Dingdong Dantes shares his trick to help 'The Voice Kids PH' contestants shake off nerves backstage

Aside from hosting "The Voice Kids Philippines" in front of the cameras, Dingdong Dantes also takes on an equally important role backstage: helping the young contestants shake off their nerves before their performances.

In an interview with GMA News Online, the Kapuso Primetime King shared that he often chats with the kids to break the ice.

"We talk about just anything that interests them, like the latest songs. Naghuhulan kami ng edad. Minsan jino-joke ko sila na 67 na ako. Ayaw nilang maniwala. Nagbibiruan lang kami," Dingdong said.

He would ask the kids about their hobbies and what they like doing during their free time.

Thanks to his children, Zia and Sixto, the actor-host is also up-to-date with Gen Alpha slang, something that never fails to surprise the kids.

"Siyempre nagugulat sila na 'Ba't alam mo 'yan?'" he said.

But beyond the jokes and lighthearted conversations, Dingdong admitted that he also gets emotionally invested in the young performers.

"Last season, may mga favorites din ako, siyempre. So minsan, nangungulit din ako sa mga coaches. 'Kung ako ikaw, dapat pinili ko 'yan,' mga gano'n," he said.

For Dingdong, he is also part of the audience, always rooting for the kids he meets backstage and following their journey with the same excitement and hope that they carry onstage.

"Siyempre parang ako 'yung audience eh. Siyempre babantayan mo 'yan hanggang dulo eh na sana sila talaga 'yung manalo," he said.

Dingdong also hosted "The Voice Kids Philippines" in 2024, where Nevin Adam Garceniego, under Coach Pablo of SB19, emerged as the grand champion.

With the show returning for another season, Dingdong has nothing but gratitude to the viewers who have continuously supported the franchise through the years.

"We thank [the viewers] for the tremendous support, ever since Season 1 of 'The Voice Generations,' up to the first season of 'The Voice Kids.' And right now, due to insistent demand, popular demand, we're bringing it back," he said.

"I am very sure that they will enjoy this season."

The next season of "The Voice Kids PH" will premiere on September 14 at 7:15 p.m. on GMA Network. 

It will see the return of coaches Julie Anne San Jose and Billy Crawford, and the debut of new coaches Zack Tabudlo and Ben&Ben twins Miguel and Paolo Benjamin. —MGP, GMA Integrated News