In a world where change is the only constant thing, expect even bigger twists in Star Power.

This credo applies in last Sunday’s Star Power, as the ultimate Megastar Sharon Cuneta reveals that not only four but five contenders can finally battle it out to become Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar.

Who among Akiko (Cebu), the Sweet and Sexy Siren; K-La (Canada), the R&B Sweetheart; Monica (Leyte), the Charming Biritera; Angeline (Manila), the Pop Belter; and Krissel (Davao) the Soulful Diva, will shine the most and be hailed the grand champion?

This Sunday on Star Power, after Rated K, the Final Five contenders start to prepare in the much-awaited grand finals on February 20. Only a few weeks are left for them, so they don’t waste even a single minute. They rehearse diligently and apply strict discipline in their numbers. But are their efforts enough to bring them to their dream title?

Also on Sunday, the Star Power girls will perform duets with some of the industry’s biggest names. Are they ready to collaborate with the real stars? Find out!

In an exclusive interview, Akiko, K-La, Monica, Angeline and Krissel reveal their secrets how they are preparing for the much-anticipated grand showdown. The contenders also shared how Star Power, the first-ever Sharon’s Search For The Next Female Pop Superstar, have gradually changed their supposedly simple lives.

Krissel Valdez: The Soulful Diva of Davao

For local band singer Krissel, she never thought that she’ll ever make it to a nationwide talent search like Star Power. What adds to the pressure she constantly feels from the beginning is the fact that Star Power isn’t the same-old-story talent reality competition, it’s “Sharon’s Search for The Next Female Pop Superstar.”

Krissel, however, fervently prays to overcome all anxieties and fears that she might feel while at the leg of the competition. “Pray lang po ako ng pray. Yun po talaga weapon ko and armor ko para sa pressure. I trust God, trust my talents and oftentimes iniisip ko yung pamilya ko kasi without them, hindi ko din naman po to magagawa. So, just think of all your inspirations para po mawala yung pressure sa’yo,” Krissel shared.

When asked how she is preparing for the big night, the Davao’s pride said: “Disiplina at super practice, lalo na po ngayon na hindi po kami yung pumipili ng mga songs namin. So, whether we like it or not, we have to love the song, practice discipline—wag lang masyado kumain ng sweets at never na akong umiinom ng malamig na tubig. Listening po is also important. I also take vitamins.”

It can be recalled that at the start of the competition Krissel confessed her world almost fell apart when she discovered that her beloved grandfather, whom she considered her father, has cancer. Krissel and her family were left by her biological father when she was still a child. But despite having a broken family, she was still able to hone her exemplary singing skills. Krissel is very grateful to her single mom who bravely raised her.

Akiko Solon: The Sweet and Sexy Siren of Cebu

Win or lose, Akiko, the Sweet and Sexy Siren of Cebu won’t regret anything she did just to make it to Star Power finals. Having joined several singing competitions in the past, which includes Cebu’s sensational Little Big Star, Akiko is now brave on accepting her fate—be it not in favor with her.

In case she won’t make it as Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar, Akiko plans to stand still and continue the singing career she has begun. “Kasi sinimulan ko na. Ayaw ko naman po putulin, gusto ko pa din i-pursue.”

Akiko is confident she can do well in the finals. She, however, knows that her co-finalists are as good as her. “May confidence po ako. Ganumpaman, sabi ng Papa ko na dapat maging thankful ka pa rin ako na ganito kalayo ang narating ko sa Star Power. Dapat alam ko pa rin yung limitasyon ko. Sinasabi ko nga sa sarili ko na wag maging overconfident,” Akiko said.

Akiko was a consistent high school scholar way back. Being academically competitive, the Cebuana singer has honed herself in facing the challenges that come along her way.

Monica Sacay: The Charming Biritera of Leyte

Until now, Leyte-native Monica can’t believe she made it to the concluding part of this season’s Star Power. She’s truly indebted to her ultimate and No. 1 mentor Megastar Sharon Cuneta.

