PRESS STATEMENT FROM ABS-CBN:
"In a world where change is the only constant thing, expect even bigger twists in Star Power. This credo applies in last Sunday's Star Power, as the ultimate Megastar Sharon Cuneta reveals that not only four but five contenders can finally battle it out to become 'Sharon's Next Female Pop Superstar.'
"Who among Akiko (Cebu), the Sweet and Sexy Siren; K-La (Canada), the R&B Sweetheart; Monica (Leyte), the Charming Biritera; Angeline (Manila), the Pop Belter; and Krissel (Davao) the Soulful Diva, will shine the most and be hailed the grand champion?
"This Sunday on Star Power, after Rated K, the Final Five contenders start to prepare in the much-awaited grand finals on February 20. Only a few weeks are left for them, so they don't waste even a single minute. They rehearse diligently and apply strict discipline in their numbers. But are their efforts enough to bring them to their dream title?
"Also on Sunday, the Star Power girls will perform duets with some of the industry's biggest names. Are they ready to collaborate with the real stars? Find out!
"In an exclusive interview, Akiko, K-La, Monica, Angeline, and Krissel reveal their secrets on how they are preparing for the much-anticipated grand showdown. The contenders also shared how Star Power, the first-ever 'Sharon's Search For The Next Female Pop Superstar,' have gradually changed their supposedly simple lives.
"Krissel Valdez: The Soulful Diva of Davao
For local band singer Krissel, she never thought that she'll ever make it to a nationwide talent search like Star Power. What adds to the pressure she constantly feels from the beginning is the fact that Star Power isn't the same-old-story talent reality competition, it's 'Sharon's Search for The Next Female Pop Superstar.'
"Krissel, however, fervently prays to overcome all anxieties and fears that she might feel while at the leg of the competition. "Pray lang po ako ng pray. Yun po talaga weapon ko and armor ko para sa pressure. I trust God, trust my talents and oftentimes iniisip ko yung pamilya ko kasi without them, hindi ko din naman po 'to magagawa. So, just think of all your inspirations para po mawala yung pressure sa 'yo,' Krissel shared.
"When asked how she is preparing for the big night, the Davao's pride said: 'Disiplina at super practice, lalo na po ngayon na hindi po kami yung pumipili ng mga songs namin. So, whether we like it or not, we have to love the song, practice discipline—wag lang masyado kumain ng sweets at never na akong umiinom ng malamig na tubig. Listening po is also important. I also take vitamins.'
"It can be recalled that at the start of the competition Krissel confessed her world almost fell apart when she discovered that her beloved grandfather, whom she considered her father, has cancer. Krissel and her family were left by her biological father when she was still a child. But despite having a broken family, she was still able to hone her exemplary singing skills. Krissel is very grateful to her single mom who bravely raised her.
"Akiko Solon: The Sweet and Sexy Siren of Cebu
Win or lose, Akiko, the Sweet and Sexy Siren of Cebu won't regret anything she did just to make it to Star Power finals. Having joined several singing competitions in the past, which includes Cebu's sensational Little Big Star, Akiko is now brave on accepting her fate—be it not in favor with her.
"In case she won't make it as Sharon's Next Female Pop Superstar, Akiko plans to stand still and continue the singing career she has begun. 'Kasi sinimulan ko na. Ayaw ko naman po putulin, gusto ko pa din i-pursue.'
"Akiko is confident she can do well in the finals. She, however, knows that her co-finalists are as good as her. 'May confidence po ako. Ganumpaman, sabi ng Papa ko na dapat maging thankful ka pa rin ako na ganito kalayo ang narating ko sa Star Power. Dapat alam ko pa rin yung limitasyon ko. Sinasabi ko nga sa sarili ko na wag maging overconfident,' Akiko said.
"Akiko was a consistent high school scholar way back. Being academically competitive, the Cebuana singer has honed herself in facing the challenges that come along her way.
"Monica Sacay: The Charming Biritera of Leyte
Until now, Leyte-native Monica can't believe she made it to the concluding part of this season's Star Power. She's truly indebted to her ultimate and No. 1 mentor Megastar Sharon Cuneta.
"'Siyempre lahat naman po kami masayang-masaya na maging part ng Final Five. Bibihirang pagkakataon po ito at opportunity na ibinigay po sa amin. Kaunti na lang nandiyan na yung pangarap mo at nasa tuktok ka na. Sobrang nagpapasalamat po talaga ako,' Monica said.
"Monica also doesn't fear constructive criticisms, for it might help her improve and eventually, vanish her inequities. But for her detractors, if there are any, she tries not to take it seriously. 'Hindi naman po kasi maiiwasan talaga yung mga criticisms. Kahit ngayon nga po, may naririnig ko po ang mga criticisms nila. Eh, iyakin po talaga ako. Pero sinabi ko po sa sarili ko at napag-isipan ko po na dapat kayanin ko yung mga consequences ng pinasok kong mundo. Dapat panindigan ko na ito.'
