Morissette thought she’d sung her last song
Dubbed Asia’s Phoenix, the Filipino star talks about her health scare ahead of her first solo concert in Dubai
She’s now going on world tours and producing hit music, but at one point, Morissette Amon thought her singing career was over. “I learnt I had nodules [in my vocal cords] when I did my very first theatre production ... There was a fear that I wouldn’t be able to sing [again],” said the Filipino star, who lands in Dubai this week for her first solo concert in the emirate on Friday.
The star told tabloid! the experience taught her a lot, and that she managed to “get back on track” with the help of mentors and voice coaches.
“When I was young, [I used to think] I was invincible, I could sing everything. But it was because [of my health scare] that I learnt to take better care of my voice,” she said.
Amon is now dubbed Asia’s Phoenix because of her high-flying singing style called “whistling”, the same highpitched singing style popularised by pop star Mariah Carey.
Amon rose to fame in the 2013 singing competition The Voice of the Philippines.
She became a recording artist the very next year; a big leap since her days in her home province of Cebu, where she had competed in singing competitions since she was a child.
She returned to Cebu twice this year: for a homecoming concert followed by a guest performance at the opening of the country’s first resort airport where she shared the stage with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
“I wasn’t able to really share a duet with him but I was able to sing in front of Mr Duterte, on the same stage. It was nerve wracking, but he was very, very nice,” she revealed.
What can UAE fans expect from her concert in Dubai? “I’m very excited. There’s also pressure but of course that’s good pressure. I want to give my best to the audience,” she said.
The star shares more in this exclusive interview ahead of her gig at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
You’ve performed in Dubai before. How does it feel like to return and finally be able to headline your own concert?
I’m very excited! In the past when I got to perform for our Kabayans here, I always had a great time. They’re very lively and always so supportive. I’m beyond grateful the team is bringing Morissette is Made to Dubai, and I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with our OFWs [Overseas Filipino Workers] and friends in the Middle East.
What can the UAE crowd expect from the Morissette is Made concert in Dubai?
What I always tell my audience is: Nothing beats the live experience! Since we’ve already done ‘Made’ in Araneta
“I always get stage fright, whether it is a big crowd or a small one. The experience is always different as you are performing for different types of people...” MORISSETTE AMON | Singer
and Cebu, most of my productions are already out on the web. But I like to emphasise that it’s a totally different feeling getting to actually be there. Our Dubai crowd can expect 100 per cent or more all-out performances as we always do. Also, the collaborations with different guests is always something to look forward to.
Would you ever trade your career in music for acting?
A lot of people have asked me that. Of course, I’m open to doing acting stints, whether for movies or soap operas. But I’m very, very different when I’m on stage, just there to share my heart, with music and with my voice. I’ll always be singing. I think I wouldn’t ever trade that.
Do you feel stage fright when performing in front of a large crowd?
I always get stage fright, whether it is a big crowd or a small one. The experience is always different as you are performing for different types of people ... Of course, when I’m up there I always have to behave like nothing’s wrong.
Do you have a ritual to prepare yourself for concerts or public performances?
Yes I do. My ritual is I try to drink a lot of water. Another ritual could point to the difference between me and other artists ... I like to drink coffee before I perform. It’s like my fuel. So I [have] coffee, vocalise and just warm up.
What’s your all-time favourite song?
I think it’s probably one of the hardest questions you could ask a singer because there are just so many good songs. I don’t know ... but at the moment one of my jams, like in the bathroom or anywhere, I like singing The Middle by Zedd. I just love to sing that song. It’s a very fun song. A good jam.
How do you keep yourself in shape?
Whenever I’m not doing shows I try to work out and also get enough rest. Rest and workout — that’s the trick.
Has anyone ever made you an unforgettable romantic proposal?
Hmmm ... [chuckles] I’ve had my share but I’m not sure I want to share those experiences. But not really to the point of a proposal. We call it ‘kilig’ moments [exhilaration caused by an exciting or romantic experience].
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
I stretch. I do a lot of stretching.
What keeps you up at night?
Work ... I’m very hands on with the things I do and it always keeps me up.
What’s the last place you visited for leisure?
Hawaii. We were able to do a show there and I got to extend an extra day just to be able to go around. My best friend also stays there so she was able to show me more of the island.
Who is your favourite singer?
[Off the] top of my head, Regine Velasquez.
What are your treasures?
I have two dogs in my house in Manila. I have a Chow Chow named Zeus and another [breed] named Apollo. Very Greek mythology inspired.
How much do you feel you have contributed to the advancement of Original Pilipino Music [OPM]?
I try of course with the original music that I have [written]. It was Secret Love Song that really stepped it up for me. But every time I get to share my original music here and on any other platform, it’s always an honour because I believe that a singer should make their own music, something they could always be proud of. And I hope the Filipino people and our friends will continue to support all of us musicians.