J. Rey Soul, formerly Jessica Reynoso, admits the idea of returning home to perform with the Black Eyed Peas is overwhelming.

The 27-year-old singer along with will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo will bring their Manila show to the Mall of Asia Arena on August 27, 2025.

In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) coursed through the House of Yugen, J. Rey Soul said the Manila show feels more like a homecoming than just a regular performance.

“It’s incredibly special—almost overwhelming,” she said. “This isn’t just another show; it’s coming home.”

“My school friends, my relatives, my neighbors, everyone who saw me chasing this dream from the very beginning will be there.

“It’s a full-circle moment, performing on the same soil where my dreams were born.”

As it is, it’s going to be Rey Soul’s first time performing in the Philippines with the Black Eyed Peas since she was officially named as the group’s female vocalist.

It isn’t her first appearance with them here, though—she performed as a touring member during the 2019 SEA Games closing ceremony.

So what can fans expect from this Manila show?

J. Rey Soul answered: “Expect a night overflowing with energy, love, and connection.

“We’ve been blessed to perform all over Europe and South America in front of hundreds of thousands, and Manila is the grand finale of this run.

“I promise to pour every bit of that energy into this stage. It’s going to be electric and deeply personal—our way of saying thank you for all the love you’ve given us.”

J. REY SOUL ON BLACK EYED PEAS

J. Rey Soul was a finalist on The Voice of the Philippines in 2013, coached by apl.de.ap.

She competed alongside Klarisse de Guzman, Morisette, Thor, and Mitoy Yonting, who ultimately won the grand prize.

After the show, J. Rey Soul continued her music career under apl.de.ap’s mentorship.

Read: Apl.de.ap describes Jessica Reynoso as the “Pinay Beyoncé” and the “Alicia Keys” of the Philippines

She joined the Black Eyed Peas as a touring member in 2018, following Fergie’s departure.

Then she was officially announced as the group’s female vocalist in 2020.

Recalling her initial reaction at the time, she related, “I was shocked, excited, and nervous—all at once.

“Imagine being 20 years old and stepping into a group that’s been making history for as long as you’ve been alive!”

J. Rey Soul said the pressure was immediate, especially filling the female-voice role after Fergie, but she’s grateful for Fergie’s support.

She said, “It felt like a huge responsibility, but as a Filipina with that fighter spirit, I knew I had to show up and give it everything.

“And I’ll never forget when Fergie personally messaged me to welcome me—that meant the world.”

J. Rey. Soul emphasized she never aims to replace Fergie.

Instead, she focuses on what she can bring to the table: her heart, voice, and work ethic.

In her words: “Fergie is iconic and has contributed so much to the group’s legacy.

“But I didn’t come in trying to replace her; I came in knowing what I can bring—my heart, my voice, and my work ethic.

“I give my all every time I hit the stage, and I make sure to have fun doing it. That’s what has made this journey so fulfilling.”

Since joining the group, J. Rey Soul has milestones piled up — including winning Latin Pop Song of the Year at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards and recently opening for Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour in Las Vegas.

But what stands out most is that she got to perform in front of her biggest idol, Beyoncé.

She told PEP, “Performing in front of Beyoncé. She’s my ultimate idol, and knowing she was in the audience felt surreal.

“I grew up watching her videos and learning from her performances. That night felt like a blessing, and I cried for days after—just overflowing with gratitude.”

As she continues her journey with the Black Eyed Peas, PEP asked J. Rey Soul which lesson from apl.de.ap she treasures most.

She said, “To always carry pride in being Filipino. Apl constantly reminds me that no matter where we go or who we perform for, we’re representing our roots. That pride is my fuel.”

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