Meet Joanna Francois, the female announcer of NDP 2026 

You know the voice. The one welcoming Singapore to the National Day Parade (NDP), introducing the Flag Relay and People’s Parade, and inviting the nation to recite the pledge and national anthem. 

But the woman behind it? Power 98 DJ Joanna Francois, this year’s NDP female announcer whose bubbly personality Singaporeans have come to know through the viral behind-the-scenes videos she’s been sharing from her gig.

Whether it’s taking viewers into her booth at the parade, having little dance breaks in between rehearsals, or doing fun voice challenges, like using her announcer voice to order chicken rice and read MRT stations, she’s lent the parade a touch of relatability and given Singaporeans a glimpse behind the nation’s 61st birthday celebrations.

“Finally, in person!” she exclaims as we meet after coordinating over text. Wearing a bright red dress, she is beyond enthusiastic and full of excitement about her job.

At the same time, she’s someone who carries her responsibility with immense pride. “I’m so honoured to be the female announcer this year,” Joanna shares. "I hope my voice brings joy. That’s who I am every day. I’m genuinely happy to do this, and I genuinely love Singapore. You can’t fake that.”

Joanna tells us what it’s really like to become the voice thousands of Singaporeans will hear on National Day, and what it means to her. 

Not her first rodeo

The 32-year-old has spent the last nine years as presenter on radio station Power98 hosting segments like Sundays with Joanna and The Power Breakfast Show with Joanna, sharing about music and interviewing guests including James Arthur, Bebe Rexha, Hailee Steinfeld and John Legend.

Even so, being asked to announce this year’s National Day Parade came as a complete surprise. “I was totally overwhelmed. I cried. I was very taken aback that it was me,” she shares about her reaction. 

“I didn’t even dare to dream that I would ever be the NDP announcer, it was not even in my set of goals. But it’s definitely in line with it.”

Looking back, though, the role makes perfect sense given Joanna’s prior experiences. For four to five years, she has been announcing at Singapore Armed Forces Day parades, which, she explains, is where she honed her NDP voice.

“I was announcing tanks, military personnel and helicopters. You can’t sound like a little girl, you have to sound more serious,” she jokes. “I was also commentating for guests from militaries around the world, so I had to project dignity and gravitas. That’s when I discovered the voice, and it stayed with me.”

Years of practice also means she switches from her talking to commentating voice seamlessly – no practice needed at home. 

“It’s like dancers. They train for years, and when they step on stage, they don’t have to think about it anymore,” she explains. “It’s already in their muscles. That’s how it is for me. The voice just shows up.”

Throughout the National Day Parade, Joanna guides audiences through many of the evening’s significant moments. She welcomes audiences to National Day Parade 2026 as they enter the stadium before narrating the Flag Relay, where Singapore’s athletes carry the national flag around the venue. She also introduces the People’s Parade, where the floats stream in, celebrating Singaporeans’ contributions to the nation. Towards the end, she also invites the audience to recite the National Pledge and sing the National Anthem. 

Behind the scenes

Starting rehearsals in June, Joanna would receive a skeleton of the script every week, always mentally preparing for changes on the fly based on how she performs and what the parade needs. 

“For the parade, flexibility is the most important thing because it allows the creatives and everyone else involved to do their jobs. I’m here to serve,” she explains. “The process is very delicate, and the people behind it are incredibly thoughtful.”

The biggest challenge for her, however, comes when she’s adapting her voice for different segments of the parade. Subtle changes in delivery can alter how an announcement is perceived. 

“I can’t sound like a sports commentator when I’m asking people to recite the pledge,” she jokes, adding that the rehearsals have helped her learn to refine her tone.

She adds that William Xavier, better known as Mr X or the “Voice of God”, who has been the official stadium announcer for the NDP for over two decades – and an inspiration to Joanna – had also been a source of guidance and encouragement. 

Using her voice for good

Whether it’s asking Singaporeans to wave their flags and cheer for Singapore, or initiating the national anthem, Joanna hopes that the audience hears more than just an announcer – but that her authenticity comes across through her voice and makes spectators feel welcomed.

”I don’t always sound like your headmistress asking you to say the pledge. I can sound like a friend while still bringing gravitas to the parade,” she says.

But the radio presenter doesn’t want to be known as a role model, rather, someone other women can relate to; someone they can see themselves becoming if they want to pursue media and communications, or someone who reminds them not to look down on their own gifts and talents. 

It’s also why she documents her journey on Instagram and TikTok, where she has seen the impact of her videos in real life. The weekend before NDP was the first time young girls and boys came up to Joanna to compliment her on her viral videos.

“Their positivity and energy really affected me. I’m so far removed from the parade because I’m in a booth, but I got that energy from them,” she says. 

For young girls who dream of one day having a voice on a big stage, Joanna’s advice is simple: don’t wait for one to find you.

“These days, anything can be a stage,” she says. “Wherever you are, try to be an agent of positivity. I think the world needs more of that.”

Just as importantly, she hopes more young women will be unafraid to use their voices even in their daily lives. “Women aren’t often encouraged to speak up for themselves, and I think that’s something young girls should learn to do,” she says. “It matters.”

SPH Media is the Principal Partner of National Day Parade 2026.