She is Young, but she has Heart

I mentioned in my note about debuts the bow of up and coming Filipina songstress, Charice, and her cover of JoJo's "Note To God". I've only heard good things about this 17 year old (which makes her two years younger than JoJo, who I always felt was a bit of a prodigy herself), so I decided to look more into her background and was overwhelmed by the number of awards and recognitions she has already racked up at such a young age. Her cover has already peaked at the top position on the best sellers list on Amazon.com.

After some YouTube surfing, I came across some truly brilliant performances of various American covers. Needless to say, she is starting to win me over -- and her debut album, under the gaze of the legendary David Foster (who helped build Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Brandy and Destiny's Child's careers among a myriad of other greats) will be one to watch for sure.

This is yet another example that the United States tends to learn about a lot of really great things way too late. Check out these jaw-droppingly good performances by Charice. Her vocals just kind of melt over you. She doesn't hit you over the head with the big riff; it seems to come effortlessly to her instead.

"And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" (from 'Dreamgirls') (2007)


Cover of Whitney Houston's/Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love
You" (2007) on the Ellen DeGeneres show

This girl has serious potential. I think it's safe to put her in the category of the prodigal greats of our generation:

Christina Aguilera - "Black Velvet" (1991)


JoJo - "Chain of Fools" (1998)