After thorough screening by the Megastar and ABS-CBN top management, the 20 finalists were chosen to vie for the first Star Power title.

Everyone was pleasantly surprised last Sunday as the one-and-only Megastar Sharon Cuneta, together with ABS-CBN’s most distinguished executives announced not only 12 but 20 finalists among the regional contenders, to compete in the much-talked-about Star Power, Sharon’s Search for the Next Pop Superstar.

“It really took us a hard time to choose. Sobrang gagaling ng mga sumali from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Instead of just 12, we’ve decided to choose 20, whom we think have the potential of becoming the next female pop superstar,” the Megastar said.

The eminent panel of deliberators, who meticulously chose the 20 is composed of ABS-CBN President and Chief Operating Officer Charo Santos-Concio, former ABS-CBN President Freddie M. Garcia, Head of ABS-CBN Channel 2 Cory Vidanes, Entertainment Head Linggit Tan, Managing Director of Star Cinema Malou Santos, TV director/star builder and Star Magic consultant Johnny Manahan, Managing Director of Star Records Anabelle Regalado-Borja, Asap XV, Asap Live and Star Power Business Unit Head Joyce Liquicia, and of course, Megastar Sharon Cuneta. All of them shared their constructive remarks to each of the regional finalists who showcased their singing talents.

“I am proud to welcome them in my Star Power circle,” said Sharon as she announced the names of the finalists. The battle between the 20 starts this Sunday in Star Power, after Rated K on ABS-CBN.

This Sunday, seven of them—Rheena, Camille, Glaiza, Angeline, Laurice, Macy and Sam—shine as they sing songs of their lives in My Story, My Song. Megastar will also take a deeper look on the lives of each of these contenders.

Rheena, the first contender to perform on Sunday dreams to enter the prestigious Conservatory of Music. Her retired soldier dad, however, wants her to be a lawyer. But the young Rheena believes she can be a singing lawyer. “Lahat nang natutunan ko from my parents, especially my father, gagamitin ko para matupad ko ang mga pangarap ko sa buhay,” Rheena said.

Camille, on the other hand, learned from her father that in this world “nothing is permanent.” That’s why in every opportunity that comes along her way, she always gives her best shot. “Dumating sa point na sobrang nabaon na ang pamilya ko sa utang. Kaya gusto kong gamitin yung talent ko upang bumangon kami at maitaas, kahit papaano, yung antas ng pamumuhay namin. Kung nasa ilalim kami ngayon, I’m sure there will come a point na giginhawa din ang buhay namin,” she shared.

For Glaiza, the fierce contestant from Luzon, family must always be the first priority. Her mom is an accountant while her dad is a security guard. Their smooth-sailing lives were only derailed a bit when her sibling ran away after he had a misunderstanding with their dad. Since then, Glaiza’s life gradually became very sad as she lost one of her best companions—her kuya. In her quest for stardom, she also hopes for her family to reunite again.

Angeline also had a bittersweet life. She never met her biological mother while her father abandoned her when she was still a child and already built a new family. Despite all the misery she experienced, Angeline is still grateful to have grown up with her loving grandmother. “Sumali ako sa Star Power para sa mga taong hindi na naniniwala sa akin,” shares Angeline.

So long as she has her guitar to strum, Laurice will be the “happiest person alive.” She shares that whenever she’s happy she just sings it out loud. Her most “down” moment is when she had to quit school because of financial constraints. Now, with Star Power, Laurice wants to regain whatever important thing she lost in her life.

Beauty, brains, singing talent, happy family and well-off life are the things Macy has. But because of the separation of her parents, all of these shattered. She was then turned over to her grandmother’s care. Her loving grandama, however, died. And that’s the time she felt so alone. Insecurities and fears are only of the few effects Macy got from her life experience. Will she be able to rebuild herself in Star Power?

Sam, who will perform on Sunday, believes that not everyone is given a second chance at life. She shared her experience when she and her best friend amazingly survived a horrible vehicular accident. That’s why, for her, life really has to be cherished and lived to the fullest. She also dreams to have her own album in the future. Will Star Power pave way for it?

“In every song you sing, you should really have a heart for it. Just believe in yourself,” Star Power co-host and Asian Idol Christian Bautista advised the contestants.

With contestants already geared up, Star Power again dominates the Sunday’s Primetime block. Never miss the unending surprises in “Sharon’s Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar” on Sunday, October 24, after Rated K on ABS-CBN.