Sophia Laforteza

Sophia Laforteza
Laforteza in 2024
Born
Sophia Elizabeth Guevara Laforteza

(2002-12-31) December 31, 2002
New York City, U.S.
Citizenship
  • United States
  • Philippines
OccupationSinger
Years active2024–present
MotherCarla Guevara Laforteza
Musical career
GenresPop
InstrumentsVocals
Labels
Member ofKatseye
Signature

Sophia Elizabeth Guevara Laforteza[1] (born December 31, 2002) is a Filipino and American singer. She is the leader of the girl group Katseye, which was formed through the 2023 reality show Dream Academy by Hybe and Geffen Records.

Early life

Sophia Laforteza was born in Queens, New York.[2] She grew up in Manila, Philippines.[3] Her mother, Carla Guevara Laforteza, is an actress and singer.[4] Her father, Godfrey Laforteza, works as a chef.[5] She has two other siblings.[6]

Laforteza started singing since she was three years old. Later, she learned ballet, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, and tap dance.[7] She finished high school with top honors at Multiple Intelligence International School in Quezon City in 2021.[8]

Career

Early appearances

When she was five years old, Laforteza appeared on the Philippine talk show She Said, She Said with her mother. In 2022, she joined the game show Family Feud.[9] Before debuting with Katseye, she released a song cover with Filipino singer Angia Laurel.[10][11]

2023–present: Dream Academy and Katseye

In 2023, Laforteza joined the reality show Dream Academy.[12] She was chosen as one of 20 finalists out of 120,000 applicants around the world.[13] During the live finale on November 17, 2023, she was announced as the first member and first place of the new group, later called Katseye.[14]

Laforteza became the first Filipino artist signed under Hybe Corporation. She thanked her fans for their support and said they helped her make her dream come true.[15]

Media image

Laforteza is known for showing pride in her Filipino roots and for her positive attitude.[16] She is often praised for representing Filipino talent on the global stage.[17] Her close relationship with her family and her stylish makeup have also gained attention from the media.[18]

Advocacy

In 2025, Laforteza showed online support for the 2025 Philippine anti-corruption protests, using her platform to raise awareness.[19]

Discography

As part of Dream Academy

  • "Dirty Water" (2024)
  • "All The Same" (2024)

Television

  • She Said, She Said (2008) – Herself
  • Family Feud (2022) – Herself
  • Dream Academy (2023) – Contestant
  • Pop Star Academy: Katseye (2024) – Herself

References

  1. ↑ "KATSEYE（キャッツアイ）のプロフィール＆ビジュアルを総まとめ！HYBEのオーディションから誕生した新グループに注目". ELLEgirl (in Japanese). March 29, 2025. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  2. ↑ Tan, Kim Shelly (September 5, 2023). "10 Sophia Laforteza Facts: Filipino Contestant On HYBE'S Audition Show". TheSmartLocal Philippines - Travel, Lifestyle, Culture & Language Guide. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  3. ↑ News, GMA Integrated (September 17, 2024). "Sophia of KATSEYE on group's Philippine stop: 'Hindi na ako makapaghintay na makauwi'". GMA News Online. Retrieved November 13, 2025. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  4. ↑ Sibal, Gianna (September 28, 2024). "Carla Guevara Talks KATSEYE Daughter and New Success". Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  5. ↑ Enriquez, Em. "Did You Know? KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza Is Related to This Filipino Industrialist". Preview.ph. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  6. ↑ Lo, Ricky. "Theater (not school) is where Carla's heart is". Philstar.com. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  7. ↑ Wickes, Hanna (August 20, 2024). "Meet Sophia Laforteza, Leader of KATSYE: Age, Nationality, More". J-14. Archived from the original on August 21, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  8. ↑ Glorioso, Nica (September 4, 2023). "10 Fun Facts About Dream Academy's Sophia Laforteza". Archived from the original on December 2, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  9. ↑ Teodoro, Floralyn (August 30, 2023). "Who Is Sophia Laforteza? Filipina Joins Hybe x Geffen 'Dream Academy' As A Trainee". International Business Times. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  10. ↑ Glorioso, Nica (June 3, 2025). "Angia Is "Back Again" With A Cathartic New Track". Archived from the original on December 2, 2025. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  11. ↑ Pagulong, Charmie Joy. "Angia Laurel finds inspiration in Katseye's Sophia as she enters music scene". Philstar.com. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  12. ↑ Instagram, sophia_laforteza /. "Filipino talent Sophia Laforteza secures spot in 'The Debut: Dream Academy' finale". Philstar Life. Retrieved November 13, 2025. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  13. ↑ Aniftos, Rania (August 29, 2023). "Meet the 20 Finalists for HYBE x Geffen 'Dream Academy' Global Girl Group Contest". Billboard. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  14. ↑ Medel, Meryl (August 31, 2023). "Sophia Laforteza: Fast Facts About the Dream Academy Candidate". 8List.ph. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  15. ↑ Saulog, Gabriel (September 5, 2025). "KATSEYE's Sophia Is The Filipino Dream Realized". Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  16. ↑ Martinez, Gavin; nrueda (July 2, 2025). "Katseye's Sophia Laforteza wears her Filipino identity with pride". INQUIRER.net USA. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  17. ↑ Bautista, Rafael (July 23, 2025). "Sophia Laforteza Is The Miss Congeniality Of Filipino Artists". Archived from the original on December 2, 2025. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  18. ↑ Bautista, Rafael (September 10, 2025). "Sophia Laforteza's Supportive AF Parents Are Goals". Archived from the original on December 2, 2025. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  19. ↑ Oxyn, Anya (September 23, 2025). "Sophia Laforteza Shows Digital Solidarity With Filipinos". Retrieved November 13, 2025.

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