Charmaine Pelaez
Charmaine Pelaez | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Charmaine Dominica Pelaez |
| Born | September 7, 1986 Singapore |
| Origin | Singapore |
| Genres | Pop, country, acoustic, R&B, alternative rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano |
| Years active | 2005–present (music) |
| Associated acts | Stealing Sirens |
Charmaine Dominica Pelaez (born 7 September 1986) is a Singaporean acoustic guitarist, singer, songwriter, and former international footballer. Performing across alternative, pop rock, R&B, and country-infused acoustic styles, she established her public broadcast footprint as a contestant on national television talent series including Singapore Idol (2006) and The Final 1 (2013). Prior to pursuing music full-time, she represented the Singapore Women's National Football team and played in the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Premier League.
Pelaez operates as a solo acoustic looper, duo performer, and lead vocalist for the alternative cover ensemble Stealing Sirens. Known for her vocal versatility and country twang phrasing, she has composed original music since age 12. She maintains a long-standing live performance presence across Singapore's nightlife and luxury hospitality venues like SUPPLY & DEMAND Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands.
Early life and education
Pelaez was born on 7 September 1986 in Singapore into a Eurasian family of German, Portuguese, and Filipino descent. The daughter of musician parents Sandra Mary Kesslar and Wilfredo Triste Pelaez Jr., she was raised in a musical household and began experimenting with musical instruments at age two.
She began writing original songs at age 12, drawing stylistic influence from acoustic pop, rock, and classic country music phrasing. At age 11, Pelaez learned guitar under the instruction of her father. At age 14, she temporarily set aside regular guitar practice to pursue competitive athletics. Prior to transitioning into a full-time music career, Pelaez worked in the commercial aviation industry from 2008 to 2011.
Football career
Before committing full-time to music, Pelaez was an active youth and senior international football player in Singapore. On 7 September 2001, her 15th birthday, she made her senior international debut for the Singapore Women's National Football Team in a fixture against Vietnam. She represented Singapore internationally from 2000 to 2007.
Domestically, Pelaez played as an offensive forward for Bishan Arsenal FC in the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Women's Premier League and Women's Challenge Cup. Highlighted in official FAS match coverage as part of Bishan Arsenal's core offensive spine, she contributed goals during undefeated cup runs to help lead her club to the Women's Challenge Cup Final in 2007. She retired from competitive athletics in 2007 to refocus on her musical career.
Music career
Broadcast competitions and early career
Pelaez began entering local music competitions in the mid-2000s. In 2005, she won the Stagefight Competition at Zombie as a rhythm guitarist alongside her mother, lead singer Sandra Mary Kesslar. In 2006, Pelaez competed in Season 2 of Singapore Idol, qualifying as a semi-finalist in the Top 28 broadcast rounds.
In 2007, she reached the semi-finals of Powerjam at Timbre Substation performing her original composition "Beautiful World". That same year, she performed at Suntec City for the NUSS New Year's Party, as well as the National Day Parade events at Fullerton and the Great Eastern Life Anniversary at Singapore Expo.
In 2011, Pelaez won the Overtime Acoustic Challenge at Overtime Singapore (Holland Village and Dempsey), placing as first runner-up at the regional finals held at KL Live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Later that year, she reached the Top 9 finals of the Malaysia Music Festival at Cheras Badminton Stadium. In 2013, Pelaez entered Season 1 of The Final 1, advancing through audition rounds into the Top 40 finalists. Following her appearance on the show, she headlined an acoustic launch showcase at the Bonia Orchard Road pop-up store in May 2013.
Performance formats and venue residencies
Pelaez performs across several live setup configurations such as Solo Acoustic Looping by utilizing guitar looping pedals, layered vocal harmonies, country-style acoustic rhythm, and vocal percussion for hotel lounges, corporate galas, and private events and Stealing Sirens (Duo & Band) by serving as lead vocalist for Stealing Sirens, an alternative pop-rock and indie cover group performing in both full-band and acoustic duo arrangements.
Over her career, Pelaez has anchored long-term venue residencies, notably maintaining a continuous 12-year residency at Supply & Demand (Esplanade Mall). Her nightlife and venue portfolio includes Le'Noir, Bellwethers, Beer Market, Lavaedge, Acid Bar, SkyLoft, Paulaner Clarke Quay, The Club and Paiza Sky Residence at Marina Bay Sands. She also performs for festival features—including a two-night festival showcase at JW Marriott Singapore - Good Times at South Beach in 2026 — and regional brand functions for HBO Asia in Singapore and Hong Kong, the Nike She Runs 5K at Gardens by the Bay, and the HRM Awards at Ritz-Carlton.
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