Denver, meet Charice. She’s been all over YouTube, joined the Glee club elite as the one and only “Sunshine Corazon,” and was one of the four judges of the Philippine version of “The X Factor.” Oh, and let’s not forget how she was once dubbed by Oprah as “the most talented girl in the world.” (And we all know Oprah can’t tell a lie.)
This week the 22-year-old singer serenaded us with answers to all our ten most pressing questions. [Writer’s note: She didn’t actually sing her answers but I wish she did.]
You got your start on YouTube. What inspired you to start there?
A Filipino guy named David Duenas posted a video of me singing “I’m Not Telling You.” The video went viral and caught the attention of Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey, among others. It was an unbelievable feeling. Thank you, David!
How does it feel to have someone like Oprah give you the title “most talented girl in the world”?
Oprah is a friend, a mentor, and one of the very first to believe in me. She has a stake in whoever I am now, of what I have become as an artist. I remain grateful to her and the people behind the Oprah show.
Was it surreal being on the other side of the table as an “X Factor” judge?
There was a feeling of disbelief when I was offered to be a judge in the Philippine production of “X Factor.” I was elated. I was so involved coaching the new artists because I started my career by entering 1001 singing contests. I literally sang for my supper in my past. Yes, it felt surreal. Becoming a judge on “X Factor” was a validation of my dreams.
What was it like working on “Glee”? Who was the hottest cast member on set?
That was another surreal event! I was an avid fan of the show. Surprisingly I got a notice that I would be part of the “Glee” cast as Sunshine Corazon! Just imagine my excitement being on set and doing shoots with all that talent on “Glee.” The hottest members of the cast must be Lea Michele and Cory Monteith — they always had that electricity in them.
Why did you decide to come out around your 21st birthday?
I thought I had been hiding too long, and I needed to come out. I felt my freedom had already been suspended too long and it was the time for me to go on center stage to tell the world that I am out and proud. Trust me, it was not easy hiding under the rock, curtailing my emotions. I came out because I wanted to be free. And when I freed myself, I realized it was not asking too much to be honest for myself.
If you could team up with any other performer who would it be?
I want to collaborate with Justin Timberlake! He’s my idol!
What brings you to Denver?
I will be performing at Colorado’s largest outdoor fashion extravaganza — Urban Nights!
What expectations do you have for the Mile High City, and what can we expect from you?
I will give my best to entertain the crowd, as I always do.
In your opinion, what makes a woman sexy?
A woman’s heart makes her sexy. It’s always about one’s good intention that makes one beautiful.
Kill, Marry, Shag: Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Whitney Houston.
Marry them all because they are all performers of high standard.
