Sylvia Ratonel
| Sylvia Ratonel | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Sylvia Anne Ratonel |
| Born | 14 June 1988 |
| Origin | Singapore |
| Genres | Pop, R&B, jazz, dance |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, artiste, spokesmodel |
| Years active | 2009 – present |
| Labels | Universal |
| Associated acts | Sezairi Sezali |
| Website | www |
Sylvia Anne Ratonel (born 14 June 1988) is a Singaporean singer and spokesmodel of Euro-Filipino descent. She is most popularly known as the first female finalist in Singapore Idol history as well as being the runner-up of the third season. The show launched her career in music and entertainment; in January 2010, less than a month after the competition, she signed a full-time contract with national broadcaster MediaCorp, and sealed a recording deal with Universal Music Singapore in March of the same year Ratonel also became the first Singaporean celebrity ambassador for cosmetic brand Maybelline New York. In 2010, Ratonel was ranked as part of the Top 100 Sexiest Women in the World by FHM Magazine. She also won the Breakout Star of the Year ELLE Awards 2010.
Her eponymous debut album, Sylvia Ratonel was released on 27 October 2010, making her the third female Singapore Idol alum after Maia Lee and Olinda Cho to release an album. Four singles were released from the album, three of which became Top 10 hits on Singapore radio charts. Her post-competition career has made Ratonel the most successful female singer to emerge from Singapore Idol.
Ratonel comes from a family of five, and has two brothers Bryan and Timothy. Her family faced financial struggles in her early years. When she was 10, the family moved into a small flat with only a living room and no bedroom. Ratonel later said in an interview that they "grew up sleeping together in one room, on mattresses". Life was not easy for her family. At times, they had to depend on church rations and would go to church every Sunday to receive food. Ratonel and her family now live in a two-bedroom HDB flat.
Ratonel attended Fengshan Primary School, and graduated to Bedok View Secondary School, where she transferred from the Normal (Academic) stream to the Express stream. She opted for a polytechnic education at Temasek Polytechnic with the intention to start working earlier. Ratonel eventually graduated with a diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management. She worked part-time to supplement the family income during her time in Temasek Polytechnic. After graduating, she deferred her plans to pursue a degree to avoid burdening her parents. Instead, she went to work at the Conrad Centennial Hotel as a secretary.
Growing up, Ratonel considered herself shy and timid and did not participate in school performances. Her family enforced a strict upbringing, such as the rule to return home everyday before 8:00 pm. At the age of 18, Ratonel left home in what was a rebellious phase, and began visiting clubs and drinking alcohol. She has since mended her relationship with her family and refers to herself as "a good girl who likes bad boys". Under the persuasion and encouragement of her family, Ratonel decided to audition for Singapore Idol in 2009 albeit having no professional vocal coaching prior to the competition.
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