Fantastic Fay

Fay’s singing wins her millions

By Thanakrit Charoenphon
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb and
courtesy of www.facebook.com/ThewinnerIsTH and www.thewinneristh.com/season2

The singing contest TV programme, The Winner Is Thailand grabbed the attention of contenders and viewers because of its 10 million baht prize. After fierce competition between great performers, the stylish powerhouse singer Yuconchat Ketphasa (Fay) eventually won the second season of the show.

Fay has enjoyed performing since she was young. When she was 18, Fay sang at a party with her friends, and her voice impressed the restaurant owner. She was then asked to be a singer for the restaurant. Fay was happy to accept the offer and her singing career began.

However, it took her a long time to shine. The young Fay auditioned for several famous singing programmes such as The Star, The Voice Thailand and Academy Fantasia, but didn’t make it to the final round. She continually tried to improve herself and her hard work finally paid off on The Winner Is Thailand Season 2.

Student Weekly recently met Fay at our office. The pretty 30-year-old singer told us about her singing experiences.

Student Weekly: Why didn’t you do well in other TV singing competitions?

Fay: I think I wasn’t good enough or my personality wasn’t right for those shows at that time.

Student Weekly: How did you improve yourself?

Fay: A winner of the KPN Award, Nok Thitima, is my idol. She recommended a vocal coach called Aum, and I have been training with him for a couple of years. He also coached me during this competition. Now I feel that my vocal range is wider. Musicians who perform with me also tell me that I have improved.

Student Weekly: After several failures, did you ever feel like giving up?

Fay: Not really. I felt bored though. At first I thought I wanted to take a break, but my senior who was in The Winner Is last year sent me a message to persuade me to attend an audition for the show. He inspired me to give myself a chance.

Student Weekly: Is it true that an audience member once cried while listening to you sing?

Fay: Yes. Once, while I was singing Beyoncé’s sad song, “Listen,” a Filipino man cried and came to shake my hand and give me money. I was really surprised.

Student Weekly: What is most difficult about being a professional singer?

Fay: Performers should behave appropriately and always improve themselves. In fact, singing is like an art. Not everyone can be good at it.

Student Weekly: Did you decide to participate in The Winner Is because of the 10 million baht prize?

Fay: It’s impossible to say that I don’t want 10 million baht. It’s human nature to want money. I mainly wanted people to listen to my singing and expand my audience. I always respect my career. This is a way to prove that I have true ability.

Student Weekly: What kind of song do you like to sing the most?

Fay: I like the powerhouse diva singing style. I like to use energy. I used to think that I could never sing Shakira’s “Whenever, Wherever,” which was my first English language song, but after I focused on it, memorized the lyrics and practiced, I could do it.

Student Weekly: Why did you donate some of your prize money to elephants?

Fay: I love animals, especially dogs, cats and elephants. I used to wonder why people were interested in pandas more than elephants. I don’t dislike pandas, but we sometimes overlook our local animals. So I wanted to use this opportunity to help them as much as I can.

Student Weekly: What is your advice to people who want to become a winner?

Fay: If you want to step up from your current level, not only for singing, you must respect what you do and what you have, and honour your teachers. Then, you must practice to improve yourself. There is no age limit or barrier to learning. You must be prepared, so you can give the most and be your best. Then, you will be a winner.

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