Wattpad's Got Talent 2

Huntrezz54's Performance

In the Song Cover category, Huntrezz54 performs "Speechless" from Disney's Aladdin (2019), originally performed by Naomi Scott!

Interview Questions:

Why did you choose to cover this song?

When I first watched the movie on the plane, I was absolutely amazed by the adaptation's new interpretation to Jasmine's character. She is brave, headstrong, independent and I'm sure she inspired lots of people, including many of you and me. "Speechless" literally shook me and the beautiful melody moved me very much and I can relate to that song on every level of my life, from my personal life to my city, which I love from the bottom of my heart.

What does music mean to you?

Music means so much to me. I can dare say that without music, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Music is a huge part of my upbringing and it shaped me to become who I am today.

To say that I love music is an understatement. Ever since I was little, I joined different music classes and programmes, like piano lessons, musical theatre productions and choirs. I found fulfillment and happiness through singing and dancing, and that's why I love musical theatre. I feel like I can always express myself through music, no matter how hard times are. Whenever I'm sad, my first instinct is to grab a pair of earphones and listen to music in my bed. I seek strength to go on and be happy in life through music, and I can proudly say that without music, I wouldn't be me.

But most importantly, I believe that music is a universal language that all creatures, including animals and plants, understand and feel. Music brings people of different background, ethnicities and races together, and we all unite under one flag of music. Music brings awakening, encouragement, happiness and love to those who need it, and I think that's the best part of music and making music.

What do you love about performing?

Everything, from the preparation for the performances, to the performing, to after the performances. In each performance, everyone works hard together to run things smoothly and make the performance successful, like all the parts of a machine working harmoniously together to make the machine work, and I enjoy every moment of every productions.

The preparation and the rehearsals are absolutely a blast with funny moments, slip-ups and the fooling around during breaks, and I have so much fun working with other teammates. During performances, backstages are usually the messiest and the most intense part, like throwing everything from shoes to underwear's around in a 120-second quick-changing session, or people rushing and queuing to the makeup artists to get their makeup redone when they're not on stage. Despite all the mucking around, we focus on getting thing done when it's time to get things done, and I always love standing in the side wings looking at how things are going onstage. It is an amazing, indescribable feeling seeing other people absolutely slay the stage with their performances.

Performances are usually a tiring thing and you just want to collapse after the adrenaline is gone — that's the only part I dislike about performances XD — but the moment of glory when everyone in the crowd stands up to cheer for you, especially if you're doing a solo concert or you're the one getting all the applause, I can assure you that it's worth it. You feel that adrenaline still pumping in, sweat in your face and palms, heaving while trying to smile at the audience... that's pure happiness and pride. To add on, the after-parties of every performance is wild, and everyone lets loose and enjoy the feeling of having no more pressure on your shoulders.

The emotional roller-coaster of performing is exciting yet scary, and the experience and friendships you make are all that I love about performing.

Who/what are your major artistic influences?

I honestly don't think I have an "idol" that I worship, but I do look up a lot of great Broadway singers and vocalists. If I really have to pick a favourite, Lea Salonga would probably be my favourite. She has a powerful voice with beautiful tone, and a very kind and friendly soul (I had to chance to meet her a couple years back and she's the kindest person you'll ever meet). Other than Lea, people around me like my vocal coach, my parents, my friends all inspire me to keep pushing forward in performance arts, and I can never thank them enough for setting me up on this journey.

Artistic influence wise, I haven't given much though into who influenced my art style. I'm still expanding my horizons and exploring different genres and styles, so it's hard to say. However, my friends did mention that because of my powerful vocals and strong technique base, I am suited for strong female roles in musical theatre productions, like Angelica in Hamilton: An American Musical, or Elphaba in Wicked. It might be true, but maybe that's just them ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Please give a big hand to Huntrezz54!