Filipino-American pop superstar Bruno Mars is likely to perform at this year’s Miss Universe pageant, which will be held in Manila’s Mall of Asia Arena on January 30.
The rumors emerged after Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo reportedly said the pageant had booked a pop star from the United States with Filipino lineage to perform at the beauty pageant.
“The singer from America is a very famous celebrity with Filipino blood,” The National quoted Teo as saying.
On whether she was referring to Mars, who was born in Hawaii to a Puerto Rican father and Filipino mother, Teo reportedly said: “I’d rather not say anything.”
Other US pop stars who have a Filipino connection include apl.de.ap of The Black Eyed Peas, Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, Glee star Darren Criss and Vanessa Hudgens, who found fame on High School Musical, said the news portal.
Last week, a member of the Philippines’ Department of Tourism reportedly revealed on Twitter that local music superstars Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo Mañalac, Jed Madela and Lea Salonga are likely to appear at the pageant as guest performers.
Salonga, Broadway and West End singer-actress and coach on The Voice of the Philippines, quickly quashed the rumors on social media, tweeting to her fans: “I have not been booked to perform at the Miss Universe pageant. Plus, I’ll already be out of the country. Someone has made a mistake.”
US presenter Steve Harvey will return to host this year’s pageant, with model Ashley Graham serving as a backstage presenter. A female Filipino co-host is expected to be announced soon, reported The National.
