Charlie Green

Charlie Green, the 11-year-old Fil-British jazz prodigy who wowed audiences and judges (including toughie Simon Cowell) on the UK reality contest “Britain’s Got Talent,” is as Pinoy as monggo and rice. In fact, that’s the kid’s favorite meal.

Charlie started singing when he was three years old when he got up on stage and started singing karaoke on holiday. Since then he has continued to practice and has sung in various cabaret shows with his Dad on cruise ships and in pubs/clubs in his local area. His proudest moment was at eight when he sung for Princess Anne a St James Palace for a charity event. Charlie also released a charity single called Hands Around the World which is dedicated to his friend who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy.

Charlie is influenced by his father Roger who used to be a singer with the Black and White Minstral Show. Roger now produces cabaret shows for cruise ships where he and Charlie often perform (not together).

His mom recounts that when BGT staffers taped interviews in their Droitwich, Worcestershire, home, she served them pancit canton. “On the set, they asked for more. Charlie also loves pancit.”

Charlie, a sports nut, is an avid fan of Pinoy athletes. Dad Roger mentions Manny Pacquiao’s next fight, and Charlie quickly says it’s with Oscar de la Hoya. “I’m a fact-file person,” the boy notes.

Another highlight of his young career was meeting Princess Anne when he performed at the Royal Opera House three years ago. “I was worried about shaking her hand,” Charlie recalls. “I didn’t want to press too hard.”

In England, Charlie gets recognized “all the time,” but he still gets to play soccer with friends. His parents make sure he’s grounded, in spite of screaming girls waiting outside their house. He doesn’t mind fans hugging him, but he had to get used to them pinching his cheeks.

He didn’t make it to BGT’s finals, but it’s okay, Charlie says; he has lots of singing engagements lined up. He’s on school break (he’s moving to Bishop Perowne College of Performing Arts in September), and this is his third visit to the country.

Charlie guested on several ABS-CBN shows, and performed in Conway’s at the Shangri-La Makati. There is talk of a possible CD with Star Records and a movie with Star Cinema.

“But first,” he quips, “I should learn to speak Filipino better.”