Manila, Philippines - At first glance they’re just five very well-dressed girls, but looks are indeed quite deceiving. No, they’re not the next Wonder Girls — they’re setting their sights on something higher.
Blush is the first pan-Asian girl group, composed of female members of different nationalities. Alisha Budhrani of India, Angeli Flores from the Philippines, Natsuko Danjo of Japan, Victoria Chan of China and Ji Hae Lee of South Korea make up this girl group already being touted as the next Spice Girls. This doesn’t mean they’re all glitz and no substance.
The girls underwent a talent search and rigorous six-week training in Hong Kong last year before finally being chosen as winners from among a shortlist of 25 hopefuls. They are quick to point out that it was a search and not just some regular televised contest.
Each girl can sing and dance. They’ve also had quite some experience under their belt. Angeli placed 11th on Philippine Idol a while back. Victoria sang for the 2008 Beijing Olympics Torch relay song. Natsuko and Alisha, on the other hand, are veteran dancers. Alisha has performed as a back-up dancer for artists like Coco Lee and Eason Chang, while Natsuko is part of an award-winning dance crew. A pleasant surprise is Ji Hae, who studied law before singing professionally.
The girls get along well, but have their own quirks that define them. Natsuko is full of energetic attitude, evident when she raps during songs. Alisha is graceful, much like her idol Beyonce, and Angeli seems to be the bubbliest of the group.
Blush will be performing around Asia until May of this year after which they will spend some time in Los Angeles and start performing in the USA. Their first album is in the works, comprising songs in English with Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese versions. What sets them apart is their Asian flair in both lyrics and choreography despite their Western style.
Their first songs include Holding on to a Dream and Undivided, both quite diverse and staying away from the usual bubblegum pop we’ve associated the Spice Girls with. Unlike the British group though, there really are no definite lead singers here since all of them are given a chance to display their vocal abilities. And man, can they sing.
Move over, Miley. Hello, next guilty pleasure.