Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

THE title of her solo album, Greenlight Girl, aptly describes pop star Chelsea Emata.

Since this beautiful singer and composer started singing at the age of eight, she never wanted to stop and it’s always been "go,go,go". Her website describes why this is so: "Many artists in the music business like to find ways to cut corners to get to the top. This method is fine for an artist that just wants to be a one-hit wonder, but for anyone who wants to leave a lasting impression, consistency and quality are key components—and these qualities take time. Asian-American pop star Chelsea Emata, known to the public as Chelsea E., believes that everyone needs to pay their dues. Chelsea has always believed in her heart that she was born to do this and despite her ups and downs from signing to a label to going solo, she remained headstrong, citing her favorite quote by Machiavelli, The hard route to the top is often the best."

Chelsea is a great stage actress and singer who has co-starred with Josh Groban, in a musical production of Fiddler on the Roof where she played Hodel. She has played the lead roles in many Broadway musicals such as Serena in Fame: The Musical and Connie in The Chorus line. Chelsea has released 3 singles through BMG with her girl group SX4 and recently launched her first solo album, the Greenlight Girl. She has also appeared on TV shows like MTV’s Top Pop Group and Paradise Hotel 2.

" I’m now with an NBA-endorsed girl group called "The Slam Girls." We recently recorded with Lakers player Ron Artest, and will be releasing a single on iTunes soon," shared Chelsea. She will also be singing the Star Spangled Banner this Saturday, Feb 13 in Las Vegas at the Pinoy Power 3 Boxing fight between Filipino "Flash" Nonito Donaire and Mexican contender Manuel Vargas (last minute replacement for Gerson Guerrero who failed an eye exam a few days ago). "It’ll be available on PPV, so if you can’t go to the Vegas Hilton Casino that night, watch it on TV," invited Chelsea.

Born in Cagayan De Oro, Philippines, Chelsea proudly admits, "I’m Visayan." Her parents are Paul and Tess Emata, and she has a brother and a sister named Paul Jr. and Carmel. In an exclusive interview with the Asian Journal, Chelsea talked about her family. "Like most Filipinos, my parents love to sing. When there’s a karaoke machine, watch out! My dad will hog that microphone. My dad works for BMW, and has been an accomplished entrepreneur all his life. My mom works for LAUSD, as a Functional Analyst. My sister, Carmel, is currently taking up nursing, and my brother, Paul, is a professional poker tournament player. My mom loves to say that she used to be able to sing really well but when I was born, all her inherent singing talent transferred on to me leaving her with nothing," said Chelsea with a laugh.

The pop star recalled how she started and pursued her love for music. "Before I moved to the States, I lived in Manila with my Uncle and Aunt, Senator & Mrs. Nene Pimentel Jr. My Uncle, whom I call Tatay, discovered my talent. According to their story, I was in their bedroom singing the song Memory from the musical, CATS (The Barbra Streisand version) when they heard me sing and that I had kurog-kurog (vibrato) in my voice. I was eight at that time. Shortly after, I started taking voice lessons. Funny enough, my first break was through my Tita Bing (Mrs. Pimentel), who’s a musical talent herself! She composes music, and produces musicals in the Philippines such as Buhay, Isang Awit and Nasaan si Hesus? She composed a song which was about the street children in the Philippines. The title was, Batang Lansangan (meaning "Street Child"). I sang this song at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in front of about ten thousand people for the ‘Year of the Children’ celebration, when I was 10. I had also performed for many of the musicals she produced," Chelsea stated.