Showbiz 101

Source: Reyma Buan-Deveza, abs-cbnnews.com

International singing sensation Charice shared that she is leaving the country before the year end to guest in a popular talent show in Singapore.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Charice said she will be taping for "Singapore Idol" on December 27 and will be flying back to Los Angeles on December 29.

"Yes tuloy po na dito ako magki-Christmas. Pero pupunta po ako sa Singapore para mag-guest sa 'Singapore Idol'," Charice shared.

(Yes, it will push through--I will have Christmas here in the Philippines. But I will go to Singapore to guest on "Singapore Idol.")

Charice is set to return to the US to prepare for the launch of her debut international album. Reports said she will be launching her first global CD on the Oprah Winfrey Show in January.

Charice also told the news site that her mother, Racquel Pempengco, will accompany her to the States. Charice's brother Carl might also tag along.

She said she is happy that she will be able to celebrate Christmas in her own country, but that she is equally happy to spend the New Year abroad.

Oprah award

Just this week, Charice added another feather to her cap after she edged out global singing superstars like Whitney Houston, James Taylor, Michael Bublé, Journey and the Black Eyed Peas in an online poll by the Oprah Winfrey show.

Charice was chosen as the winner of the “Best Oprah Show Musical Performance" award, receiving 70% of total votes for her “Note to God” performance.

“Note to God” is her debut international single which she launched on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” last May 18.

The song, written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, peaked at No. 35 in the Canadian Hot 100 and No. 44 in the US Billboard Hot 100.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Charice said that she did not expect to win.

"Hindi ko po ini-expect 'yon. Sobrang malulupit ang nominated. Like sila Michael Bublé, Whitney, kasama si Kuya Arnel Pineda (Journey) at Black Eyed Peas. Hindi ko ini-expect na maka-third place ako kasi ang hirap, ang bigat ng mga nominees. Nagulat ako na 70%, so nag-super thanks ako sa mga nag-vote," Charice said.

Charice said she owes the honor to all her loyal supporters, in particular, the Chasters (a name for her fans), who recruited people to participate in the poll so Charice would win.

"Sa tingin ko po, kapangyarihan ng mga Chasters at mga new Chasters. 'Yong ibang mga tao (kasi) na nahikayat ng Chasters. Chasters are the best fans in the world. Talagang kumakalat ang word, talagang iba ang suporta," she said.