Budiey
Avon Voices Contender Profile Form
1. First Name: Sharmaine
2. Last Name: Van Den Driesen
AVON VOICES:
1. How did you hear about Avon Voices?
I heard about it from my sister Stephanie who is also in the competition.
2. Why did you decide to join Avon Voices?
I thought it would be a fun learning experience.
3. Did someone special encourage you to join Avon Voices?
No, I just took the chance too.
4. What song did you chose for your submission video?
I chose Drops of Jupiter by Train.
5. Why did you choose that song?
I chose that song as no one had sung it and it has a great meaning to it.
6. What song did you chose for your Round 1 performance video?
I am going to sing I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing by Aero Smith.
7. Why did you choose that song?
It has special meaning in my life so yeah…
8. How has Avon Voices changed your life?
It has actually opened up a doorway to a territory I would like to further explore.
9. How did you feel when you found out you became a Round 1 Contender?
I was happy,hehe..got really excited so yeah!
10. What has been your favorite part of Avon Voices so far?
Just knowing that there are so many possibilities out there.
11. Which Avon Voices judge are you most excited about?
Fergie!!!!
12. How long have you been singing?
I’ve been singing since I was 4.
13. How does singing make you feel?
It gives me an alternative way to express my feelings,so it makes me feel great!
14. Who is your favorite singer and why?
For now it’s Jessie J, because she stood up for what she believed in and followed her dreams eventhough people told her she couldn’t do it.
BEAUTY / EMPOWERMENT:
1. What is your favorite piece of makeup?
I would say,eyeshadow but I don’t really have a fav.. Kinda love them all!
2. How do you define beauty?
Beauty is in everything and everyone, it is only ever defined by the individual itself. So look in the mirror as you are the definition of BEAUTY.
3. Who is the most beautiful person you know and why?
It would be that very special person of mine, cause they just are. They don’t have to try so hard to be beautiful as it comes from inside out.
4. What was the best beauty tip you’ve ever received?
Hmm..the best? I think it would be investing in a really good under eye brightener that would not even need concealer after.
5. What empowers you?
I think a lot of things empower me, my music, my style.. Just being me already is empowering.
6. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your story/background?
Why don’t you ask and I’ll answer.. I’ll even make you and style you up with my tips as a makeup artist!
7. Do you have an Avon Representative? If so, who is she/he?
No,I don’t.
1. First Name: STEPHANIE
2. Last Name: VAN DEN DRIESEN
AVON VOICES:
1. How did you hear about Avon Voices?
Through a friend who is an Avon representative. She had seen my perform and thought it would be an amazing opportunity for me.
2. Why did you decide to join Avon Voices?
I have been singing professionally for a few years and always looking for opportunities to gain exposure in wider spheres. I thought the concept of an online global singing contest was pure genius and such a great platform for budding and experienced singers to be tested with a global audience! And to be seen by influential people in music as well!
3. Did someone special encourage you to join Avon Voices?
Initially I was going to be very busy that even to go to Hong Kong would have been difficult, but my boyfriend actually encouraged me to just take the opportunity and juggle things to make it work. I’m so lucky to have him!
4. What song did you chose for your submission video?
I chose Over the Rainbow from the Wizard of Oz.
5. Why did you choose that song?
Always loved it growing up, wishing I could sing like Judy Garland! The song expresses hope and to keep believing dreams do come true – something I have always believed in and encourage others to, because dreams can and do come true!
6. What song did you chose for your Round 1 performance video?
I chose Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin.
7. Why did you choose that song?
Well, because I have someone very special in my life now who makes me feel just the way is described in the song. He’s someone who doesn’t care if I don’t have make-up on or if I’m complaining after a bad day – he loves me for all that I am. It sounds cliché, but amazingly it’s true and once again I say I’m so lucky to have him.
8. How has Avon Voices changed your life?
It is certainly such a great platform for my career. I have already received messages from people around the world saying they like my singing and want to hear more – so far, it is helping me get more exposure – and I can’t wait to sing at the final and win! Then things will really change beyond my wildest dreams!
9. How did you feel when you found out you became a Round 1 Contender?
Excited! Relieved! Scrambled! Because there was so much to submit and plan before Hong Kong! No matter how far I go in this competition, I look forward to learning as much as I can, doing my best, and remembering to have fun!
10. What has been your favorite part of Avon Voices so far?
Definitely hearing that I’m going to Hong Kong! And singing at the gala night! I just love to sing, so really looking forward to it.
11. Which Avon Voices judge are you most excited about?
Definitely Diane Warren! I’m a budding songwriter, so she is a legend! And also I love all the artistes she has worked with, so would love the chance to work with her one day!
12. How long have you been singing?
Haha, do you count trying to sing like Mariah Carey at the age of 10years? Well, semi-professionally since I was 17yrs. So that’s 10yrs this year!
13. How does singing make you feel?
Singing is such a release to me. When I’m feeling down, if I keep silent all day, if hurts more. But if I just let it out by singing a few songs that express how I truly feel, I feel so much better immediately. It also makes me feel powerful – like I can do anything, accomplish anything, if I sing the song well!!!
14. Who is your favorite singer and why?
It changes. I used to want to be Mariah Carey! Now, I’d say someone unique like Imogen Heap. Her music and her voice are unlike anything I’ve heard before. And you always know it’s her! Someone distinct and so different – that’s what I hope to be.
BEAUTY / EMPOWERMENT:
1. What is your favorite piece of makeup?
Concealer! Instant flawless finish!
2. How do you define beauty?
Beauty is what shines through a person. It’s like an inner light. You can just tell when a person is “real” or not. Or whether they genuinely care.
3. Who is the most beautiful person you know and why?
There are so many but I’d have to say my boyfriend. Why? He loves me even when I’m low and having a bad day – he even loves the things I find hard to love about myself! And he has a beautiful heart and soul. He has true compassion for people in general, and that’s so rare these days.
4. What was the best beauty tip you’ve ever received?
To use and under-eye highlight! Opens up and brightens up the eyes immediately. Oh, and I think collagen drinks are amazing!
5. What empowers you?
Setting goals and achieving them. It makes me feel more confident about my abilities, and know that I can handle whatever comes my way.
6. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your story/background?
Like many girls, I had very low self-esteem growing up, so I singing and performing was a way of coming out of my shell and letting others into my private world. It took many years and hard work, especially since I had no one to believe in me and especially my dreams, which some said were impossible. But I chose to go for it anyway and prove to myself I can achieve them. And so far, my hard work is paying off – and Avon Voices is that AWESOME next step I’ve been waiting for!
The message I would really like to share is to strive to just be the best version of yourself, and not try to copy others, because then you will always be second best! Haha
7. Do you have an Avon Representative? If so, who is she/he?
She is a friend of mine who also performs, but I didn’t know she was with Avon till recently! Susan Manen, from Malaysia.
