Darren Criss praises Lea Salonga on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show'

Darren Criss paid tribute to Lea Salonga during his guesting on "The Kelly Clarkson Show."

As guest host Pink said, it was Women's History Week, "which is important for men too because you come from us."

Pink then asked Darren who the women on Broadway have been inspirations for him.

Darren then said, "the venerable Lea Salonga."

"If you're a Broadway person, her legacy is mighty," the actor and singer said. "But also somebody being part of the [Asian American and Pacific Islander] community, she's like been a large shining beacon for a lot of folks and she's been such an amazing leader in my own life as a fan."

Darren also said that meeting and being friends with Lea made him realize that she's more wonderful in person.

"She's an extraordinary woman and still a wonderful performer and just a great Broadway gal," Darren said. "And I think anybody that is familiar with her work personally and professionally would agree with me."

Darren and Lea are yet to work on a show together, but have performed at various events.

In 2025, Darren won his first two Tony Awards, Best Actor in a Musical and as co-producer of Best Musical "Maybe Happy Ending."

"Maybe Happy Ending" was also nominated for Best Musical Theater Album at the Grammys. It was Darren's first Grammy nomination.

Meanwhile, Lea is currently starring as Madame Thénardier in "Les Miserables" in Manila.

The Disney Legend also previously starred in the Philippine staging of "Into the Woods" as The Witch in 2025.

Darren Criss honors the legendary Lea Salonga for #WomensHistoryMonth ???? pic.twitter.com/l8Z6YpHyeO

— The Kelly Clarkson Show (@KellyClarksonTV) March 2, 2026

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