Idol Kids judges bring heart and humor

In a show designed to discover the next generation of Filipino singing stars, Idol Kids Philippines makes one thing clear from the start: this is no place for harsh critiques or unkind judgment. Instead, the show’s power panel, Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Angeline Quinto, and Juan Karlos, choose empathy, encouragement, and emotional intelligence as their guiding lights in mentoring the country’s youngest vocal hopefuls.

As the show prepares for its premiere on 28 June, the judges sat down during a media conference to share how their own life experiences shaped their approach to coaching and judging children, many of whom are stepping onto a big stage for the first time.

Regine Velasquez: Wisdom meets musical mastery

Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez, knows what it’s like to be both a performer and a parent. That delicate balance informs every decision she makes on the judging panel.

“It’s hard to correct them without being too critical,” Regine admitted. “You’re not their parent, but you still want to help them grow. You need to be gentle, especially with your words.”

Having joined contests herself as a young girl, Regine understands how overwhelming critiques can be, especially when they’re technical. So she adjusts her language to meet kids where they are.

“We use terms they can understand, emotions they can process. Their attention spans are short, but they absorb everything. You want your feedback to land, not to confuse or hurt.”

Angeline Quinto: A mother’s heart

For Power Diva Angeline Quinto, being asked to join Idol Kids Philippines came with hesitation. “I wasn’t sure I could do it,” she shared. “I’ve been in singing contests. I know how hard it is to hear ‘no.’ And now, as a mom of two, it’s even harder to say it.”

But Angeline also recognizes the value in rejection because she lived it. “I’ve received many ‘no’s in my life. And every one of them helped me become who I am today.”

Her goal, she said, is not just to find talent but to be part of these children’s journey, whether they win or not. “We’re here to help them take the next step. I always remind myself: maybe I’m here for a reason. Maybe I’m meant to help these kids chase their dreams.”

Juan Karlos: Kuya vibes and real talk

As the youngest judge on the panel, Juan Karlos takes on the role of kuya, approachable, funny, and honest.

“I try to make them feel comfortable,” he said. “Most of them walk in super nervous. So I joke around, keep it light. I think it helps.”

But even with his relaxed demeanor, Juan Karlos admits the emotional stakes are high. “Judging kids is so much harder than judging adults. You can’t just say what you want. You have to be careful. They’re still developing, and words can stick.”

Juan Karlos, who was a finalist in The Voice Kids himself, often uses his own story to inspire young contestants who may not make it through.

“I tell them, ‘Just because we said no today doesn’t mean it’s over.’ I didn’t win my contest either, but look where I am now.”

Gary's lessons through analogy and empathy

For Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, the key to communication lies in connection. A father and grandfather, he speaks to kids in a language they understand, sometimes literally.

“If a kid loves basketball, and didn’t quite hit the mark in the audition, I’ll say something like, ‘In basketball, you don’t always make the shot. But you keep practicing until you do,’” he shared.

This approach, Gary said, helps children better accept both success and failure. “If you tie your feedback to something they love, they’ll understand it more deeply.”

And while rejection is never easy, he believes it can be the start of something better. “Sometimes, saying no just means it’s not your time, yet. But every step, even the ones that feel like setbacks, can lead you upward.”

A stage with a heart

As Idol Kids Philippines premieres its first season, viewers will witness more than just talent. They will see care, mentorship, and the kind of compassion rarely found in competitive reality TV.

It’s a show that honors dreams without breaking spirits and encourages growth without rushing it. And with judges like Regine, Gary, Angeline, and Juan Karlos at the helm, it’s clear that Idol Kids Philippines isn’t just discovering young singers. It is shaping artists, one kind word at a time.