From OPM to the World Stage: Jonathan Manalo Now a Grammy Voter
JONATHAN MANALO – It’s a proud moment for Pinoy music as Jonathan Manalo joins the prestigious ranks of Grammy voters, giving him a platform to influence the world’s most recognized music awards.
Jonathan Manalo, a renowned songwriter and record producer celebrated for his contributions to Original Pilipino Music (OPM), has reached a new milestone in his career: he is now an official voting member of the Grammy Awards.
Manalo shared the exciting news on his Instagram account on Friday, August 29, expressing his gratitude and pride at joining the prestigious music community. “Milestone Unlocked. I’m so happy to share that I am now officially a voting member of the Recording Academy/GRAMMY Awards. Becoming part of the @RecordingAcademy’s 2025 New Member Class is an incredible honor,” he said.
Being a voting member allows Manalo to actively participate in the Grammy Awards’ decision-making process. It also provides him with a platform to advocate for better representation in the music industry and to contribute to the global elevation of music standards. “It means joining a global community of creators and professionals who are shaping the future of music and raising the standard of excellence worldwide,” he added.
He emphasized the significance of having a voice within the Recording Academy, highlighting the opportunity to support fellow artists and advance the art form. “As a member, I now have a voice in the GRAMMY Awards process, a platform to advocate for our industry, and an opportunity to stand alongside my peers as we uplift one another and the art form we love,” Manalo said.
Looking ahead, Manalo is eager to share his unique perspective with the Academy and promote music that resonates across different audiences. “The strength of the Academy comes from its diversity of genres, experiences, and voices. I’m humbled and excited to contribute my own perspective, and to champion music that connects, inspires, and moves the world,” he noted.
Jonathan Manalo’s impressive repertoire includes hit songs like “Tara Tena,” “Para Lang Sa’Yo,” “Kabataang Pinoy,” “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,” “Tagpuan,” and “Lagi.” Earlier this year, NWR Musicals staged Delia D, a musical honoring his music, which ran from April 25 to June 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. He currently serves as AVP and head of content, creatives, and operations at ABS-CBN Music.
Other international stars among the Grammy voting body include LE SSERAFIM’s Yunjin, Troye Sivan, Coco Jones, and Seventeen’s Woozi and Vernon, illustrating the Academy’s commitment to diversity in music.
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