Draft:Sophia Laforteza

Sophia Laforteza
Laforteza in September 2024
Born
Sophia Elizabeth Guevara Laforteza

(2002-12-31) December 31, 2002 (age 21)
Occupation
  • Singer
Parents
Musical career
GenresPop
InstrumentVocals
Years active2024–present
Labels
Member ofKatseye
Signature

Sophia Elizabeth Guevara Laforteza (born December 31, 2002), known mononymously as Sophia, is a Filipino singer based in Los Angeles, California. In 2024, she made her debut as the leader of the girl group Katseye, a result of ranking first in Hybe UMG and Geffen Records' global competition reality show Dream Academy in 2023.[1]

Early life

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Sophia Elizabeth Guevara Laforteza was born on December 31, 2002, in Queens, New York City and raised in Manila, Philippines.[2] Her mother, Carla Guevara Laforteza is a musical theater actress and singer, while her father, Basilio Godfrey Laforteza III, is a former dancer and currently an executive chef.[3][4] She also has an older brother, Basil Luke Gregory Laforteza, born one year apart, and a younger brother.[4] She is fluent in both English and Tagalog.[4]

Laforteza has been singing since she was three years old. At age five, she took several classes in ballet, jazz, musical theater, hip hop, and tap dancing.[4] She graduated with highest honors for excellence in academics from Multiple Intelligence International School in June 2021.

Career

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2022–present: Family Feud, Dream Academy and debut with Katseye

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In May 2022, She made an appearance on the television game show Family Feud Philippines alongside her godmother Samantha Lopez.

From August 19 to November 17, 2023, Laforteza represented the Philippines on the American survival reality television show Dream Academy, created in collaboration with Hybe and Geffen Records to determine the members of a global girl group.[1] She eventually placed first and debuted with the resultant group Katseye.[5][6][7]

Their debut single, "Debut", was released on June 28, 2024, which would later serve as one of the songs to their debut extended play (EP), SIS (Soft is Strong).

Discography

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Extended plays

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As a contestant of Dream Academy, Sophia participated in the promotional release of the contestants' shared songs for competition. It was performed on November 17, 2024, and subsequently released to streaming platforms on August 21, 2024.[8]

As (artist) Title Released Track Type
The Debut: Dream Academy The Debut: Dream Academy - Live Finale August 21, 2024 "Dirty Water" Promotional release
"All The Same"

Videography

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Filmography

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Television programs

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Year Title Role Network Ref.
2022 Family Feud Contestant GMA Network [3]
2023 Dream Academy YouTube [1]
2024 Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE Self Netflix [8]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Aniftos, Rania (August 28, 2023). "Meet the 20 Finalists for HYBE x Geffen 'Dream Academy' Global Girl Group Contest". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  2. ^ {InStyle [@InStyle] (September 25, 2024). "At just 21-years-old..." (Tweet). Retrieved November 22, 2024 – via Twitter.
  3. ^ a b Teodoro, Floralyn (August 30, 2023). "Who Is Sophia Laforteza? Filipina Joins Hybe x Geffen 'Dream Academy' As A Trainee". International Business Times. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Wickes, Hanna (August 20, 2024). "Meet Sophia Laforteza, the Leader of KATSYE: Age, Where She's From and More!". J-14. Archived from the original on August 21, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  5. ^ Zee, Michaela (November 18, 2023). "Hybe, Geffen Records Unveil New Girl Group Katseye". Variety. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  6. ^ Wickes, Hanna (November 21, 2023). "Who Are KATSEYE? Meet the Global Girl Group Formed Through 'The Dream Academy': Members Guide". J-14. Archived from the original on November 28, 2023. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  7. ^ Olson, Samantha (August 19, 2024). "Time to Meet Global Girl Group KATSEYE's 6 Members". Cosmopolitian. Archived from the original on August 19, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Burt, Kayti (August 23, 2024). "Netflix's Pop Star Academy: Katseye Reveals What it Takes to Make a Global Girl Group". Time. Archived from the original on October 3, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.