Filipino singer undergoes cosmetic fix for 'Glee'

[July 19, 2010]  MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- Filipino singing sensation Charice Pempengco has had noninvasive cosmetic procedures in preparation for her debut in the second season of the hit TV show "Glee."

The 18-year-old Charice, whose singing career rocketed after appearing on Ellen DeGeneres' and Oprah Winfrey's shows, underwent a 30-minute Thermage procedure, involving an anti-aging skin tightening device, and Botox treatment to make her "naturally round face" more narrow, celebrity cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo told ABS-CBN television.

Charice, in the same interview, said last week's face makeover was part of her big preparations "to look fresh on camera" for the Fox show "Glee."

"All people will be anticipating how will Charice look? Is she good enough to pit against Rachel Berry? So of course there is tremendous pressure," Charice said.

In an earlier TV interview, she said she auditioned for "Glee" in mid-June in Los Angeles and was thankful to have been accepted.

"It's really a blessing," she said, adding she was "very proud to be an Asian, very proud to be Filipino."

Charice said she'll start filming at the end of July.

Born Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco and raised with her brother by a single mother, she sang in local contests and appeared on TV talent shows in the Philippines and South Korea before she got a big break on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" at age 15.

She later appeared several times on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" and credits Winfrey for helping push her career.

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Online:

http://www.charicepempengco.com/

[Associated Press]

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