SHE'S at the top of her game now, with 23 awards in her 10-year singing career.
But it hasn't always been a walk in the park for the current queen of Cantopop, Joey Yung.
In fact, as the 28-year-old Hong Kong singer admitted in a telephone interview with The New Paper, it was a miracle that she succeeded in the entertainment scene at all.
Why? Her detractors said she was not good-looking enough.
Said Joey: 'When I first started out as a singer, there were critics who said I'd never make it because of my looks.
'I've since proved them wrong and showed them that miracles can, and do happen.
'Of course, negative comments are never pleasant to listen to. But I'm the sort that takes criticism silently in my stride, I don't believe in fighting back vocally, or complaining incessantly.'
Joey said the criticisms motivated her to work harder and that she is someone who prefers to 'let my actions do the talking'.
Joey's success story reads like a modern-day version of Cinderella.
She had emerged champion of a karaoke competition at the age of 15.
But her first record company terminated her contract within months, telling her straight in the face that 'your looks can't cut it, you're not pretty enough'.
After signing on with Emperor Entertainment Group (her present company), things were rough at first as well.
In a 2006 interview with the mainland Chinese press, Joey revealed that she was once mistaken by her company's top management as a minder for one of their artistes.
At that point, it prompted her to joke to her manager: 'Since my career isn't going anywhere, why not really make me an artiste's minder?'
But her luck took a turn for the better.
Her debut album Unknown, released in 1999 was a resounding hit with Cantopop lovers.
It contained catchy ballads such as Love You More This Minute and Avoiding You.
It was a catalyst for her career. With every new album, her popularity surged.
Now, Joey's list of accolades includes a record-breaking eight wins at the Metro Radio Hits Awards - she has won the award every year since 2001.
She is also the only female artiste in the history of the Jade Solid Gold Awards to have won in all the major categories; a feat that escaped even veteran songbirds like Faye Wong, Sandy Lam and the late Anita Mui.
Free concert?
But Joey is humble about her achievements, preferring to thank her fans and supporters who have stayed loyal to her throughout her career.
'I've grown a lot over these years and I have to thank every single person who has given me a chance along the way,' said Joey.
And she has a chance to do so in person next month, when she comes to Singapore for her very first concert here.
'In a way, this concert is my way of expressing my gratitude to them (her Singapore supporters).
'They've been a wonderful bunch, some of them have travelled all the way to Hong Kong to catch my performances before.
'I always feel a little guilty, because I know I hardly come to Singapore to do any promotional work.'
With a slight laugh, she added that if she could have her way, she would 'make the concert free-of-charge for her fans'.
Joey's amiability extends even to other singers. Her concert on 18 Apr clashes with the Wei Song Si Song (Garden Of Music) Concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, but she isn't fazed one bit.
'I admire them both a lot (referring to local Mandopop songwriting brothers Lee Weisong and Lee Sisong), they're excellent musicians. When I was working on one of my Mandarin albums, I remember inviting them to be my producers,' she said.
'I think the date clash just shows that I have an affinity with them, so it's okay. In fact, I feel quite honoured.
'We each have our own core fanbase, so I don't think we should look at each other as competitors.'
And she can certainly count on her fans turning up.
One of her biggest fans in Singapore is 33-year old Wing Wong, who works in the advertising industry.
As leader of the Singapore contingent for Joey's international fanclub, she currently heads a group of 70 members ('our numbers are increasing,' she says), who will be turning out in full force at Joey's concert.
'Joey's strongest appeal lies in the fact that she is down-to-earth and has totally no airs about her, even though she is the most popular Cantopop star of today,' said Ms Wong, who has followed her idol's career since the start of her career and is a proud owner of all of Joey's albums.
'I know of people who became diehard supporters after meeting her; they were touched by her sincerity.'
As for her supposed lack of looks? Don't tell that to her male fans.
Said Mr Tan Eng Guan, a 31-year old regional IT manager who has been a Joey fan since 2004: 'In my eyes, she's very pretty, plus her dancing is awesome.
'Of course, there is no doubt that her voice is the best in the Cantopop scene right now.'
FYI
WHAT: StarLight Joey Yung Live 2009
WHERE: The MAX Pavilion@Singapore Expo
WHEN: 18 Apr, 7.30pm
TICKETS: $148, $128, $98, $68 available from Sistic at 6348 5555 and www.sistic.com.sg
This article was first published in The New Paper.
