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Former “little girl with big voice” and dubbed as “the most talent kid in the world” Charice Pempengco first rose to fame as a female performer who captured the attention of international producers such as David Foster and US veteran TV hosts such as Ellen De Generes and Oprah Winfrey.
25-year-old singer Jake Zyrus, formerly known as Charice Pempengco, had the life of a normal Filipina lass before coming out as lesbian and transitioned into a transgender man.
He’s internationally acclaimed because of his talented voice and knack in performing.
Charice was born on May 10th, 1992 in the Philippines.
Below are some fast facts about Jake that you might not know yet:
1. He rose to fame via Korean variety show “Star King”
Charice was once a YouTuber gaining attention and supporters from her video performances and covers of hit songs. It was her mom that served as her biggest inspiration in pursuing a career in music because she saw how they struggled with her abusive father.
With her driving force, little Charice joined various singing competitions such as Little Big Star, where she ended up as a finalist.
2. Oprah Winfrey called her “The Most Talented Girl in the World”
After rising to fame in the Philippines, Charice caught the attention of global producers and went on performing internationally, and was invited to the prestigious talk shows Ellen Degeneres and Oprah Winfrey. She was dubbed by the host as “the most talented girl in the world.”
Charice first appeared on an episode of Ellen in 2007, where she performed the songs “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” and the Whitney Houston classic “I Will Always Love You.”
3. The first Asian singer to get in Billboard 200
Charice released her first self-titled album with singles “Note to God” and “Crescent Moon” in 2010. It gained much buzz in the United States and brought the singer’s hit at the 8th spot in Billboard 200, making Charice the first singer of Asian descent to reach the top ten on the solo charts.
4. Charice sang the Philippine National Anthem during Pres. Noynoy Aquino’s Inauguration
In front of a crowd estimated at more than half a million, Charice was chosen to perform the country’s national anthem. It was in June 30, 2010 when Benigno Aquino III became President of the Republic of the Philippines.
5. Charice was raised in an Iglesia Ni Cristo faith
Her mother confirmed their Roman Catholic faith on May 22, 2010, 12 days after her 18th birthday, at the Pasig Cathedral in Pasig City, Philippines. It was a star-studded event graced with the presence of local celebrities and reporters.
A few mentioned were Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino, Karen Davila, Julius Babao, and ABS-CBN network president Charo Santos-Concio.
6. Michael Jackson invited Charice for a collaboration
In June, 2009, Michael Jackson’s lawyer contacted her, inviting her to be a guest performer on his tour. Unfortunately, Jackson died later that month, following which she revealed that she was supposed to perform the song ‘Billie Jean’ with him in two weeks.
7. Charice witnessed her father point a gun at her mother
A childhood memory that Charice will never forget was when she witnessed her father pointing a shotgun at her mother. Good thing, the neighbours broke in to save them.
8. Charice came out as a lesbian in 2013
Charice showed her true colors in an interview with Boy Abunda at The Buzz in 2013, mentioning past relationships with other women in the industry.
She also totally changed her style and released one rock album titled ‘Catharsis’ in October 2016.
9. Charice had a live-in relationship
Charice’s love life was centered on her live-in relationship with girlfriend Alyssa Quijano for a long time. The couple reportedly split up amiably in May 2017, almost four years after they announced their relationship in June 2013.
10. Charice is now Jake Zyrus
After years of hiding what Charice once described as “the person I’m supposed to be,” she finally transitioned from a lesbian to a transgender man named Jake Zyrus.
He’s now bringing forth a new life and thanked his fans for supporting him all the way.
