.
Directed by Ryan Evangelista, new episodes of “Viva’s Next Big Star” stream every Friday on Viva One. Watch exclusive features, backstage preparations, and sneak peeks of the soon-to-be lead stars and performers.