 Pilipino singer Charice may be young, but her talents have wowed the world in only a couple of years. The 18-year-old is getting ready to broaden her horizons, with plans to appear in the popular musical comedy-drama ``Glee’’ this year. / Courtesy of Warner Music Korea |
Staff reporter
The world has seen numerous rising stars through various reality shows and competitions on the small screen, but Charice may be the face, or voice, to remember.
When Korea first got a glimpse of the girl with the big voice on local talent show ``Star King’’ in 2007, Charice looked like any other 15-year-old, bashfully smiling to the audience and cameras, dressed in pink from head to toe.
But now, with her first studio album ``Charice,’’ out, after performing with big stars including Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, appearing on top shows like ``Oprah’’ and ``Ellen,’’ she has gained much more confidence and it seems she is ready to finally surprise the world with her signature music and charm.
The 18-year-old Filipina was playing some tunes on a piano program on her laptop when The Korea Times arrived for an interview at Warner Music Korea in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul.
``It feels great to be back,’’ she said, smiling, dressed in a sophisticated silver and black outfit with dark smoky eye-makeup.
Her new album was produced by the famed David Foster and, like Charice herself, is full of melody and color, perfect for music lovers around the world who are in desperate need of a young, hip soon-to-be diva.
``(`Charice’) is my first pop album. (We) made sure each song had different emotions. Some are heartbreaking, while others are very inspirational,’’ the singer said.
The top track ``Pyramid’’ is a contemporary pop number, where Charice really shows she has the style of a funky teenager yet the vocals of a true diva. Other tracks also shine throughout the album, including the powerful ``In This Song,’’ the slower ``Nobody’s Singing to Me’’ and the upbeat number ``Nothing.’’ Her album definitely sticks out from the electronic and fast-beat numbers infatuating the eyes and ears of audiences nowadays, and after listening to her tracks, it will take no time to turn on your computer and search for more clips of her performing live.
 The cover of singer Charice’s self-titled new album. / Courtesy of Warner Music Korea |
``My mom was a vocal coach when I was young. She found me singing on a table and realized I could sing,’’ she said, adding that it was nice to help out and furnish their house.
Her big break came when she was invited by Oprah onto her show, and after some emotional performances and tearful life stories, Charice was given the chance to finally meet and work with some of the world’s best artists, including Celine Dion.
Fans can still watch the young yet fierce Charice performing with Dion during a concert on YouTube, with the crowd shouting and clapping and the Canadian diva watching her every move with such pride.
``I am really blessed. I can’t believe it. (Meeting) Celine Dion was a special experience. Aside from the talent, she really is a true person and so special. I was so inspired,’’ she said.
Releasing a full studio album may be the start of a musical career, but Charice is not thinking of stopping there.
``I love (Korean actress) Song Hye-kyo. I want to be an actress too,’’ Charice said excitedly and it seems fans will next see her, not in front of the microphone, but on the popular musical comedy-drama ``Glee.’’
She may be young, but Charice has started a very promising journey with vast support from fellow singers, producers, friends and family. But it would not be surprising that one of her closest friends is music.
``Everyday is now a big day for me. There is a lot of pressure and I’m busy, but still, it’s fun. It’s always the beginning (for me.) I’m always thinking I’m starting.’’
``I can’t live without singing. It always feels great,’’ she said, smiling.
Tune in to track number three ``In This Song’’ with lyrics that go ``Just sing this song and it takes me right back where I belong. Everyday there’s a new bridge to cross but I’m never far from home. If I put my heart, my soul, my all in this song,’’ and you’ll get the idea.
