SM Supermalls staged the SM Little Stars 2025 Grand Finals on Aug. 9 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, featuring 30 finalists in a nationwide talent search that introduced gender-neutral categories for its 16th year.
Xian Echo Zamora of SM City Cabanatuan won the top prize, impressing judges with a drumming and singing performance. Mary Jazzlyn Capillas of SM Center Sangandaan placed first runner-up, Kirsten Danielle Ball of SM City Trece Martires was second runner-up, and Jazzie Vrianna Cataran of SM City Manila was third runner-up.
The finalists, screened from auditions in 67 SM malls, competed in singing, dancing, or a special talent category that included acting, beatboxing, painting, gymnastics, playing instruments, magic, and ventriloquism.
Winners received a package that included P100,000 in cash and SM gift certificates, P30,000 in Toy Kingdom gift cards, P25,000 in SM Kids Fashion gift certificates, a Suzuki Dzire GL MT, a full scholarship at National University, a Sparkle–GMA Artist Center contract, a five-day trip to South Korea for two, unlimited bowling and skating at SM venues, amusement park passes, a two-night stay at Radisson Blu Cebu, and an annual pass at Space & Time Cube.
Judges included singer Sam Concepcion, director Antoinette Jadaone, National University Pep Squad coach Gab Bajacan, Miss Universe 2025 first runner-up Winwyn Marquez, and 2017 SM Little Stars Grand Winner Gaea Mischa.
SM Little Stars has produced young performers such as Esang de Torres, now with Star Magic; 2016 winner Marcus Cabais of pop group HORI7ON; Elisia Parmisano of K-pop group UNIS; and Sheena Bentoy, lead in the Philippine run of The Lion King.
