Sarah became an instant celebrity after topping Star for a Night. Since then, she has been constantly busy with myriad showbiz commitments: Her debut concert last year at the Music Museum, her debut album also released last year by her home studio, Viva Records, appearances in Filipinas and Annie Batungbakal, numerous live performances plus her TV series Sarah the Teen Princess on ABS-CBN.
Joining Viva’s Star for a Night proved to be the lucky charm and Sarah’s ticket to the big time.
Aside from winning the contest and P1 million, topping the contest meant impressing such high-profile jurors as Sharon Cuneta and George Canseco, as well as the Viva big bosses.
"I am very happy," she affirms. "I know that this is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Also giving her their all-out support are Regine Velasquez, who hosted Star for a Night and who guested on Sarah’s debut concert, and Ogie Alcasid, who wrote some of the songs in Sarah’s debut album.
"She will always be my inspiration," Sarah says of Regine.
Other local singers Sarah admires are Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano and Lea Salonga.
Going international, like Lea, is one of Sarah’s fondest dreams. "I really hope to have a successful singing career someday," she chimes in. "And to break into the international recording scene." Among foreign artists, she counts Celine Dion and Mariah Carey as her main musical influences.
"I really enjoy singing in front of people," she attests. "And hearing people clap. It’s overwhelming."
Overwhelmed was exactly how Erik Santos felt when he won ABS-CBN’s talent search, Star In A Million.
Besting nine other gifted aspiring performers, Erik won a cool P1 million cash prize and house and lot, on top of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fulfill his dreams of becoming a full-pledged entertainer.
"I am so happy," he asserts. "Words just can’t express how thankful I am."
But prior to his winning, Erik and his co-finalists went through the proverbial wringer in the course of the contest. It was a rollercoaster ride of mixed emotions. This was especially true for Erik who was initially eliminated, only to regain entry to the contest as the "wild card" to fill the 10th spot.
"I really felt sad then," he remembers. "I was so down after I was eliminated that I wasn’t able to sleep the whole night. I admit I felt bitter then, but I remained quiet about it. Which was why when the eliminated aspirants were asked to compete again, I didn’t want to join anymore."
Friends and supporters, however, were not willing to throw in the towel just yet. They encouraged Erik to try his luck again.
And try again he did. Against all odds, he persevered. He kept his eyes on the prize and never lost faith. As a result, his powerful voice brims with true passion– tender in its longing, scorching in its intensity. That was precisely his edge, what made him stand out from the rest of the pack.
"Whenever I perform, I see to it that each person in the audience would feel my song," he shares. This he ensures by practicing endlessly and relentlessly.
Tomorrow night (May 22), Sarah and Erik will share the stage of the AFP Theater in a back-to-back concert titled Stars Match. In this concert, these two powerful performers will show their audiences that dreams do come true.
If only you’ll pour your heart and soul into it. Just like they did.