“Siyempre lahat naman po kami masayang-masaya na maging part ng Final Five. Bibihirang pagkakataon po ito at opportunity na ibinigay po sa amin. Kaunti na lang nandiyan na yung pangarap mo at nasa tuktok ka na. Sobrang nagpapasalamat po talaga ako,” Monica said.

Monica also doesn’t fear constructive criticisms, for it might help her improve and eventually, vanish her inequities. But for her detractors, if there are any, she tries not to take it seriously. “Hindi naman po kasi maiiwasan talaga yung mga criticisms. Kahit ngayon nga po, may naririnig ko po ang mga criticisms nila. Eh, iyakin po talaga ako. Pero sinabi ko po sa sarili ko at napag-isipan ko po na dapat kayanin ko yung mga consequences ng pinasok kong mundo. Dapat panindigan ko na ito. ”

It’s been several years since Monica became an orphan, but sometimes she still feels sad about it. When her father died her mom got sick and eventually became weak. To finance her mom’s medicine, Monica sang in weddings, birthday parties and even wakes. Her situation was at its worst when she needed to beg for alms just to feed her family.

K-La Rivera: The R&B Sweetheart from Canada

Given with innate singing talent and not to mention beauty, there’s no doubt that Canada-based K-La Rivera is now ready to face the glamorous world of showbusiness. With conviction she said: “I think ready na po ako kasi alam ko po when you’re in showbiz, ang daming fans. I’m flattered when I see those who support me, even if you’re just standing there, parang ang feeling ko, I have an ability just to make them happy. If ever I will be a star and I have that ability to bring happiness to them, to inspire them I think I am definitely ready for that po”.

“I am shocked. Medyo nagulat po kasi lahat po sila talagang talented, when I heard everyone. Alam ko po na it will be the viewer’s choice, medyo nagulat po ako kasi lahat po sila, they all have their family and friends, at ako hindi masyadong maraming supporters. I feel so honored that the Filipinos have accepted me, that they’ve allowed me to continue and come this far. I feel blessed at sana po magpatuloy pa ito.”

K-La confessed that way back in Canada, she’s been trying to penetrate the international music scene, but it was hard. She, however, is very grateful that she made it to the globally watched Star Power. “Pangarap ko po talaga is to be an international singer. When I was back home sa Canada, I was really trying to get it up there pero medyo mahirap po, alam ko po sa Pilipinas, Filipinos really enjoy music, kaya I tried to see if I can sing and live my dreams. This is a dream come true,” K-La said

The R&B Sweetheart had to leave her family in Canada just to battle it out in Star Power.

Angeline Quinto: The Pop Belter of Manila

If there is one thing that Angeline takes care of, it is her health for sickness can ruin her powerful belting and her chance to become Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar. “Iniingatan po namin lahat talaga yung health namin. Kasi sa panahon ngayon, talaga naman pong hindi maiiwasan magkasakit kaya talagang super vitamins po ako. Kapag may mga time at wala kaming schedule, talagang sinusulit ko po yun para magpahinga at siyempre, nag-aaral po talaga ng mga bagong kanta.”

If ever she’ll be hailed the grand champion, a party awaits Angeline’s fans, who have tremendously increased throughout the competition. “Kung sakali po, gusto ko po magpa-thanksgiving celebration talaga. At saka gusto ko pong pasalamatan ng personal yung mga taong sumuporta at naniwala po sa akin, lalong lalo na po yung ‘Angeliners’ po at saka siyempre yung pamilya ko po.

It’s amazing that at the beginning of Star Power, Angeline felt helpless for no one believed in her. But look at her now, fans are swarming every Sunday just to hear her every performance.

To vote for your favorite contestant, just text SPOWER and send to 2331 for Globe, TM, and Sun Cellular subscribers and 231 for Smart and Talk ‘N Text subscribers.

For bulk voting, i-text ang SPOWER BULK—Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart and Talk and Text and Sun Cellular—sa2366.

Witness the making of a true star! Catch Star Power, Sharon’s Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar, this Sunday, afterRated K on ABS-CBN.