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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Too much Celine and not heard?

Charice
From Wire Reports

Charice has already won over the mom market.

The teen wunderkind from the Philippines has been wowing audiences with her big voice and Celine Dion covers on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

But as she releases her debut album, Charice is trying to translate her success with an adult audience to her peers.

“I’ve been singing big songs, and this is the actually the first time they are going to hear me sing Justin Bieber-type of songs, Miley Cyrus-type of songs,” the 18-year-old says in heavily accented English.

“I’m just excited for all the teenagers to hear my album.”

Singing has consumed Charice – born Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco – since she was a child growing up in the Philippines.

Raised with her brother by a single mother, she sang in local contests and TV talent shows.

Fans posted clips of her on YouTube, and she became a sensation. But Charice knows there are hurdles trying to capture U.S. audiences.

“There’s a lot of great pop stars here,” she says. “I don’t know if Americans are going to love me because I’m from other country.”

Justin’s time will come

Speaking of Justin Bieber, he’s available.

The 16-year-old heartthrob says he’s “hanging out” with a few girls, but travels too much to have a serious girlfriend.

The birthday bunch

Actor-director Dennis Hopper is 74. Singer Taj Mahal is 68. Actor Bill Paxton is 55. Actor-comedian Bob Saget is 54. Singer Enya is 49. Late night host Craig Ferguson is 48. Musician Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) is 45. Singer Jordan Knight (New Kids on the Block) is 40.