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An OMP American Idol
One Model Place is Rooting for American Idol Favorite Perla
If Marina OMP Model #108650 looks familiar from the photos on her One Model Place portfolio, you were probably one of the over 37 million viewers who saw her on "American Idol" during the show's recent premiere week. She may be using a stage name on the reality series, but passionate performer "Perla" is unmistakably the same person as mesmerizing model Marina.
Here is how the Colombian performer describes herself in 25 words or less:
"I am a super-energetic ball of fire who never shuts up and loves to joke around... I'm extremely spontaneous, and live life to the fullest!"
That energy and spontaneity led to her current success story as a contestant on "American Idol." Perla traveled a long way from her South Florida home to attend the "AI" open call in Minnesota, but at first she was just another hopeful in the crowd who wanted to become the world's next singing sensation. When it came time to sing for judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson, Perla started off with a good rendition of Blondie's "Call Me." Then she really impressed the judges with her version of Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie," and the result was a golden ticket to the next round.
While her longtime supporters and newfound fans are waiting to find out if Perla makes it to the top 12, One Model Place caught up with her for this exclusive interview.
Since "American Idol" started airing several years ago, Perla admits she has had a love-hate relationship with the popular show.
"I felt like ‘American Idol' focused on the fabrication of a popstar to the fullest. I always thought that if I was going to make it, it would be through my own merits. But then I started seeing artists that I have always been extremely fond of appearing on the show and promoting their own careers. It soon became apparent to me that you cannot deny the power of this show and the audience it attracts! It's a global affair! So I decided to give it a try. No matter what, I still need to make it in this business through my own merit and passion -- the show is just a way to get people to know you first!"
The audition process is "pretty grueling," according to Perla.
"Along with everyone else, I had to wait in line for several hours, and I had to go through three auditions before I got to sing for Simon, Paula and Randy. But it was definitely worth the wait!"
During the telecast, Perla related that she moved to the United States with "two backpacks, her teddy bear, and her guitar." For a while she was homeless and living out of her car, but she said, "It's not a sob story, it's a survival story."
The judges all responded favorably to the sexy singer. Randy stated, "There's something about you I like. You've got this kind of spunky, kind of crazy, wild attitude. I feel like you can jump out of your skin at any minute. I like daredevils. I kind of like you." Paula added, "I much preferred you doing ‘Hips Don't Lie'." And Simon concluded, "You are great doing that Shakira thing. The problem is that when you did the Blondie song it's so heavily accented it does sound a bit odd, so your choices of songs are going to be difficult for you. Okay, but you know that, you're great fun."
Here are her personal impressions of the three judges.
"I really like Simon, he tells it like it is... even if you don't want to hear it. I respect that very much! Paula is super-spunky and very cute in person!! And Randy has such a good energy, I think he balances the other two!"
When Perla was told by this TV threesome that she would be going to Hollywood for a chance to make the finals, it was a cause for celebration.
"It was one of the best days of my life -- and I'm not exaggerating!" While she can't tell us much about the experience until after that segment of the show airs on the FOX network, she did drop a little hint of what she encountered during the L.A. sessions: "One word... STRESSFUL!"
Her success on "AI" seems inevitable, given the fact that Perla has had over 15 years of musical experience.
"I've done tracks for different artists, but I've always concentrated my own career. In the last few years, I was working with Carlos Galavis, a producer from South Florida, and we were developing an album... Then I made the decision to audition for ‘American Idol' and the rest is history!"
Perla is a quintuple threat – she's a singer, dancer, model, actor, and writer. Her creative aspirations were developed at a very early age.
"I began writing songs at the age of nine. I have to say that is my strongest talent. I love to be able to transpose my emotions into song, and find arrangements and melodies that suit each mood. It's a very interesting process to me. I played the violin when I was younger, but I stopped in my teens because my mother used to make me wake up early on Saturdays. That was just not going to fly with me! Then I picked up the guitar... and while I cannot say I'm a guitarist, I can certainly use it to write my songs."
One career move that took Perla by surprise was getting into modeling.
"Actually, I have a friend who was getting a lot of work though One Model Place, and she told me to try it. I was very skeptical at first, but I found the site to be very user-friendly. It made it easy to connect to photographers and other models in the industry."
While the Margate, Florida resident admits that as a 5'0" model she is height-challenged – "I guess I don't consider myself a model since I'm such a shorty!" -- she has shot with OMP photographers during the past two years and has put together a professional portfolio.
Allowing her to find an outlet for each of her talents, OMP has helped her career in many ways.
"I have been able to meet some incredibly talented photographers and models. I cannot express how important photographers are to your modeling career! In my opinion, they are the true artists in this industry!"
She is also able to promote her other talents on the site as well.
"I believe modeling, singing, and acting are all intertwined skills. When you're singing, you're pouring your soul into that song and feeling it -- acting it as if you were in that moment. You're able to invoke an emotion by being in the moment and letting yourself be free!"
Being a model has also aided Perla in her musical performance skills.
"I think it helps you to be aware of your body. It enables you to express yourself not only through song but through movement as well!"
Perla has some advice for other singers who want to audition for American Idol.
"I know you've been trying hard to make it on your own, you have to believe that you got what it takes! Be yourself, get in there, and kick some ass! Don't be afraid, because no matter what happens... it's all about chasing the dream! Do it!"
She also offers the following advice for aspiring models just starting out.
"Don't ever think you know it all. Stay humble and learn from the people around you. Always be prepare to grow!"
Although her album plans are on hold until she discovers the outcome of her Idol adventure, Perla does have a remix currently getting airplay on the South Florida radio scene
"That is Pat Benatar's ‘Love is a Battlefield.' "That is a remix I did with my partner-in-crime, Carlos ‘Krya' Galavis! The track is pretty sick! Very South Florida!"
Perla feels her career has definitely benefited already from the "American Idol" experience.
"It has changed me for the rest of my life. It was a decision that I took, and hopefully it will mark the beginning of my musical journey!"
She finishing by thanking OMP as well as her present (and future) fans for all their help and support.
"Thank you all so much for your support! It is so appreciated! Muchos besos!"
Perla can be found on OneModelPlace.com under the name Marina OMP Model #108650. You can also check Perla out on her MySpace page at
www.myspace.com/lildre25 .
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