A young woman dubbed the people’s champion by viewers and supporters of the popular SQB TV One Star Search, Emme To’oala Eteru, has big dreams.
Having won the contest last Saturday, Emme, who is a Police Officer by profession, wants to continue her career as a musician.
Winning Season 11 of Star Search, where she had to fend off a strong challenge from two other finalists, Sa’ia Shadai Sola from Faleula and Anastasia Muagututi’a, of Sale’aula; is a step in the right direction.
For the 23-year-old daughter of To’oala and Matalasi Eteru, of Faga, Asau and Samauga, singing has always been in her blood.
“I loved singing,” she says. “It’s a God given talent to myself and I want to use it wisely, to reach out and share happy moments with other people.”
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Emme says her church upbringing as well as stints with her father’s band, The Eterus, helped her to become confident in front of big audiences.
“I have been heavily involved in Sunday school from a very young age at C.C.C.S., Faga Savai’i.
The church and family were the places that built myself up as a star.”
But Emme has not placed all her eggs in one basket. A computer graduate from the National University of Samoa, she says music makes her happy.
“Singing is something you can share,” she says. “It doesn’t wear out or get broken, you can take it anywhere and it doesn’t cost a dime.
“I encouraged anyone who wants to become a star, you can do it when you believe in yourself.”
Further, Emme believes that songs carry history, traditions and blood ties.
“Singing creates a strong sense of joy and belonging in children; belonging to a family, a community, a culture and a country.
“If music can bring joy and beauty into our lives so easily, why shouldn’t we all sing...anyone can do it.”
Star Search Producer, Tole’afoa Pili Afamasaga-Asiata, says Emme has been a popular choice since Season 11 started. And he’s not surprised that she has won.
About the programme, the Producer says they had introduced a few new ideas to make watching the programme even more interesting.
One of them were homecoming visits where the three finalists returned to their villages to be welcomed by supporters, families and their entire communities.
“The success of this season’s Search was driven by the community involvement as well as the hard work of everyone in the studio, outside the studio and our partners.
“I would like to acknowledge all the associate sponsors and prize sponsors for lending a helping hand to help realise the raw singing and music talents of the local youth here in Samoa.”
Emme won the People’s Choice award as well as winning the top prize. She also won $6,000 cash plus prizes valued at more than $20,000. The runners up received $2,000 and complimentary prizes valued at more than $10,000 each.
The finalists also received return tickets to New Zealand, courtesy of sponsors. Chan Mow Company Limited was the main sponsor.
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