Who Is Melody Chen?
Melody Chen likes to think of herself as just “a normal teenager.” But if you replace the word “normal” with “humble, poised, talented, and thoughtful,” you’d get a more descriptive picture of what it’s actually like to meet Melody.
A Finalist for 2012 Kollaboration Chicago
This Ohio native has been singing and performing pretty much as long as she can remember. Seeing her star potential, her friends and family had been encouraging her to try out for a major talent showcase for a while, but it wasn’t until a little over a year ago that she heard about Kollaboration and decided to audition. When she and another singer drove all the way from Ohio to try out in Chicago, Melody must have wowed the judges with her rendition of Bruno Mar’s “Grenade,” because she made the cut for Kollaboration Chicago. Now, you’ll get to see her perform as a finalist in the July 7 showcase.
But let’s back up a bit—just in case you’ve never heard of Kollaboration. Often billed as the Asian American version of X-Factor, Kollaboration is an entertainment showcase that dates back to 2001. It was founded in Los Angeles by comedian Paul “PK” Kim as an opportunity to “represent Korean American culture,” but now, it has grown to become a multi-city competition that seeks to empower Asian Americans of all ethnicities.
When I asked her about why she tried out for Kollaboration, Melody explained that it just seemed to fit. It was the “perfect size and the perfect experience for what [she was] looking for” at this point in her career. Also, as a Taiwanese American, she believes in Kollaboration’s mission as empowerment through entertainment. She explained to me that it’s a “good experience for Asian Americans to portray their talents to other Asian Americans.” It “encourages Asian Americans to be confident in showing other people their talents.”
An Inspiring Role Model
In fact, one of the keys to Kollaboration’s ability to “empower” is that it showcases talented people and those people get to become role models to others.
And I’d say that “role model” describes Melody pretty well. When we met, it really struck me how passionate she is. And her dedication and willingness to sacrifice for her dream definitely shows. While most “normal teenagers” would probably spend their last few months of high school trying to sneak in a few more parties before friends spread out to go to college, Melody has been making the five hour trek to Chicago to participate in events and promotion activities for Kollaboration.
She’s also extremely mature and grounded. She explained that while music is her passion, “it’s important to be able to be realistic about [what it means to] make a career in music and singing.” She understands that as she transitions to her new life as a college student, her academics “always come first.” But she’s really excited about all of her opportunities to learn more and grow as both a musician and a person.
It also doesn’t hurt that she has tons of support. Her parents, her brother, and a lot of her friends will be coming out to cheer her on.
A Talented Musician
Melody is pretty new to the scene, so she’s still learning the ropes. But she’s definitely enjoying the process. She’s been playing the piano since she was about 6 years old and has started writing a few songs on the guitar. Although she loves to listen to hip hop and R&B, she models her music after “pop folk” singers like Adele and Colbie Caillat. She also draws her inspiration from “big name female” artists like Alicia Keys, hoping that when people hear her music, they “feel the meaning behind the words that [she’s] singing.”
Well, I’m pretty sold. Here’s to what I hope turns out to be a long career!
Is this for real? This article filled with nothing short of useless exaggeration. To call her a talented musician is basically a joke… I checked her out and listened to her in Kollaboration Chicago’s “Without You” music video on YouTube (http://youtu.be/aAwG4dLuXHk) and she can barely carry a tune.
It just shows that the “talent” and “star quality” Kollaboration is looking for is simply a cover-up for using a pretty face to sex up the group’s image. I’d love to see if Kollaboration would have given her the time of day if she was a fat, boobless, plain Jane! I’m not so sure she’s the kind of role model you’re making her out to be in this article.
She’s going to need all the luck if she hopes to have a long “career.”
It’s unfortunate that you felt the need to go so negative on this post after only hearing her for a few seconds. It’s true that Melody is absolutely gorgeous, but that shouldn’t make you believe that she’s not talented.
If you ever spoke to her you’d know that she’s intelligent, has a great moral compass and tries to live a very Christ centered life, and that she has her priorities in order (much more than people I know twice her age). Her poise and positive attitude are both very admirable.
I have a lot more faith in Kollaboration Chicago than you do. The people I’ve met on the board seem to really want it to be a good show. And as I blogger, I want to lift up people who I think are genuinely good people being good examples. (She’ll be representing for Taiwanese Americans in the entire Midwest this Saturday– and she’s extremely proud to do so!)
In any case, I hope you make it out to the show so you can judge the contestants on their actual performances.
Hey Rafael. I just want to make clear that it’s okay that you disagree with me. Everyone has their own tastes. But I’m not a fan of how negative you went. I’m trying to put forth positivity on this blog–and that goes for comments too. Next time, feel free to be constructive.
Rafael,
It pains me to read your hurtful and slanderous remarks. To be clear, I agree with Jade in that you are more than entitled to express your opinions. However, I believe you have drawn incomplete and inaccurate conclusions regarding Melody’s musicianship and Kollaboration’s intentions as an organization.
“Empowerment Through Entertainment.” That’s our vision. We want to recognize artists who have proven commitment to their passion and showcase talent by giving them an opportunity to perform on a stage in front of an audience. Beyond the logistical depiction of Kollaboration’s performance, I believe our organization exists as a symbol to a quickly growing Asian-American demographic in the midwest that Asian-American talent shouldn’t necessarily remain unnoticed. And, Melody (along with our other finalists) are proof of that claim.
In the spirit of our mission, I encourage you to challenge your assumptions and come to our show this Saturday, July 7th at 6pm at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, IL. I will personally buy your ticket.
Thomas Yang
Associate Director
Kollaboration Chicago Executive Team
thomasyang416@gmail.com
Rafael,
Keep in mind that singing a few lines in one video can’t completely showcase someone’s voice! It makes me really sad that you think I’ve only made it this far based on appearances. I hope you’ll come to the show and let me prove you otherwise!
Melody, you wear a cake load of make up. Tone it down a little, you’re beautiful! And Rafael, hate isn’t a good look on ya