Gwyneth Dorado could be the next big thing

The youngsinger during an “Asia’s Got Talent” performance-

If there’s something that Gwyneth Dorado lacks, self-confidence isn’t one of them. During the elimination round of Asia’s Got Talent last May, the spunky 10-year-old from Pasig City showed nerves of steel as she marched onstage and faced the amused panel of  judges. The petite, bedimpled girl, proceeded to sing Katy Perry’s “Roar” as she played a guitar almost as big as her.

Gwyneth, or Gwen, wowed the four judges, and they unanimously sent her to the next round. She even got AGT judge and music producer David Foster to autograph her guitar. Gwen eventually reached the finals together with three other Filipino acts.

She didn’t win the grand prize but she had accomplished what most artists could not in their entire lifetime: to perform on a global stage.  Not bad for someone who hadn’t competed before, even in an inter-barangay contest.

People may wonder how Gwen kept her composure despite being watched by millions worldwide.

Even at her age, Gwen has learned to be spiritual. She advised,  “Just keep believing. Before you start, pray for strength.”

YouTube lessons

Gwen is one of those kids who learn from lessons through the Internet. Some  kids learn how to bake cupcakes by watching tutorials; Gwen learned how to play the guitar by watching YouTube.

“My dad gave me a guitar when I was 8 years old,” she said.

A search led her to a two-year-old video uploaded by her dad. As she read the music on an iPad, she played the guitar and performed a slow version of  David Guetta’s “Titanium,” the same song she sang in the finals.

Neither did Gwen  have any formal vocal training. Like most Filipinos, she learned how to sing through the videoke. Gwen was 3 or 4 then. “I learned how to play the keyboards around 5- or 6-years-old.”

She also plans to write her own songs soon.

Seeing herself

Gwen said that becoming a celebrity  is “cool.”

“Some fans ask to have their photos taken with me. I also find it amazing when I see myself on TV.  My friends also enjoy seeing me on TV, too.”

She’s a grade five student who wants to prioritize her studies before embarking on a career. “I’m not yet ready for show biz,” she declared. But when asked if it was OK if someone offered her to star in a movie, her answer was “yes.”

Singing the nat’l anthem

Another feather on Gwen’s cap is singing the National Anthem for the president’s final State of the Nation Address. Being the trouper that she is, Gwen sang “Lupang Hinirang” beautifully and respectfully. She sang it in tune, at the right beat and with the correct lyrics.

“This (invitation to sing the national anthem) is in recognition of the mercurial achievement of a young girl, whose singing ability is adored not only in Asia but worldwide. She truly represents the vast and incredible wealth of talents Filipino youth can offer,” said Artemio Adasa, House of Representatives Deputy Secretary General for Legislative Operations.

So far, everything seems to fall into place for Gwen. What she has achieved at 10 years old, most people can only dream of. With all the accolades and achievements she has garnered, it’s safe to assume she can be a force in Philippine show biz.

But with humility she confessed, “I still don’t know what will come next. But I hope the future would be bright.” That makes it easier to say that Gwyneth Dorado could be the next big thing.