Jillian Ward hopes to help 'The Clash Teens' contestants build confidence

Confidence-building and storytelling are among the qualities Jillian Ward hopes to bring to “The Clash Teens” as she takes on a new role in her career.

At Tuesday’s media conference for the upcoming season, Jillian expressed excitement over serving as a judge for the first time and working closely with contestants who are close to her age.

“Ako, I'm very, very excited talaga. First time kong magja-judge,” the Sparkle star said.

Rather than focusing solely on vocals, Jillian said she also pays attention to how contestants express themselves and connect with audiences through performance.

“Ang binabantayan ko naman dito is kung paano nila ine-express ‘yung mga sarili nila. Kung paano nila gagawin ‘yung pagso-storytelling on stage,” she said. “Sobrang nakaka-excite kada may bagong Clasher na papasok kasi iba-iba ‘yung mga kwento na talagang pinapakita nila on stage.”

Having started in showbiz at a young age, Jillian said she can relate to the struggles many teenage contestants may be facing, particularly when it comes to confidence and self-doubt.

Jillian said this understanding is what she hopes to offer contestants throughout the competition.

“Mostly kasi, ‘di ba, noong mga teenagers tayo, andun ‘yung mga self-doubts. ‘Pag teenager ka kasi doon mo pa bini-build ‘yung confidence mo,” she said.

“And I think, ‘yun din talaga ‘yung mao-offer ko sa kanila. Kung paano ma-build ‘yung confidence nila at maging proud sila sa mga sarili nila,” she added.

Beyond confidence, the Star of the New Gen stressed the importance of perseverance and discipline, reminding young performers that mistakes and setbacks are part of growth.

She also emphasized giving one’s best performance regardless of the size of the crowd.

"Dapat just always try and give it your all and keep on practicing. ‘Yun talaga,” she said.

“And ang pinaka-ma-share ko sa kanila is dapat vina-value talaga nila ‘yung disiplina. Especially on stage, kahit gaano kalaki yung stage, kahit gaano kadami or kaonti ‘yung audience mo, na dapat ibigay mo parati ‘yung 100% mo. Kahit isa lang ‘yung nanonood sa 'yo, kailangan ibigay mo parati ‘yung best mo.”

Jillian joins Christian Bautista and JL Toreliza on the judging panel.

Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz will return as Clash Masters.

“The Clash Teens” will premiere on June 7. —JCB, GMA News