Sophie Beem: Charmed City Kid
Teen singer Sophie Beem says she's 'blessed' and shows off good luck charm from her mentor Beyoncé
American singer-songwriter Sophie Beem considers herself lucky. And she even has a good luck charm from Queen Bey herself.
The 17-year-old, who is making her Singapore debut at the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Finals tomorrow, was one of the first artists to be signed to Beyoncé's Parkwood Entertainment record label last year.
As a protégé, Beem received a white gold and diamond necklace, which she proudly showed off during an interview with The New Paper at Marina Bay Sands on Thursday.
"Beyoncé gave me this and I wear it everywhere I go," she said.
"It says 'City Kid' because one of the songs on my debut EP is called Sleepless/City Kid. It's appropriate because it really represents who I am, a New York City gal."
CAREER ADVICE
Beem called herself "lucky" and "blessed" to have Beyoncé as a mentor.
"I wasn't exactly starstruck to meet her because I didn't grow up listening to her. But the more I started digging into her music, the more I became a superfan," she said.
"She gives me notes on my live performances, career advice and helped me pick the songs for my EP."
Beem said she is not a serious tennis player, but is looking forward to watching the WTA matches.
"I played a little tennis when I was younger, but music has always been my main passion.
"I am so excited to be in Singapore. Everyone has been really nice."
Beem first came to the attention of the public when she entered TV talent competition The X Factor at the age of 13. She sang for judges Simon Cowell, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.
She made it to the Top 40, but decided that the reality TV contest route, where she performed only cover songs, was not for her.
"I wanted to write my own songs. That has always been my dream," she said.
"I've always enjoyed performing and being on stage. Talking to the judges made me more nervous than singing for them."
Beem released her self-titled EP under Parkwood Entertainment in March, showcasing her R&B-tinged pop with singles Skyline and Girls Will Be Girls.
She also opened for singer-songwriter Charlie Puth and Beyoncé's Formation tour this year.
With backing from Beyoncé and husband Jay Z, who showed up at her Los Angeles show in March to show support, Beem is certainly being groomed for pop success.
But the bubbly, friendly teenager still plans to go to college.
"Maybe I'll go to Berklee College of Music or NYU Tisch School of the Arts," she said.
Meanwhile, she is enjoying the experience of touring and a taste of the high life.
But she is still wont to keep secrets from her parents, like any typical teenager.
"I had a dip in the infinity pool upstairs earlier, which was amazing," she said of her Marina Bay Sands.
"I called my mum to tell her about it, but didn't mention I got sunburnt because I might get in trouble."
WHAT
Rock Out With Sophie Beem at Family Day At The Tennis, BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore
WHEN
Tomorrow, 2pm
WHERE
Centre Court, Singapore Indoor Stadium
TICKETS
Single session tickets start at $84.90 and can be booked at www.wtafinals.com
Beyoncé gave me this and I wear it everywhere I go. It says 'City Kid' because one of the songs on my debut EP is called Sleepless/City Kid.
- Sophie Beem
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