John Lloyd Toreliza (born 17 September 2001), known professionally as JL Toreliza or simply JL, is a Filipino singer, songwriter, and television personality. He is a member of the Filipino boy band BGYO.
Before joining BGYO, Toreliza competed in the first season of The Clash in 2018. He later trained under Star Hunt Academy (SHA) and debuted with BGYO in January 2021. Toreliza co-wrote BGYO's debut single, "The Light", and received a composition credit for the group's collaboration with Keiko Necesario, "Runnin'". JL's Songwriting Credits, as follows:
Toreliza made his theatre debut in 2023 as Rovic in Tabing Ilog: The Musical.Citations about Toreliza's stage debut: In 2026, he returned to The Clash franchise as a judge on its teen edition, The Clash Teens.
Early life
Toreliza was born on September 17, 2001, and is from Naic, Cavite. He has a younger sister. He grew up listening to Filipino balladeers and regularly sang songs by Erik Santos and Sarah Geronimo in karaoke sessions and singing competitions.
He was a varsity volleyball player in school. Toreliza was not initially trained as a dancer and later said that dance was outside his comfort zone when he auditioned for Star Hunt Academy (SHA). He completed senior high school in 2024.
Career
2018–2022: The Clash, Star Hunt Academy, and BGYO
Toreliza joined the first season of The Clash in 2018 and advanced to its initial field of contestants.
Later in 2018, he was selected for the Star Hunt Academy programme and became part of the trainee group known as SHA Boys. Toreliza and the four other eventual BGYO members trained for two years under Filipino and South Korean mentors from MU Doctor Academy, vocal coach Kitchy Molina, and dance coach Mickey Perz. He said that he learned to dance during the programme.
The trainees were introduced publicly during the pre-show of the Pinoy Big Brother: Otso Big Night on August 3, 2019. Toreliza debuted as a member of BGYO on January 29, 2021.
On his birthday in September 2022, a digital billboard greeting for Toreliza was displayed in Seoul after he placed first in a fan-voting event organised by Idolpick.
2023–present: Theatre, solo recordings, and television judging
In 2023, Toreliza made his stage debut as Rolando Victor "Rovic" Mercado in Tabing Ilog: The Musical, sharing the role with fellow BGYO member Akira Morishita. The same year, Toreliza and Morishita released the collaboration single "Be Mine".
Toreliza recorded "Uuwian" for the soundtrack of the Philippine adaptation of What's Wrong with Secretary Kim in 2024.
In 2026, he appeared with BGYO in the GMA television drama Born to Shine. That year, Toreliza became a judge on The Clash Teens, alongside Christian Bautista and Jillian Ward.Citations about Toreliza as a judge on The Clash Teens: In an interview with Lifestyle.INQ, he said that televised competitions remained valuable because live performance could help young singers develop confidence and stage experience. He also described his appointment as an unexpected return to the competition in which he had once participated.
Artistry
Toreliza has cited Erik Santos and Regine Velasquez as musical influences. His musical preferences include ballads, R&B, pop, and upbeat music. Nylon Manila described Toreliza as BGYO's OPM-oriented balladeer and noted his soulful vocal style.
Personal life
Toreliza has expressed interest in collaborating with Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Erik Santos, and BTS, and has named Jungkook and V among the performers he admires. His recreational interests include volleyball, basketball, badminton, and table tennis. He participated in basketball at the 2022 Star Magic All-Star Games.
Discography
Collaboration singles +List of official collaboration singles showing year released and album nameTitleYearAlbum "Be Mine" 2023 Be Mine - Single
Soundtrack singles +List of official soundtracks singles showing year released and album nameTitleYearAlbum "Uuwian" 2024What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? - Original Soundtrack
Songwriting credits Songwriting credits are adapted from Tidal, unless otherwise noted.
Toreliza's songwriting credits Year Artist(s) Song Album Lyricist Composer Credited With Credited With2021 BGYO "The Light" The Light - Single The Light BGYO Keiko Necesario "Runnin'" Runnin' - Single Keiko Necesario
Filmography
Television Year Title Role Network Note(s) 2018 The Clash (season 1) Himself GMA Contestant 2020-present ASAP ABS-CBN Performer 2024 It's Showtime Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids 2 Judge 2026 Born to Shine GMA Guest appearance The Clash Teens Judge
Theatre Year Title Role Network Note(s) 2023 Tabing Ilog: The Musical 2023 Rolando Victor "Rovic" Mercado PETAStar Magic Toreliza played as "Rovic" in 12 out of 29 shows.
Documentary series Year Title Role Notes 2021 One Dream: The BINI–BGYO Journey Himself 9 episodes telecast worldwide via MYX Global's Myx TV and on-demand via iWantTFC
Online shows Year Title Role Network Note(s) 2018 ArtisTambayan Himself GMA Episode 34 2020 SHA Trainees on Kumu Live Kumu 3 episodes per week 2021 ONE DREAM: Virtual Hangout iWantTFC YouTube Channel 9 episodes 2022 BGYO JL on Kumu Live Kumu 3 episodes per week
Notes
References
External links