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[ARTICLE] Countdown to New Evolution Concert – D-2 ‘Dara’s Journey from Pop Princess to Pop Diva’
Dara is no stranger when it comes to being in the spotlight. Having been a star in the Philippines, Dara has the most stage & entertainment experience of 2NE1, and her growth throughout the years as a performer has been outstanding.
It was in 2004 that she came into the spotlight in the Philippines through the talent show, Star Circle Quest. Though the shy Dara auditioned for the show with the encouragement of a friend, over the course of the season, she would battle her fear of the spotlight to shine as one of the top contestants. Her performance at the finale of the show led to over 500k text votes, which helped her place 2nd in the competition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HGzSbTfngsM
Credit: arielloves12@youtube
Even though she did not win, Dara quickly became a top celebrity, appearing in multiple TV shows, CFs, movies, and even releasing her own album! She also sang her own and some of her favorite songs on stage, including this rendition of “Dadalahin".
“In or Out" MV from Sandara’s first album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_IKAPJSAiSQ
Credit: WolfAnimeGurl115@youtube
After officially leaving the Philippines and becoming a YGE trainee in 2007, Dara would be featured as an actress through a small role in “The Return of Iljimae" and appearing in Gummy’s “I’m Sorry" MV. The next time Dara would take the stage would be as part of 2NE1 in 2009. However, she did get the spotlight in a song without the other girls through a featuring in G-Dragon‘s “Hello" from his debut solo album, which was performed at a SBS Big idol Special Chuseok Festival.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HxXJpostW-E
Credit: sephorence05@youtube
About a month after her collaboration with G-Dragon, Dara released her first solo song since leaving the Philippines with “Kiss." Though the song was not promoted, it did well on the charts and the MV (featuring Lee Min Ho for Cass Beer) topped video sites, especially in China. The first actual performance of the song was at the 2009 MAMA, but Dara truly lit up the stage when she performed her solo at the Nolza Concert last year. Not only did she rock the red outfit, the “almost" kiss with her dancer made fans go wild.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Cwx4o4xj7ak
Credit: PerformancesLiveHD@youtube
The me2day queen has been dropping hints here and there on what fans can expect from the group at this year’s concert, but has been rather secretive on her potential solos. We will just need to wait and see what surprises Dara will bring.
It’s D-2 to NEW SURPRISES from 2NE1!!
While we wait, we want to know what your favorite solo performance from Dara is!
And be on the look out for the next look back, coming up shortly…
Credits as noted
Written by staff@ygladies.com
Written by staff@ygladies.com