When history repeats itself, it does not always come in the form of tragedy—it can also manifest in the rise of two extraordinary young voices, separated by more than a decade, yet bound by striking similarities. In 2014, the Philippines was introduced to Lyca Gairanod, a young girl from Cavite who stunned the nation by winning the first season of The Voice Kids Philippines. Eleven years later, in 2025, the country witnessed another young prodigy, Alexa Mendoza of Calamba, Laguna, become the first grand winner of Idol Kids Philippines.
At first glance, these are two separate triumphs, each with its own unique narrative. Yet, upon closer look, the paths of Lyca and Alexa mirror one another so closely that their stories feel like a reflection—two voices echoing the struggles, resilience, and dreams of Filipino children who dared to believe.
Humble Beginnings and Dreams Beyond Circumstance
Both Lyca and Alexa came from modest backgrounds that shaped their drive and authenticity. Lyca, famously, was the daughter of a fisherman and a scavenger, who sang for neighbors in exchange for food or coins. Her story captured the essence of a young girl rising from poverty with nothing but raw talent and courage. Alexa, though from a slightly different setting, also hailed from a humble family in Laguna. At just nine years old, she represented the dreams of many provincial children—balancing school, simple joys, and an unshakable passion for music.
This grounding in simplicity gave both winners an authenticity that resonated with audiences. They did not sing for fame or glamour; they sang because music was their lifeline, their language of survival, and their window to a brighter future.
Breakthrough Performances that Defined an Era
Lyca’s turning point came with her powerful rendition of Aegis’ “Halik”, a performance that displayed not only her vocal range but also her ability to channel raw emotion that belied her young age. That performance went viral, making her not just a contestant but a phenomenon.
For Alexa, the defining moment was her rendition of the Eraserheads classic “Ang Huling El Bimbo” in the grand finals. Her performance carried both innocence and depth, showing a maturity beyond her years. Combined with her original composition “Maaabot Ko”, she proved she was not just a singer but a storyteller in her own right.
Both performances did more than win votes—they ignited cultural conversations, cementing these girls as symbols of young Filipino talent rising against all odds.
Unprecedented Victories and Public Adoration
In 2014, Lyca shocked the nation by emerging as the very first winner of The Voice Kids Philippines. At only nine years old, she defeated older and seemingly more polished contestants, proving that sincerity and raw emotion could triumph over technical perfection.
Fast forward to 2025, Alexa Mendoza repeated this phenomenon in Idol Kids Philippines. With a staggering combined score of 98.88 percent, she became the first-ever grand champion of the show. Much like Lyca, she captivated audiences not just with skill but with her story—a tale of determination, innocence, and hope.
Both victories were historic, not only because they crowned champions but because they introduced the Philippines to child icons whose voices represented resilience.
Public Reaction: From Viral Fame to Household Names
The parallels extend beyond the competition stage. Both Lyca and Alexa became viral sensations—Lyca with her humble backstory and powerhouse performances, Alexa with her jaw-dropping decision to refuse her ₱1,350,000 prize (a move that stunned fans worldwide). Each girl, in her own time, sparked online debates, media coverage, and countless fan tributes.
More importantly, both became household names, transcending the title of “contest winner” to embody the hopes of everyday Filipinos.
Shared Struggles: Growing Up in the Spotlight
Winning at such a young age came with challenges. Lyca, after her victory, faced the pressures of fame, public scrutiny, and the expectations of sustaining a career as a child star. Alexa is poised to walk a similar path. The spotlight can be both a blessing and a burden, especially for children navigating identity, education, and personal growth while carrying the weight of national attention.
Both victories highlight the paradox of child stardom: the triumphs are inspiring, but the journeys ahead demand resilience, guidance, and balance.
Cultural Impact: More Than Just Winners
What sets both Lyca and Alexa apart from other child stars is their ability to serve as cultural touchstones. Lyca’s story of poverty-to-stardom resonated deeply in a country where many children face similar struggles. She became living proof that dreams are not confined to privilege.
Alexa, meanwhile, symbolizes a new generation: bold, socially aware, and unafraid to make unexpected choices—like turning down a million-peso prize to make a larger statement. Her actions reflect the evolving values of Filipino youth, where success is not just measured by wealth but by integrity and authenticity.
Two Quests, One Legacy
Though separated by eleven years, Lyca and Alexa are bound by a shared narrative: two young girls with voices larger than life, rising above humble beginnings, and capturing the hearts of millions. Their similarities—humility, authenticity, and resilience—make them more than just winners of singing competitions. They are mirrors of the Filipino spirit itself: enduring, hopeful, and unafraid to dream.
The legacy of Lyca and Alexa lies not only in their trophies but in the way they inspired countless other children to believe that no dream is too distant, no stage too intimidating, and no circumstance too limiting. Their voices will continue to echo—not just in songs, but in the stories of future dreamers who dare to follow in their footsteps.
