The 15-time Grammy winning songwriter-producer David Foster is in town for a concert Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum. His show will feature Natalie Cole, Peter Cetera, American Idol alumnae Ruben Studdard, The Canadian Tenors and our own Charice Pempengco.

During the press conference at the World Resort Hotel on Oct. 21, Foster talked about Pempengco openly.

“She’s like one of my children,” said the father of five.

“Young women need some kind of a male role model. Charice has a great mother, Raquel, and a great brother, Carl. But in the male department, she’s coming up a bit short,” emphasized Foster, alluding to the singer’s estrangement with her biological father.

The comment, though seemingly very much a source of pride for Pempengco, is nothing new.

The diminutive diva recalled that, as far back as two years ago, Foster would always introduce her as such.

Facing Foster, Pempengco reminded him of an instance when “a group of people asked you about me and you told them, ‘She’s like my sixth daughter.’ For me, that was the most special moment.”

The bond between Foster and Pempengco began after the two were introduced to each other by TV host Oprah Winfrey, who was hoping for more opportunities for the then 14-year old YouTube sensation.

Foster, impressed by Pempengco’s singing prowess, immediately took her under his wings; eventually producing her eponymous debut album.

“The voice gets better every day. She was great when I met her at age 14, so you can imagine how I feel about her voice now. I call her a laser beam,” said he in an interview with “TV Patrol.”

Foster compares Pempengco to a young Whitney Houston.

“She has always been confident of her singing, but now her personality is getting confident,” he beamed.

Foster is not the only one who aims to guide and nurture Pempengco. The producer himself revealed that most of his friends in the industry, including the featured singers in the tour, Studdard, Cole and Cetera would always readily give the young singer advice.

“She’s getting a first-class Harvard education right in front of your eyes. She’s getting all the parental guidance she needs,” he said.

Not that Foster is already happy and content with the success that Pempengco is currently enjoying.

“I will continue working until she becomes the first true Asian world superstar.”

He assured Pempengco that he is aiming for her to get a a Grammy—a long time wish.

“If we don’t get them this year, we’re gonna get them next year.”

(Manila Bulletin)

Carrie Underwood is riding on an all time high. The famous country singer is perhaps the most successful graduate of the American Idol Franchise. After successfully hosting the CMA Awards this year, a Best Selling Artist for 2009 recognition, Carrie adds another feather in her cap with her chart-topping album, “Play On”.

This is the second album of Carrie’s that has gone to number one in the Billboard charts in the last two years. In 2005, Carnival Ride, her debut album, soared to the charts establishing her as a singer to watch for.

Following Play On is the soundtrack from the greatest of legends’ last performance, Michael Jackson. This Is It stayed on number one for one week only to be out-seated by Carrie Underwood.

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Budding stars that would leap at the opportunity to make it in the “American Idol” world now have their chance. Beginning Friday, October 23rd The Church at Rancho Bernardo will host wMw Academy of Vocal Flight’s first program for professional and amateur singers.

Professional singers hailing from Los Angeles to South Africa will offer instruction to hundreds of singing hopefuls at an intensive “For Singers Only” workshop. Aspiring vocalists interested in enrolling in the three-day course should register now because the highly coveted spaces are limited.

Classes will focus on strengthening vocal technique, improving live performance, navigating through the music industry, and will conclude with a concert featuring some of the students and well-known professionals.

Enrollment is already underway for “FOR SINGERS ONLY, Finding Your Voice, The Path to Enjoyment and Success in Music. wMw Academy of Vocal Flight is accepting registration online at www.wmwacademy.com for the $149.00, three-day course up until day one of the program. Attendees may also register by calling (858) 592-2434, or emailing info(at)wmwacademy.com. The workshop runs from Friday, October 23rd, 5:30 p.m. to Sunday, October 25th, 11:00 p.m. Tickets for the final Sunday evening concert, which is open to the public, are on sale now for $15.00, at www.wmwacademy.com.