Charice was introduced as a "pride of Asia" with a video showing highlights of her career under Foster's mentorship. At the time -- from 2008 to 2011 -- the Kapamilya star was packaged as a diva with power ballads as her repertoire.
Wearing a suit and with short hair, Charice's image was a stark contrast to this when she stepped into the spotlight at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Chin held up, the 23-year-old singer, who came out as lesbian in 2013, proudly presented herself to Asian viewers.
Doing away with Whitney Houston hits she had been identified with, Charice was accompanied by Foster on piano to perform the Sam Smith tune "Lay Me Down."
Foster, a 16-time Grammy winner credited with the success the likes of Houston and Celine Dion, took Charice under his wing upon the endorsement of billionaire TV producer Oprah Winfrey.
Charice, who had been joining singing competitions to help her family earn, went on to headline a worldwide tour with Foster and made countless TV guestings in parts of North America and Europe. (See their memorable performances here.)
Shortly before they performed on "Asia's Got Talent," Foster said of his former ward, "She has always had a place in my heart; she will always have a place in my heart."
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
