Charice -- About to Pop

By Marina Galperina Posted May 24th 2010 06:18PM

Who: Charice
Album: 'Charice'
Video: 'Pyramid Feat. Iyaz'
Hail From: The Philippines
For Fans Of: Céline Dion, Leona Lewis

Why She's About to Pop: Since her childhood years as a YouTube sensation, Charice wowed audiences worldwide with her powerful voice. Channeling Whitney Houston, the petite singer earned the attention of media moguls and legendary producer David Foster. Since her live duets with her idols Céline Dion and Andrea Bocelli, Charice has stepped away from covers and developed a style that's more her own. On her recently released self-titled album, Charice breaks through with a new pop and R&B sound.

Charice has just celebrated her 18th birthday and with a hit single 'Pyramid' featuring Iyaz topping Billboard's dance charts, she couldn't be more excited about her success. In an exclusive interview with PopEater, Charice talks about singing for a living as a child and how her life has changed since she's been discovered. Check it out after the jump.

Watch the 'Pyramid Feat. Iyaz' Video

Five Questions With Charice:

How old were you when you first started singing?

I started singing when I was four years old. The first song I learned was 'My Heart Will Go On' by Céline Dion. My mom used to be a singer in a band, so she was my vocal coach for a long time. My dad left us when I was three years old, so when I was seven, I started joining singing contests to help my family. I competed in over 100 singing contests in the Philippines. I did that for a living. When I was 12 years old, I was on the Philippines version of 'American Idol,' but unfortunately I lost. I was so depressed. Then, someone posted my performance video on YouTube. Because of that, I got an offer to go to a Korean talent show called 'Star King.' I got invited to the Ellen DeGeneres show and Ellen flew me to Los Angeles. Then, I was on Oprah. My mom and I were inside the plane on the way back to the Philippines when Oprah had two policemen take us off the plane. Oprah said, "I couldn't stop thinking about you. I promise I'm going to make something happen for you!" And right in front of me, she called David Foster and told him, "You gotta work with this kid!"

Which song off the new album speaks to you most?

I usually sing classic ballad songs. This is my first pop and R&B album. These are all my own songs. I love all the songs on this album. 'Reset' turned out to be pretty amazing. All the songs are kind of love songs, but what's amazing about 'Reset' is that it can be dedicated to everyone: to lovers, to boyfriends and girlfriends but also to family. I'm very proud of this album.

What's it like working with David Foster?

He's been my mentor for a couple of years now. He is very perfectionist, but I'm very comfortable working with him. He's very funny, but when it comes to work he's always like, "It has to be great, not good!" We just taped Oprah together and I asked him to be my godfather on the show and he got teary eyed. He is just so nice.

How has your life changed since you've been discovered?

My life has really, really changed over the course of the three years because of the people that helped me: Oprah, David Foster, Ellen and especially the fan who posted my video. His name is Dave and we're friends now. I feel very lucky. I remember I gave Oprah this journal book where drew all my fantasies. On the first page, I was singing with Andrea Bocelli, and she made this dream come true three years ago. On the second page, I was singing with Céline Dion, and she made that dream come true at Madison Square Garden. On the third page, I was with Whitney Houston. I got to meet Whitney at a listening party. On the fourth page, I was with Mariah, and I met her as well. She was really nice. On the last page, there was a picture of Tweety Bird [laughs]. The most special part of all this, last year on Mother's Day, I gave a key to my mom to her own house and her own car. She was crying, she was so happy. That was the most amazing part of everything.

What kind of music do you listen to and who would like to collaborate with in the future?

I look up to Beyoncé. I love 'Halo' -- it's a perfect song, exactly the kind of song I love. I love her style, her singing and her fashion too. I'm trying to get her style but I want to do it my way. She is one of my inspirations right now, aside from Lady Gaga. [Laughs] I want to collaborate with Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Justin Beiber.

Tags: Charice

Comments

(2)

Wednesday 26 May

By Fly N Dance

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Congrats Charice! the first ever Asian to debut an album at Billboard Top 10!!!

Friday 22 October

By Celine Dion

I have fallen in Love with my new Celine Dion latest singer " CHARICE ". I saw her a couple times on Oprah, Celine's Madison Square Gardens Show, You-Tube, but I am missing her, because I want to see more of her singing on the TV... She is very GOOD, I am so proud of her, for she makes you feel like part of the crowd. I am no teenager, I am more of like her Grandmother, but I still like my Good Music, the Best People who can sing - real Good. My #1 Best Singer & Friend is the One & Only " CELINE DION "....The first time, will always stick Deep In My Heart...I have found a True Friend, and I will never Let Her GO !!!!!! Maybe we can find more times with Charice, I know Celine will be back, I have my Tickets for her Vegas 2011 Show. God I wouldn't miss that for the World, and as long as she has a Concert, I will Be There,,,,Thank You- For Listening to Me....

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