At last, an update on Mau Marcelo, the first ever Philippine Idol. Here’s what Philstar.com has to say on this great singer:

Her life drastically changed after she became champion on Philippine Idol, which concluded late last year. She proved the naysayers wrong when she clinched the coveted plum in the reality singing competition, the local franchise of the popular and widely followed American Idol.

Maureen Marcelo won against all odds. Proving that talent outweighs physical appearance, she got the nod of the voting public, as well as the judges, by belting out her soulful renditions of classic hits and contemporary ballads in her powerful, inimitable singing style.

She also had to make a great sacrifice of leaving behind her two children — Patricia and Paulo — with their dad Richie, just to be able to compete and make her dream come true. Moreover, she gave up what would have probably been a better life in California with her Puerto Rican father, who was working on petitioning her immigration to the US before she joined the competition.

No regrets. Every effort paid off. Today, Mau, as she is fondly called, is a certified member of the local music scene where she has carved a niche for herself. Tagged as the “black belter,” she enjoys her newfound fame as she keeps her feet firmly planted on the ground.

The 27-year-old Lucena native, who was dubbed “Soul Idol” on Philippine Idol, started singing at a young age of seven. But the time she was 20, she was already a veteran of singing competitions including the TV contest Star for a Night, where Sarah Geronimo was discovered and emerged champion, too.

Mau, however, had been faced with tremendous odds towards achieving her dream simply because she “didn’t fit the mold.” She had to endure criticism about her weight and skin color. In a business where looks can be one’s ticket to fame, Mau was a “diamond in the rough” who simply banked on her innate talent. Armed with her unmistakable vocal gift, she single-mindedly pursued her dream.

Part of Mau’s winning bonanza on Philippine Idol (apart from the P1-M cash prize) is a solo album under Sony BMG Records. Recently, she released her full CD, I Shine for You, which contains 11 tracks of revivals and original compositions, including inspirational tunes which she herself wrote.

“The title track, I Shine for You, describes the struggles I went through,” Mau shares. “It also serves as my way of showing appreciation and gratitude to all those people who supported me all the way. I will always be grateful to them. They helped pave the way to where I am now.”

Mau showcases her versatility in such tracks as Try Love and Your Love, Keep on Tryin’ and the remix version of I Shine for You. She combines sentimentality and control in Vehnee Saturno ballads Sino Naman Ako and Labis Labis.

She delivers her powerful R ’n B style vocals in her signature winning piece, On My Own, plus her versions of Mariah Carey’s Love Takes Time and Ariel Rivera’s hit, Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin.

Prior to her complete album, Mau came out with an extended play (EP) CD that contains On My Own, her winning piece on Philippine Idol. Also in the album are two of her other memorable signature pieces in the competition, Love Takes Time and Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin, the title track, Try It On My Own, as well as minus one versions of the songs.

Mau also recorded two track on Philippine Idol: The Final 12 CD — Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin and the group song, Kaleidoscope World with the other finalists. Prior to Philippine Idol, Mau recorded a self-titled album of original songs using the moniker, Samantha Brown.

She attests that winning Philippine Idol has given her and her family a better life. Earning the keep for her immediate family since she was seven, Mau wants to work harder to be able to continue supporting her loved ones.

There’s no stopping Mau from conquering greater musical heights. After the release of her solo album, she is bent on making it bigger by going global. That is set to happen when she competes on the Asian Idol singing tilt this November, representing the country in Indonesia.

“If I was able to fulfill my dream before, I believe I can dream bigger,” Mau said. “That’s not so bad to do. Everything that happened to me is a blessing. I cannot be thankful enough that all my hard work is now paying off.”