Violette Sta. Cruz reflects on growth, faith, and dreams in 'The Clash' journey

For 17-year-old singer Violette Sta. Cruz, joining GMA Network's singing competition “The Clash Teens,” has been more than a test of talent. It has been a journey of self-discovery, faith, and personal growth.

During a recent interview with GMA News Online, the Top 12 finalist shared the most valuable lesson she has learned throughout her experience in the competition, describing her journey as an "emotional rollercoaster."

While acknowledging the competitive nature of the program, Sta. Cruz emphasized the real challenge lies in becoming a better version of oneself.

"Even though ‘The Clash’ is a competition, it's not really a competition with other people," she said.

"It's more of a competition with yourself, the past version of yourself. It's really all about how you can continue to grow and how you can continue to be better."

The young artist admitted that uncertainty within the competition often creates anxiety among contestants, especially with the show's unexpected twists and turns. However, she believes that focusing on personal improvement rather than comparison helps contestants navigate the pressure.

Beyond the performances and eliminations, Sta. Cruz revealed that some of her most treasured memories came from moments away from the spotlight.

"It's all of the behind-the-scenes moments that I have with Blazing Gen-Z and all of the other Clashers," she said.

According to Sta. Cruz, the time spent bonding with fellow contestants in their shared quarters, filming vlogs, and engaging in casual conversations created meaningful connections that left a lasting impact.

"It's really the behind-the-scenes, the ones that aren't on camera. Those are the moments that really touch my heart," she said.

When asked about her inspiration in singing and performing, Sta. Cruz pointed to her strong faith as the driving force behind her passion.

"I'd say my inspiration is really The Lord," she said. "It sounds cliché, it sounds cheesy, but it's really Him that pushed me."

The influence of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists has also motivated her to continue honing her craft.

"It's inspiring and heartwarming to inspire others with my journey," she said.

Looking ahead, Sta. Cruz shared her plans should she emerge as the champion of talent show. True to her faith-centered outlook, she said her first priority would be to share her blessings with others.

"As a steward of The Lord, I'd really love to share the blessings," she said.

Part of her envisioned prize allocation includes supporting her family, particularly by helping fund her siblings' education and securing their future through savings.

The aspiring artist also hopes to invest in her music career by building a home recording studio—a dream she believes will allow her to create more original songs and reach a wider audience.

"My number one dream is to have a home studio so that I can continue to write songs, continue to inspire people, and have a bigger reach as well," Sta. Cruz said. — LA, GMA News