It was back when American Idol was only in its first season, before reality shows and their talented competitors were abundant, that Sarah Geronimo got her big chance.
She could have faded away, and fast, like so many of her international counterparts who failed to translate their notoriety into an actual music career.
Yet 12 years after emerging as the winner in the Philippine singing contest Star for a Night, with her stunning rendition of Celine Dion's To Love You More, the 25-year-old has proven her staying power – with 10 studio albums, numerous hit singles, sold-out concerts and blockbuster movies all under her name.
The full package
Geronimo's vocal power belies her slight frame and childlike features. Geronimo's catalogue of hit songs showcased her vocal prowess, as heard on Forever's Not Enough, I Want to Know What Love Is and I Still Believe in Loving You, among others.
In 2008, Geronimo extended her success, this time on the big screen, in the romantic comedy A Very Special Love. The movie's impressive showing spawned two sequels, You Changed My Life (2009) and It Takes A Man and A Woman (2013), which for a time was the highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time.
“It was very surprising,” the singer-actress said about the film’s success. “But the thought of doing a follow-up makes me very nervous because of the expectations.”
Geronimo’s achievements make her one of the few Filipino celebrities who have managed to find success both in the fields of cinema and music.
Critics cite Geronimo’s wholesome appeal, akin to that of Sharon Cuneta, and remarkable singing talent, similar to Regine Velasquez, as the two main factors on why she has captivated the public.
While fitting, to some extent, comparing Geronimo to both Cuneta and Velasquez – arguably two of the biggest Filipino stars – is not a fair assessment of her impact in the Philippine entertainment scene. Geronimo, to her credit, has made a name for herself based on her own unique image and strengths as a performer.
Moving forward
Geronimo’s Perfect 10 concert series is a “thanksgiving” to her fans. The show, according to Geronimo, will revisit her old hits and give the public a taste of what to expect as she matures in the scene.
Interestingly, Geronimo’s outlook as a performer now goes beyond mere vocal callisthenics. She credits this newfound appreciation of the craft to years of experience, exposure to diverse genres and working with other artists both in and outside the studio.
"I know myself better now as an artist," she told the Philippine Daily Inquirer. "I've had a wonderful journey filled with achievements and challenges."
• Sarah Geronimo performs on Thursday night at du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tickets, priced from Dh80, are available at www.ticketmaster.ae
artslife@thenational.ae
