.:::Alessandra Guercio:::.

.::DICEMBRE 2004::.

Interview with a rising star:

Alessandra Guercio.

by Samantha Dossena

Alessandra Guercio is a nine year old with a marvelous voice who performed at the Miss Idea 2004 event, obtaining a standing ovation and the recognition that only a star would. With her warm, powerful singing she has conquered the admiration of the public and she has made many moms cry with emotion. I have a confession to make: I am having a hard time trying to find the right words, the proper expressions that truly capture the spirit of Alessandra. All I can say for sure is that her smile lights up a room. I was slightly nervous at the interview, being that I had never interviewed anyone for L’IDEA before and there were quite a few people in the room, listening attentively to our conversation. Alessandra, though, made me feel so much better with her attitude. She was smiling at everyone and she went about the interview as if I was her good friend and there was nobody around us listening. She answered my questions politely, with slight pauses now and again, as if to gather her thoughts. We are very grateful to her and her parents that allowed us to interview her.

L’IDEA: You were on TV and you have been in many shows. How involved are you in your career and do you think that it may be interfering with your everyday life?

Alessandra Guercio: Well, a little bit… I would say yes because normally, everyday, maybe not everyday, but certainly often, I am busy with singing and stuff, so it pretty much does.

L’IDEA: What do you see for yourself in the future? Do you intend to make singing your future career?

Alessandra Guercio: Yes, definitely.

L’IDEA: Have you ever had trouble keeping up with your schoolwork? That is, do you have a normal amount for a 9 year old?

Alessandra Guercio: Um, not really, I don’t have much of a problem. A little little bit, but not really.

L’IDEA: What is your favorite subject in school?

Alessandra Guercio: Math. (She stated it without any hesitation…)

L’IDEA: Do you participate in any school activities?

Alessandra Guercio: Well, It’s actually more for the church. St. Mary’s church, I’m in the children’s choir.

L’IDEA: Who is your singing role model and which is the song you like most?

Alessandra Guercio: My singing role model is Kelly Clarkson and I really love her song, Breakaway.

L’IDEA: Do you like movies?

Alessandra Guercio: Yes. In particular I like cartoons. My favorite movie is Sharktale.

L’IDEA: What are your favorite hobbies?

Alessandra Guercio: Singing, dancing, acting, playing the piano, and doing family activities, playing with my brother and sister… and playing teacher.

L’IDEA: Do you like any specific types of dancing?

Alessandra Guercio: I could do hip-hop and they say that I am pretty good at it…

L’IDEA: Have you ever sung with anybody famous?

Alessandra Guercio: Angelo Venuto, in the occasion of Miss L’IDEA concert. It was a very nice experience. I liked it a lot.

L’IDEA: How do you feel every time you go on stage, are you scared or are you already used to it?

Alessandra Guercio: I get a little nervous, but then towards the middle… then, I’m fine.

L’IDEA: So, you never feel like you are going to mess up?

Alessandra Guercio: Sometimes, but not really.

L’IDEA: Do you see a difference in the way your friends treat you now and the way they treated you before?

Alessandra Guercio: Well, a little, yeah, I do. Not really that much, though.

L’IDEA: So, your friends, basically, when you met them, knew that you sing well and that it’s a part of you… Was there a certain age that you suddenly got involved with singing or were you always into it? At what age did you become famous?

Alessandra Guercio: It started when I was around five… (Alessandra seemed puzzled at this point, as if the question made her feel uneasy, and she took a long pause). I’m not really famous though. (Her face assumed a very serious expression and she gave the impression that her future life was very clear to her). I think as I get older it gets stronger, more shows and stuff like that, so, maybe one day I’ll be famous…

L’IDEA: You are famous when somebody talks to you about seeing you in the Daily News and on television... There are many different levels of famous; there is Frank Sinatra famous and then there are people famous for only one song. Think about it: I came all the way from Westchester to see you, so… Well, we know you play piano; do you know any other instruments?

Alessandra Guercio: Not really, no.

L’IDEA: Growing up in an Italian family, have you learned how to speak or understand Italian?

Alessandra Guercio: Yes, a little of both.

L’IDEA: What’s your favorite song on the piano?

Alessandra Guercio: I don’t really know… I like to make up songs a lot.

L’IDEA: So, are you thinking about making up your own music when you’re older?

Alessandra Guercio: Maybe, yeah.

L’IDEA: How many siblings do you have?

Alessandra Guercio: Two; a sister and a brother.

L’IDEA: How do you get along with them?

Alessandra Guercio: I get along pretty good with them. Sometimes we fight though, but we still love each other. Some other brothers and sisters, they fight and play tricks on each other, but we really don’t do that.

L’IDEA: So, they are loving arguments…

Alessandra Guercio: Well, I don’t really know about my brother, he’s still little but...

L’IDEA: What did your family think about you being a singer, going out and doing different shows?

Alessandra Guercio: Well they think… I don’t know what they think. (A large smile appeared on her face and after a long pause she proudly confessed her view on her family) I would say that they are proud of me and are trying to find more stuff for me to do, but especially that they encourage me.

L’IDEA: Do you ever feel pressured by them? Do you ever pressure yourself?

Alessandra Guercio: Not really, no.

L’IDEA: Who drives you around to all your shows?

Alessandra Guercio: My dad. (A splendid expression took over her face, illustrating her adoration for her father)

L’IDEA: What is your favorite food?

Alessandra Guercio: My favorite food is pizza. Not pasta, ever! SHRIMP!! Shrimp! That’s my favorite food.

L’IDEA: I saw articles of you in the Daily News. How do you feel about seeing yourself in publications that so many people read and on television? (Alessandra appeared on a contest on PAX TV and won it.)

Alessandra Guercio: The newspaper was a big honor, but I liked TV so much more… I don’t know… it only happened really twice. But it was “real” TV, live, not like if it was taped.

L’IDEA: Two times in TV and then the newspaper. It feels kind of weird and exciting also.

Alessandra Guercio: I believe that they thought I was really good and that certainly makes me feel as I am doing the right thing by singing…

L’IDEA: Is there anything that you would like to add?

Alessandra Guercio: I really loved my grandmother, Grazia De Cicco, who passed away… I hope that she is proud of me in heaven. She would really like to see me doing what I am now.

IDEA DICEMBRE 2004