OPM SHOCKER: Chloe San Jose and Fyang Smith Crowned New Music Royals — Have They Officially Outshined the OPM Legends Everyone Worshipped?

Manila, Philippines — A new era in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) has officially begun, and it comes with the rise of two unexpected names that are now shaking the very foundations of the Filipino music industry: Chloe San Jose and Fyang Smith. Once considered underground talents with niche followings, the two young singers are now being hailed as the new music royalties of OPM — and some are even boldly claiming they’ve already outshined legendary icons like Regine Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo, Gary Valenciano, and Martin Nievera.

The bold declaration was sparked after Chloe and Fyang’s surprise duet performance at the 2025 Philippine Music Vanguard Awards, where they received back-to-back standing ovations, not just from fans but from industry veterans and critics alike. Social media exploded with videos of their haunting rendition of “Walang Hanggan,” a dramatic and emotionally charged original composition that many now dub as the “anthem of a new generation.”

THE RISE OF CHLOE AND FYANG

Chloe San Jose, 22, first rose to fame as a finalist in a lesser-known reality music competition in 2021. With her powerful, crystalline vocals and effortless ability to hit high notes without straining, she gained the attention of producers and composers looking for fresh talent. However, it wasn’t until 2023, when she independently released her soul-stirring ballad “Alon,” that the public truly began to pay attention.

Fyang Smith, 24, took a different path. A Filipino-American raised in Cebu and California, she grew up influenced by both traditional kundiman and Western R&B. Her breakthrough came on TikTok, where her acoustic covers and jaw-dropping vocal runs gained millions of views. When she released her debut EP “Dalisay sa Dilim”, it topped streaming charts in just three days.

Their paths finally crossed in late 2024 when music producer Jun Sabayton invited them to collaborate on a special song for a documentary about modern Filipino identity. That track — the now-iconic “Walang Hanggan” — would become the catalyst for their sudden superstardom.

THE DUET THAT SHOCKED THE NATION

When Chloe and Fyang took the stage at the Vanguard Awards, no one expected what was about to unfold. The two, dressed in minimalist black gowns and barely introduced, stood on a dimly lit stage with a single pianist accompanying them. Within the first 30 seconds, the crowd was silent — mesmerized. By the time they hit the final note, the entire theater had risen in applause, many visibly in tears.

Music legend Ryan Cayabyab, in attendance, was seen applauding with a smile and later told media,

“That performance was historical. It wasn’t just music — it was a movement.”

COMPARISONS TO OPM ROYALTY

Inevitably, the rise of Chloe and Fyang sparked comparisons with OPM’s biggest names. Online threads and entertainment talk shows buzzed with debates:

“Are we witnessing the successors to Regine and Sarah?”
“Chloe’s vocal clarity reminds me of Regine’s early years.”
“Fyang has the soul of Jaya but with the boldness of Beyoncé.”

Fans of OPM royalty were divided. Some welcomed the newcomers with open arms, while others defended their idols fiercely. Still, there’s no denying the shifting tide — especially among Gen Z and millennial listeners who have begun declaring the duo as “the sound of the future.”

Veteran singer Kuh Ledesma weighed in on the discussion in an interview with GMA News:

“There’s room for everyone. I’m happy to see young women dominating the stage with substance and artistry. I see their passion. If they stay grounded, they will go far.”

THEIR INFLUENCE BEYOND MUSIC

Beyond their vocals, Chloe and Fyang have been praised for their advocacy and authenticity. Chloe, a vocal supporter of mental health awareness, often speaks candidly about her battle with anxiety and the pressures of fame. Her openness has endeared her to thousands of young fans navigating similar struggles.

Meanwhile, Fyang — who identifies as bisexual — has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in mainstream Filipino media. She recently partnered with local organizations to raise funds for shelters supporting queer youth.

“We’re not just here to sing,” Fyang said in a recent interview. “We’re here to use our voices — literally and metaphorically — to shift culture.”

CRITICS, CONTROVERSY, AND THE FUTURE

Of course, not everyone is impressed. Some critics argue that it’s “too early” to label Chloe and Fyang as the next legends, claiming they’ve yet to prove longevity and versatility across genres.

Columnist Cristy Fermin wrote in her weekly entertainment column:

“Let’s slow down on the ‘music royalty’ label. Respect the legends who paved the way. Let Chloe and Fyang earn it with time.”

Others criticized their sudden fame as a product of “social media hype,” rather than true musical legacy. But fans were quick to defend:

“If this is hype, then why are they selling out shows, topping charts, and making grown men cry on national TV?”

Despite the controversies, what cannot be denied is the excitement they’ve injected into the OPM scene. Their concert “Rise of the Queens,” scheduled for August 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum, sold out in under 15 minutes, beating the ticket sales records of more established artists.

A NEW CHAPTER IN OPM HISTORY

Whether or not Chloe San Jose and Fyang Smith truly surpass the legends is yet to be seen. But one thing is certain: they have ignited a new spark in OPM — one that bridges generations, crosses genres, and challenges the traditional mold of Filipino stardom.

As one fan posted on X:

“They’re not replacing our legends. They’re honoring them — and building on what they started. This is what evolution looks like.”

With the industry watching, fans screaming, and critics waiting to see if they’ll stumble — Chloe and Fyang march forward, hand in hand, notes soaring, breaking boundaries, and unapologetically rewriting the future of Filipino music.