The Mystery of Charice
by Mara S. Miano on August 25, 2010
Do you know Charice Pempengco’s secret to fame?
Clue: It isn’t her “sensational” singing voice— it’s something else about her that makes her extra-special.
Dubbed by Oprah Winfrey as “The Most Talented Girl in the World”, Charice Pempengco is, by far, the most famous Filipino singer that ever graced show business. She is now beyond the likes of Journey vocalist Arnel Pineda, American Idol top contender Jasmine Trias and nationwide singing sensation Sarah Geronimo. Ellen DeGeneres, a self-proclaimed Charice fan, believes that “the best singers come from the Philippines”. But what exactly does Charice have that makes her so special?
First, she does not look like a superstar. No long wavy hair, svelte body or glamorous clothes. No celebrity qualities whatsoever. When Charice first made her “big break” on The Ellen Show, she was just a normal, youthful, unassuming 15-year old who spoke very bad English.
In no way did she raise expectations, but when she started singing, all their mouths dropped. They thought, how could a very ordinary-looking girl from a third world country sing so remarkably? No one saw it coming, but Hollywood embraced her for this particular quality—her simplicity. She is an amazing singer, and she didn’t need to glam it up for people to notice. In addition to that, she was (and is still) really humble. Everyone thought she was just as good as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston, but they loved her, because she wasn’t a diva like them.
Second, she is so good for her age. Americans love child prodigies, since a lot of the children and teenagers there seem to be busy pouring their talent on their Blackberry phones instead. It’s really uncommon for young people to be extraordinarily good at something, so talk show hosts love to feature talented children. Charlie Green was such a huge hit. Everyone loved Dakota Fanning. Spelling bees with genius child spellers are extremely popular. Child prodigies are Hollywood’s Prozac.
Third is a little something called “The Oprah Syndrome”. Oprah Winfrey’s influence was a huge boost to Charice’s career. It’s not everyday that you get to be endorsed by one of the world’s most influential people; and the way people believe whatever Oprah says is just amazing. She can feature the most average John and Jane, and still manage to turn him or her famous.
But why did Charice have to fly all the way to Los Angeles to get noticed? Why wasn’t she as appreciated back in the Philippines? It’s not like she was completely unknown. In fact, she joined the singing competition “Little Big Star” when she was a kid, but merely ended up in third place. The answer? Same reasons, only here in the Philippines, things work the other way around.
She did not look like a superstar. Singing isn’t a big deal for us, because almost everyone here sings (karaoke, anyone?). We’re already used to Charice’s style of singing—the high notes, long vibratos, shouted out lyrics—because singers on local noontime variety shows have been doing it since forever. She didn’t click to the Filipino audience because she isn’t white, mestiza-looking, tall or skinny. Before Botox spiced her up a bit, she was completely ordinary then.
Also, Filipinos aren’t so impressed with child singers anymore. We have lots of those here— “Little Big Star”, for example, is just one of many American Idol type of contests created just for kids.
Lastly, the Philippines didn’t have an Oprah to back her up. When Charice was trying to start out here, Philippine media was too busy over the Hello Garci scandal, the Subic rape case and the nursing brain drain. Charice grazed the sight of legendary talent scouts like Johnny Manahan and Mother Lily Monterverde without so much as a blink. We weren’t ready for Charice then.
But why is she big here now? It’s simple. Americans love her, and Filipinos just adore Americans. Go figure.
There is no doubt that Charice Pempengco is a real talent, but how long will her extra-special magic last? Will this superb talent of hers surpass and make up for her cliché Cinderella story or will she just be another one hit wonder?
Photo Sources:
Charice 1 http://www.asianbite.com/
Charice 2 http://farm3.static.flickr.com
Charice 3 http://yeinjee.com/2009/charice-pempengco-note-to-god/
Charice 4 http://yeinjee.com/2009/charice-pempengco-note-to-god/
