Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Malea Emma
Malea Emma is a multifaceted artist who’s proving big things come in small packages. At just nine years old, she’s stunning the industry, making a name for herself in film, TV, and music. She’s made appearances on shows that include Good Morning America and American Idol, becoming the youngest Golden Ticket holder in the series’ history.
This summer, she released a powerful anthem, titled “My Hero,” for the frontline health workers who are helping to keep us all safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pop Culturalist caught up with Malea to learn more about her, her new single, and her upcoming movie, After Yang.
PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Malea: My parents saw me singing at [age] one, even before I could talk. I liked using a hair comb as a microphone. I stood on the bed and sang at the top of my lungs. Since then, I always sang anytime and anywhere. When I was three, my parents put me in a vocal lesson. When I was four, I was signed by an agent and booked my first acting job on a commercial for Jeep.
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Malea: Christina Aguilera would be the biggest influence on my singing. I’ve loved watching Christina’s videos ever since I was very young. I think her voice is amazing. But I also watch and learn from other singers too, like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Holliday, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, etc.
PC: Is it ever a challenge to balance your career and life as a kid?
Malea: School is always number one for me. I only go to auditions after school. I only take singing jobs on the weekend. If I book acting jobs, I take the independent study and continue school on set with the set teacher so I am not behind with my school lesson.
Outside school and my career, I can still do all the things I like. I play piano, violin, and ukulele. I like riding bicycle, scooter, and skateboard. I like playing soccer, kickball, and basketball. I also like watching TV, reading books, and playing with my toys.
PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Malea: I think the biggest moment that really stands out was when my video singing the national anthem went viral. That really opened so many opportunities for me. Because of that, I got invited to sing with Jennifer Holliday on Good Morning America, I got invited to meet Christina Aguilera at her concert, and I got invited to American Idol to sing in front of Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. They awarded me with the Golden Ticket for me to come back when I am old enough to compete.
PC: Tell us about your new single, “My Hero.” What inspired the song?
Malea: My new single, “My Hero,” is a reminder to all of us who are experiencing difficult times to not give up and have faith that someone will be able to help us to get through it. And in this pandemic situation, medical workers are our heroes. Therefore, I dedicated this song to all the medical workers who have been in the front of the lines against the coronavirus pandemic.
PC: You also have a new film coming out. Is there anything you can tell us about After Yang?
Malea: After Yang is a sci-fi family movie that is following a father, Colin Farrell, and his adopted daughter, myself, as they try to save their robotic family member, Yang (Justin H. Min). This movie is set in the future, when it is common for a family to have a robot as a babysitter. When Yang is malfunctioning, the family realizes that he is not only a robot to them, but he is really a part of the family.
Pop Culturalist Speed Round
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Malea: Go! Live Your Way.
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Malea: Sister Act.
PC: Favorite book?
Malea: Upside-Down Magic.
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Malea: Hamilton.
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Malea: Pili Pascual and El Purre.
PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Malea: Myself.
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