Meet the STARS- Celine Tam
Meet Celine Tam, the talented winner of STARS 2024! In this interview, Celine shares her motivations for auditioning this year, reflecting on how this competition differs from those she’s participated in before. She also opens up about her exciting plans for the future in the music industry.
What inspired you to participate in STARS this year?
I first participated when I was in Y7 with my friend. We did a duet, but unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the finals. Then, two years ago, I entered again with my band. We made it to the finalist show, but we were up against so many talented performers, and our friends Amanda, Alexa, and Hailey won that year.
This year, it was a bit of a tough decision for me. There’s a lot happening in Year 13, and I had to balance that with all the deadlines I was facing. It was challenging, but I realised that this is my last year, and I didn’t want to miss out on the experience. Participating in STARS felt like a beautiful opportunity, and I’m really glad I decided to join.
How did you prepare for your performance?
Choosing the song was definitely one of the hardest parts of the STARS process. I wanted to pick a song that would really showcase my abilities and also reflect what I enjoy singing. It was important for me to choose something that resonates with me personally and songs that touch me deeply.
What song did you ultimately choose for your audition?
I auditioned with “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You,” and they absolutely loved it. So, I decided to go with that one for my performance. It felt like the right choice!
Can you describe your feelings when you were announced the winner? What was going through your mind?
The support from everyone around me was incredible. People were so encouraging, saying things like, “You’re gonna win!” I felt really competitive this year since all the acts were so talented.
When we were backstage watching the teleprompter, Chloe, who sang “The Climb,” saw the board and grabbed me, saying, “Oh my god, you won!” I was completely shocked.
Everyone started screaming before the winner was even announced. I honestly wanted to hide because I was so surprised, but I was really happy too. This opportunity feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and having everyone there supporting me made it so much fun!
You’ve participated in larger singing competitions before. How does STARS compare to those experiences, what unique challenges or advantages did you find?
This year felt different for me. In the last two competitions, I was with friends, but this time I was surrounded by a lot of people I didn’t know before. It reminded me of other competitions where I had to meet new people and make friends.
I feel like I made so many new friends this time. I’ve seen some of them around school, but since we’re in different year groups, it’s hard to bump into each other as often as I’d like.
The school environment brings its own dynamics. It’s similar in some ways, but having that familiar setting adds a different layer to the experience. Overall, I think it was a really good experience, and I’m glad I participated!
Who has been your biggest influence in music?
I wouldn’t say there’s one biggest influence for me. It’s more about the things and people around me that inspire me to create my own music. Sometimes, a particular song will spark an idea or feeling in me.
It’s really the people I hold close to my heart who influence me the most. Their support and energy truly shape my musical journey.
What advice would you give to future contestants?
Just have fun! Enjoy the experience with your friends. This is a great opportunity to be yourself and share that time with them. Everyone seemed to have the same thought.
One contestant mentioned that she felt I was going to win, but she also emphasised how much fun it was to be with her friends. Even though she thought they might not win, she really appreciated the chance to participate together. It’s all about enjoying the moment and being with your friends!
What plans do you have for your music career moving forward?
I think a lot of people expect me to pursue a big music career, but for me, my aspirations are a bit different. I want to focus on laying low and diving into music production. That’s where I’ve found my ideas really flourish.
I want to create my own songs and really bring my ideas to life. Being able to produce my own music is the main focus for me moving forward. It feels like the best way to express myself creatively.
Were there any teachers who inspired you or helped you throughout this journey?
Absolutely, the teachers in the music department have been incredible—Mr. Travers, Ms Lau, and even Mr. McCracken. They all played a significant role in making this show happen.
You could really see how much effort they put into everything. There were so many advancements and improvements, and their dedication was clear. I’m really grateful to have had their support during this final STARS journey of mine. They did a fantastic job!
