The Sarah Geronimo Effect: 7 successful young artists trace roots to Team Sarah

Discover how Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo turned seven rising stars into powerhouse Philippine entertainment icons.

Years after “The Voice of the Philippines” and “The Voice Kids,” Sarah Geronimo’s former artists continue to make noise across OPM, television, and entertainment, making her track record as a coach worth revisiting.

Team Sarah has included names such as Morissette, Klarisse de Guzman, Jason Dy, Lyca Gairanod, Darren Espanto, Kyle Echarri, and Zephanie Dimaranan. Billboard Philippines previously identified the same artists among Geronimo’s notable mentees.

“In fairness naman sa talent-spotting instinct ni Sarah, may vision siya sa pagpili ng artists,” one supporter said.  

Another fan wrote, “Madalas nakukuha niya mga versatile vocals e.”

With several former Team Sarah artists now appearing in the same entertainment spaces, one fan even asked, “Bakit ‘di kaya mag-concert Team Sarah ‘no?”

Not all of them won their respective seasons. Some were runners-up, semifinalists, or eliminated before the finale. Yet their careers continued, with several building names for themselves in music, acting, television, and digital entertainment.

Perhaps that is the more interesting measure of Team Sarah: not how many trophies her artists took home, but how many names remained after the competition ended.

Sarah herself once said her focus as a coach was simple: “Gusto ko mag-focus sa talento mismo.”

More than a decade later, her former artists are still giving audiences a reason to remember the team that first brought them together.

1. Lyca Gairanod: From Team Sarah to TikTok resurgence

Lyca became the first-ever “The Voice Kids Philippines” champion in 2014, with Sarah also sending Darren Espanto to the finals that season. More than a decade later, Lyca is again finding traction online, with her music and appearances circulating on TikTok, including renewed attention around “Puwede Nang Mangarap.” She has since built a career as a recording artist, actress, and digital creator.

2. Darren Espanto: From child finalist to familiar TV face

Darren finished as runner-up in the first “The Voice Kids” season, but went on to build a career as a recording artist, performer, actor, and television personality. Since 2023, he has been part of “It’s Showtime” as a regular host and “Tawag ng Tanghalan” hurado.

3. Klarisse de Guzman: From Team Sarah to ‘Mama Klang’

Klarisse was Sarah’s runner-up in the first season of “The Voice of the Philippines” and became one of the competition’s standout singers. She later expanded into television, with audiences embracing her as “Mama Klang” during “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.”

4. Morissette: The powerhouse Sarah picked early

Morissette Amon was a young contestant on “The Voice of the Philippines” when Sarah chose her after her “Love on Top” blind audition. She went on to establish herself as a major live performer and recording artist, known for her vocal range and belting ability.

5. Jason Dy: ‘The Voice’ champion

Jason Dy won Season 2 of “The Voice of the Philippines” under Sarah and went on to build a career as a singer, songwriter, musician, and performer. He has remained active in music and television, including appearances on “ASAP” and “Your Face Sounds Familiar.”

6. Kyle Echarri: From Team Sarah to acting and music

Kyle joined Team Sarah at 11 during “The Voice Kids” Season 2 and reached the semifinals. He later expanded into acting, joining “Kadenang Ginto” and its Gold Squad before taking on more mature roles in “Senior High” and “Pamilya Sagrado.”

7. Zephanie: The Team Sarah voice that echoed beyond the stage

Zephanie Dimaranan chose Sarah as her coach during “The Voice Kids” Season 2 and reached the Top 6 alongside Kyle. Although she did not win, she continued pursuing music and became a recognizable name in the local pop scene. She is currently lead in GMA Network musical drama series “Born to Shine.”

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