EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Charice Pempengco
Charice Pempengco rose to superstardom after being discovered on YouTube, a social networking site that has found many young talents and basically turned them into overnight celebrities. But it was not Charice who was promoting herself via YouTube. It was a fan of the young songstress that posted several videos of Charice that prompted her discovery. And since her Youtube debut, she not only secured a strong fan base, but she has the backing of the Queen of Talk Oprah Winfrey, who dubbed her the most talented girl in the world.
And now after several big time television appearances and amazing collaborations, Charice has an album of her own that is currently sitting at number eight on the Billboard 200 charts!
Although her life wasn’t always easy growing up, (she was the bread winner for her family as she entered herself into singing competitions to vie for cash prizes), Charice is able to share with the world her tremendous talent. And you can bet this young sweetie will remain humble throughout all her success.
Check out the exclusive interview Charice Pempengo gave with Celebrity VIP Lounge’s Danity Donnaly after the jump.
DANITY: Charice, such a pleasure to speak with you dahling. First of all, congratulations on your huge success already. Just 18 years old and you’ve already accomplished so much. From big name collaborations to recognition by Oprah, it has to have been a whirlwind for you. How have you been taking it all in?
CHARICE: It’s been very exciting! I take it one day at a time and don’t think too much about it. I still like to be normal with my feet on the ground.
DANITY: But it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for you. You not only grew up raised by a single mother in your native Philippines but your talent as a young gifted singer was used by your family as a means to make ends meet. Did you ever get tired of entering so many competitions to try to make cash so your family could get by? What thoughts ran through your mind before you hit the stage to perform?
CHARICE: You’re right–back in the Filipines we had some tough times, however, I always had the amazing support of my mother.
DANITY: You did a televised talent show back in the Philippines and you did fabulously…placing in third…you got some press, some commercials etc, but ultimately it was YouTube that got you discovered. A Charice supporter is said to have posted several videos of you belting out some hardcore jams. Have you corresponded with this individual at all?
CHARICE: Yes, his name is Dave but we call him online ‘Falsevoice’. He’s now my friend. I owe a lot to Dave-a great guy!
DANITY: In a recent interview you mentioned that you purchased a new home for your mother. What was the first thing that you purchased for yourself?
CHARICE: The first thing I purchase was a car so that we could drive to the airport in Manila. It’s a 4 hour drive so we no longer needed to take the bus which took even longer.
DANITY: So your debut album “Charice” is out now and it includes your powerhouse ballad Note to God and Pyramid featuring Iyaz which is clearly a pop jam with an R&B twist. How would you best describe your album to people who have not yet heard it?
CHARICE: It’s for sure a pop R/B album but with some ballads that allow me to use my voice.
DANITY: Out of all your performances, appearances and promotional travels, what has been the highlight for you so far?
CHARICE: My performance with Celine Dion at Madison Square Garden has to be the highlight for sure. It was so nerve-racking but Celine was very nice and protective of me.
DANITY: Any particular artist you’d love to work with that you haven’t yet?
CHARICE: Of course there are many. My top list is Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and Mariah.
DANITY: Can you clear up those Glee rumors for us? Are you or aren’t you going to be gracing the show with your appearance?
CHARICE: I am going to be on Glee. It is now confirmed.
DANITY: Fan question: Do you have a celebrity crush?
CHARICE: JOSH GROBAN
DANITY: Fan question: What is one thing you can tell us that we don’t already know? Hidden talent? Unique hobby?
CHARICE: I’m studying hard and make sure I take 2 hours a day to further my education.
Thank you so much for your time Charice and I wish you the best of luck in everything you do. You are a wonderful role model for tons of people out there!
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