A more confident and self-assured Stefanie Sun returns to S'pore

A more confident and self-assured Stefanie Sun returns to S'pore
By Favian Ng | Posted: 13 July 2009 1308 hrs

SINGAPORE : Singapore had it’s first look of its best musical export from the tiny island, Stefanie Sun who returned to the local stage on Friday, July 10, as a guest performer at an event to thank volunteers at the recently concluded Asian Youth Games.

The event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium marked Sun’s first public performance in Singapore in over two years and she couldn’t hide her nervousness before setting on stage.

Catching up Sun before the performance, it was clear that even after performing all over the world, the thought of standing in front of family and friends still fazes her.

"I’m actually quite nervous as this is where I grew up. I hoped that together with my 'fellow countrymen', we can go through this musical experience together and have a great time," she said.

Her surprise guest appearance can be considered a 'warm-up' for her Singapore concert 24 hours later.

The razzle-dazzle event, also at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, is the second stop of her comeback concert tour entitled, “The Answer Is… Stefanie Sun World Tour 2009”

While most singers prefer to release a new album to announce a comeback like hers, which comes after a two years break, Sun is more than contented to do it in her own way.

"There can be many ways like creating an album, but I’m trying to find another approach to meet my fans again.

"Since there are many people who have been asking about my well-being for the last two years, I decided to use the most direct manner, which is to stage a concert. In this way, my fans can easily understand and see the changes I have gone through," she said.

Since breaking into the music industry, Sun has always maintained a bubbly image personified with a casual and outgoing personality.

This time round, she exuded a womanly stature that seemed to reflect just how much she has grown up during her break.

According to Sun, the two years gave her an opportunity to rediscover herself.

"I have been thinking my job as a singer, and what I can do when I return" said the singer who has been in the industry for more than nine years.

"So I thought of staging a concert where it will allow us to explore a lot of questions and answers," which gave the name of her current concert tour.

It was during her career break, which she described herself as being more "self-indulgent", that Sun pursued other interests.

Most of it was aimed at trying to improve her physique by playing tennis, learning yoga and even Muay Thai or Thai kick-boxing.

Most importantly, she finally found time to spend with her family and friends.

After catching a first glimpse of her futuristic costumes, the question was – would fans will be able to accept her new image?

"I’m sure my fans will be smart enough to know that this is part of me growing up," she said confidently.

During the first stop of her comeback tour in Taipei, Sun reportedly broke down in tears the moment she set foot on stage.

She revealed that it really was a case of stress as it was her first performance after a long break.

"The hardest part is to manage everyone’s expectation. People are waiting to see what you can come up with."

However, like a true professional, Sun has put down the Taipei experience to polishing up her act further.

"It’s good to get stressed, then you strive to be better and be readily prepared," she said.

As usual, the singer remained tight-lipped about her love-life.

"Singing is part of me, and as a singer, I do not want to reveal too much of my personal stuff - family and friends to the public.

"By keeping private over these details, it gives me balance in my life," said Sun as she explained her insistence on keeping mum over such details.

One thing she did not hesitate to share was her concert repertoire.

Sun excitedly revealed that she would be singing a new song titled "Fool’s Kingdom" from her new album, which will include self-penned songs, and should hopefully, be out next year.

Now that Sun has made her long awaited return – what if, she decided NOT to make a musical comeback, what would the world find Stefanie Sun doing instead?
"I shall be a businesswoman," she said after a moment’s hesitation.

Then, like the Stefanie Sun of old, she changes her mind and says, "We can be anything we want to be as long as we find the right opportunities."

How true. How Singaporean.