Kids Rule the Stage at SM Little Stars 2025 Grand Finals

SM Supermalls welcomed a wave of energy, talent, and ambition as it held the highly anticipated SM Little Stars 2025 Grand Finals on Saturday, August 9, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Now in its 16th year, the nationwide talent search embraced a new chapter with gender-neutral categories and a showcase of diverse, awe-inspiring performances from some of the country’s most promising young talents.

The SM Little Stars 2025 winners, second runner-up Kirsten Danielle Ball of SM City Trece Martires, first runner-up Mary Jazzlyn Capillas of SM Center Sangandaan, grand winner Xian Echo Zamora of SM City Cabanatuan and third runner-up Jazzie Vrianna Cataran of SM City Manila

After weeks of screenings held across 67 SM malls nationwide, 30 outstanding finalists rose to the top and competed in one of three unisex categories: singing, dancing, or a special talent. The new special talent category opened doors for a wide variety of performances, including acting, beatboxing, painting, gymnastics, musical instruments, and even magic and ventriloquism—reflecting a broader, more inclusive definition of talent.

This year’s Grand Finals crowned Xian Echo Y. Zamora of SM City Cabanatuan as the Grand Winner.

Grand winner Xian Echo Zamora impresses the audience with his drumming and singing performance at the SM Little Stars Grand Finals.

With life-changing rewards at stake, the 2025 winners took home an exceptional prize package that includes ₱100,000 worth of cash and SM Gift Certificates, ₱30,000 worth of Toy Kingdom Gift Cards, ₱25,000 worth of SM Kids Fashion Gift Certificates, a brand-new Suzuki Dzire GL MT, a 100% tuition and miscellaneous scholarship from National University, a talent management contract with Sparkle – GMA Artist Center, a five-day, four-night trip to Korea for two, unlimited bowling and skating at SM Bowling and SM Skating, amusement park ride passes, a two-night stay at Radisson Blu Cebu, and an annual pass at Space & Time Cube.

Beaming with pride, the SM Little Stars 2025 Grand Winner and runners-up celebrate their victory at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall after emerging from 30 finalists screened in 67 SM malls nationwide. The 16-year-old talent search grants life-changing prizes, such as a full National University scholarship and a Sparkle – GMA Artist Center contract, to the country’s most promising young talents. 

The event’s panel of judges included notable personalities from entertainment and education, such as singer Sam Concepcion, director Antoinette Jadaone, National University Pep Squad coach Gab Bajacan, Miss Universe 2025 first-runner up Winwyn Marquez and SM Little Stars 2017 Grand Winner Gaea Mischa, who brought with them experience, inspiration, and a genuine love for nurturing young talent.

First, second, and third runners-up of SM Little Stars wowed the crowd with their singing and dancing performances during the Grand Finals.

SM Little Stars has long been a launching pad for some of today’s most successful young Filipino performers. SM Little Stars 2013 achiever Esang de Torres is now a Star Magic artist. SM Little Stars 2016 Boy Grand Winner Marcus Cabais is part of the pop group HORI7ON. SM Little Stars 2017 achiever Elisia Parmisano has joined K-Pop girl group UNIS, and SM Little Star 2016 Girl Grand Winner Sheena Bentoy took a lead role in the Philippine run of “The Lion King.” Their journeys are a testament to the power of early support and opportunities in building a child’s future.

To learn more about SM Little Stars and upcoming events, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.