Shining teen sensation
> Singer ready to do her best against five others in Sing! China finals
GEORGE TOWN: Penang-born singing sensation Jeryl Lee Pei Ling, 16, is all geared up to perform at the Sing! China competition final on Oct 7.
The Chung Ling Private High School student said she was not nervous at the prospect of singing in front of a live audience, with millions more watching the broadcast.
She said qualifying for the finals was a dream come true so there was nothing to be apprehensive about, adding that she drew strength from her family and friends who have supported her throughout the qualifying rounds.
"I am going to do my best and will let nothing distract me," she said during a media interview session yesterday.
Her performances on the show received praise not only from the judges but also netizens.
She has more than 55,000 followers on Facebook while her latest post to canvass for support has received more than 123,000 "likes" and more than 25,000 shares while YouTube videos of her performances have been widely circulated.
Lee also has a fan page on Facebook with over 56,000 likes.
Lee made the final after her performance in the semifinals wowed the judges, including Chinese pop stars Na Ying and Wang Feng, as well as Jay Chou of Taiwan, with her rendition of "Fight Song" by Rachael Platten last week.
In her earlier appearances on the show, Chinese songstress Na Ying was so impressed that she chose Lee to be on her team, which means she will be coached by a bona-fide star throughout.
Sing! China was formerly known as The Voice of China but was relaunched with the former name following legal disputes.
Lee said being on the team coached by Na Ying had boosted her confidence and given her the courage to do what she loved.
"I am thankful for the guidance and care she has given me," she said.
Lee was in Penang to visit her father and relatives and will return to China tomorrow to compete against five other finalists next month.
"My father has also agreed to come to China to support me," she said, adding that his presence means a lot to her.