Jillian Ward plays sister to ‘Clash Teens’ contestants

MANILA, Philippines — Young artist Jillian Ward is back on the small screen after her successful action-drama “Never Say Die.” But this time, she’s joining Christian Bautista and JL of BGYO in the judging panel of “The Clash Teens.”

Jillian will share professional experiences and industry insights that will guide young singing aspirants.

“Since bata po ako (I was young), sobra na pong malawak talaga yung hilig ko na genres in music (I have had this broad interest in different genres of music),” said she in a recent group interview. “And of course, as a judge, kailangan knowledgeable din po talaga ako (I have to be knowledgeable).”

Part of her preparation, too, was taking up professional singing lessons, added she, who is also doing it for her singing and performing. Jillian has also released the song titled Pumapag-ibig, which “captures the sudden and powerful arrival of love — an emotion that shifts everything in an instant,” her publicity team says. She will mount a concert on July 31 at the New Frontier Theater.

As a judge, she described herself as “hindi po kasi ako sobrang (someone who is not that really) judgmental or critical as a person. It’s more of nagbibigay ako ng (I’m giving) constructive criticism, especially since they’re (the contestants) teens.”

Her approach in talking to Teen Clashers is also anchored in empathy.

“Lahat tayo iba-iba ang journey natin (we have different journeys),” said she. “So, I think as a judge, pinaka-role ko (my primary role) here is to remind sa kanila (kung) gaano ka-importante na magkaroon ng isang puso (them of the importance of having a heart) while performing, while doing what you’re doing and kung gaano ka-importante yung disiplina bilang isang artist (how important it is to have discipline as an artist).”

Earlier in the chat, she mentioned that “parang akong ate nila po ngayon na pwede ko silang bigyan ng pieces of advice, kung paano nila mas ma-hone pa yung mga talents nila (I’ll be like a sister to the contestants, advising them on how to further hone their talents), kung paano mas maging confident pa sila on stage (to become more confident on stage), at kung paano pa nila mas ma-express ang gusto nilang iparating (on how to express more what they want to put across) while performing.”

During the interview, Jillian also got to share her thoughts on giving a nod to this project, which premieres June 7 at 7:15 p.m. on GMA 7 and Kapuso Stream. Pinoys abroad can watch it via GMA Pinoy TV.

“It’s something new. It’s something fresh, and naniniwala po ako na itong (I believe that) ‘The Clash Teens,’ parang bi-ni-break niya po kasi yung stereotypes sa isang (it somehow breaks stereotypes about a) singing contest,” said she.

Before, a good or impressive performance was associated with hitting high notes or doing “vocal theatrics,” as one could glean from her answers. Regardless of the song’s genre and length, the audience should have an emotional takeaway from or connection with the performance.

“Pero sa generation po natin ngayon (but in today’s generation), nag-ma-matter po talaga yung puso (what matters is having a heart) while performing,” shared she, “atsaka yung impact ng isang performer or artist while on stage na kahit gaano ka-mellow yung kanta (and also the impact of the singer on those watching even if the song is mellow).”

And since some contestants belong to the Gen Z, like her, Jillian shared what many may have noticed about them.

“Ang pinaka-importante sa kanila ngayon is yung pagiging storyteller nila (what appeals and counts to them is being a storyteller),” said she. “Yung nakaka-touch ka ba ng puso ng mga tao, naka-relate ba sila sa kinukwento mo on stage (what they find important is being able to touch people’s heart and the relatability of the story told through singing).”

Aside from the Clash Panel composed of Christian, Jillian and JL, the reality singing competition also features Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz.