A new generation of young performers is ready to take the spotlight as The Voice Kids returns this 13 September, bringing fresh voices, inspiring stories and a renewed search for the country’s next young singing sensation.

Joining the competition once again as a coach is Julie Anne San Jose, who is set to guide aspiring artists as they navigate the challenges of the competition.

According to Julie Anne, mentoring goes beyond developing vocal skills as it is about helping young singers grow through every experience they encounter.

The singer-actress encouraged young performers to embrace mistakes and continue learning as they pursue their dreams.

“Huwag kang matakot magkamali at matutong matuto (Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and keep learning). Kasi ’tong experiences sa buhay mo, forever mong babaunin hanggang pagtanda mo (Because the experiences you gain in life are something you’ll carry with you forever, even when you grow old). Hangga’t may boses ka, kumanta ka nang kumanta (As long as you have a voice, keep singing),” she said.

She also compared mentoring young artists to being a teacher, emphasizing the importance of patience, understanding and trust when guiding children through their musical journey.

“Parang teacher kasi sa'yo nakasalalay ang buhay ng student mo (It’s like being a teacher because your student’s future is in your hands). Listen to the kids. Be patient, kasi hindi talaga madali ang journey at pagme-mentor (because the journey and the mentoring process are never easy). Hindi all the time nakukuha natin ’yung gusto nating marinig (We don’t always hear what we expect or want to hear). May mga expectations tayo and that’s okay, that’s part of the process or journey (We all have expectations, and that’s okay — that’s part of the process and the journey). Importante rin na pagkatiwalaan ’yung mga bata (What’s important is that we trust the kids),” she said.

This season also introduces a new coaching lineup, with Yeng Constantino and Gloc-9 joining Julie Anne in discovering and mentoring the competition’s newest talents. Together, the three coaches will face the challenge of building teams from a pool of young singers during the Blind Auditions.

Returning this season is the Replay Button, which gives coaches another opportunity to save an impressive performer who did not receive a chair turn during their first performance.

AI in music

Beyond the competition, Julie Anne also shared her perspective on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in music. While she recognizes AI’s potential as a creative tool, she believes technology should complement — not replace — the human experience behind every performance.

“I have nothing against AI as long as you have only good intentions in using it,” she said.

She explained that AI can be useful when creating samples, especially when artists are working with limited time, but stressed that genuine emotion and musicianship remain irreplaceable.

“For example, kapag may time constraint (when there’s a time constraint), puwede kang gumawa ng sample gamit ang AI (you can create a sample using AI). It sounds good. It really is good. Pero it’s a whole new level of experience kapag totoong instrumento, totoong ikaw, at totoong feelings mo ang naririnig ng tao (But it’s a whole new level of experience when people hear real instruments, the real you, and your genuine emotions),” Julie Anne said.

Completing the season’s lineup are Dingdong Dantes, who returns as host, and Gabbi Garcia, who takes viewers closer to the personal stories of the young contestants as the show’s journey host.

From the Blind Auditions and Knockout Round to the Sing-Offs, Semi-Finals and grand finale, The Voice Kids continues to celebrate young talent and give aspiring singers a chance to share their voices on a bigger stage.

The Voice Kids airs Sunday at 7 p.m. on GMA Network and Kapuso Stream.