Finding Her Voice, One Second Life Stage at a Time
There are singers in Second Life who can fill a venue with music, and then there are singers who somehow manage to make a virtual room feel like a real gathering of friends.
Vanellope is one of those singers.
Her journey to the Second Life stage wasn’t exactly a straight line. It began when she was just seven years old, watching her parents sing karaoke. It continued through singing competitions, church music, performing for thousands, leading bands, playing violin, becoming a wife and mother, stepping away from music for years, and eventually finding her way back to singing during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
Then came Second Life.
What started in 2020 became a new chapter — one filled with music, community, laughter, and plenty of unexpected moments. And if you’ve ever wondered what goes through a singer’s mind immediately before stepping onto the virtual stage, Vanellope has an answer that may have you laughing before the first song even starts.
For this SLInsiderGuide.com 1ON1, Vanellope talks about discovering music as a child, overcoming stage fright, her life in church music, why she believes music is fellowship rather than competition, finding Second Life during the pandemic, and one particularly memorable wardrobe malfunction.
So turn up the music and meet the woman behind the voice.
Finding the Voice
Let’s start at the beginning — when did little Vanellope first realize, “I think I’m supposed to be a singer”?
I was seven. I watched my parents sing karaoke, learned their songs, and soon realized. I could sing, and I loved it.
And just like that, the microphone had found its future owner.
You started singing very young and even competed in real-life singing competitions. Were you the confident performer, or the nervous one hiding backstage?
I was only 12 when my mom and her friend encouraged me to join. I’m naturally shy and afraid of stages, but I pushed through and won first place! That was the start of my journey, where I grew as a singer and learned more about myself.
Winning first place at 12 while being naturally shy sounds like a pretty strong argument for never judging a singer by what happens backstage.
A Life Built Around Music
You spent years involved with music in church and served as a music coordinator. What did those years teach you about performing?
At 13, I sang and acted in a program watched by thousands. At 20, I became Music Coordinator, leading 10 bands for five years. I also played violin in the church orchestra. All those years shaped my skills and my heart for music.
That’s quite a musical résumé before Second Life even enters the picture.
Your philosophy is “Music is a fellowship, not a competition.” What does that mean to you?
Music is a universal language that connects people across borders and beliefs. It unites and bonds us just like here in Second Life. I only compete with myself, to be better every day. Every musician is unique and important, the world shines brighter when we all share our own light.
That philosophy says a lot about the kind of performer Vanellope wants to be — not someone trying to outshine everyone else, but someone adding her own light to the room.
Finding Second Life
So how did a Filipina singer eventually find her way onto a Second Life stage?
In 2020, during the pandemic, our family business closed permanently. I had stopped singing back in 2005 when I became a wife and mom, but hard times brought me back. Second Life gave me hope, strength, and a new reason to sing again.
Sometimes a new chapter doesn’t arrive because we planned it. Sometimes life simply opens a door we didn’t know was there.
Do you remember your very first Second Life performance? Were you excited, nervous, or thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?”
Yes, August 2020 at Gonjaland! I felt excited and nervous all at once. Stage fright was real at first, but I overcame it because I needed to provide for my children.
From stage fright to becoming an established SL performer — that’s quite a transformation.
The Eclectic Singer
You call yourself an “Eclectic Singer.” Just how eclectic are we talking? What might we hear when we walk into one of your shows?
My dear friend Whisp gave me that name! It means I love and sing many different styles. I enjoy almost every genre — only heavy metal with growling isn’t for me, no offense to those who love it!
So there you have it. Bring the requests — just maybe leave the growling metal at home.
Is there a song you never get tired of singing?
So many! But I love uplifting songs and love songs the most.
And be honest… is there a song people request that makes you think, “Seriously? That one again?”
Never! I love every request, no matter how many times they ask for it.
That may officially make Vanellope one of the most patient singers in Second Life.
The Audience Is Part of the Show
What makes a Second Life audience special for you?
Every single one of you is special. Without an audience, there’s no show, no community, you are the heart that keeps everything alive here.
It’s easy to think of a live performance as being about the person behind the microphone. Vanellope clearly sees it differently. For her, the audience isn’t just watching the show — they’re part of what makes the show possible.
You’ve been featured and reviewed by several SL bloggers over the years. What does that kind of recognition mean to you?
It makes me feel truly honored and grateful. It means people see and value my love for what I do. For me, singing is never just about earnings , it’s about sharing my passion.
And that passion seems to be the common thread running through her entire musical journey.
Filipino Roots, Musical Influences
Has being from the Philippines influenced the music you love or the way you approach performing?
Definitely! Growing up, radio was my biggest influence — I listened constantly, and that shaped my taste and how I learned songs. My experience as a church Music Coordinator and worship leader also taught me how to perform with heart, purpose, and connection.
Radio, church music, live performance, and years of experience all became pieces of the musical identity she eventually brought into Second Life.
The Pre-Show Ritual
After all these years, what still gives you that little rush when you step up to the mic?
Honestly? I always feel the urge to use the restroom right before I start! Hahaha. I guess that little nervous feeling never fully goes away — but now it’s excitement, not fear.
Well, there it is. The glamorous life of a Second Life singer.
Apparently, stage fright may evolve into excitement, but the bladder still gets a vote.
When Second Life Gets REALLY Interesting
What’s one funny, unexpected, or chaotic thing that happened during one of your SL performances?
There have been so many funny moments! But one I’ll never forget: I accidentally clicked something, and suddenly my whole outfit disappeared — I was completely naked on stage! Hahaha everything just went crazy for a second!
Every experienced Second Life performer knows there are two kinds of live performances: the ones where everything goes according to plan, and the ones where Second Life reminds you who’s actually in charge.
We’re guessing that particular performance was memorable for everyone.
What She Wants You to Take Away
You say music can “soothe and mend hearts.” What do you hope people take away after listening to you?
My goal every single show is to give you joy, fun, hope, and peace. I want you to leave feeling lighter, happier, and knowing there is always something warm and wonderful here in our community to look forward to. Seeing you happy makes me happy too, that is the greatest fulfillment I could ever ask for as a singer.
And perhaps that’s the best way to understand Vanellope.
Her story isn’t simply about becoming a singer. It’s about finding her way back to something she loved, discovering a new community, and using music as a way to connect with people.
From a seven-year-old girl watching her parents sing karaoke, to a nervous 12-year-old stepping into a competition, to leading bands and performing for thousands, to walking away from music for years — and finally finding her voice again in Second Life — there is a lot more behind the avatar than simply a microphone and a playlist.
Connect With Vanellope
Want to hear Vanellope for yourself, catch an upcoming performance, or follow along outside the Second Life grid? Here are the best places to find her:
VANELLOPE’S CONTACTS & INFO
SoundCloud – Calendar – Facebook
Until the Next Song
Vanellope’s philosophy that “Music is a fellowship, not a competition” feels particularly fitting for Second Life.
Every venue has its own atmosphere. Every singer has their own sound. Every audience brings something different to the room. And every performance creates a little moment that exists only once.
For Vanellope, those moments aren’t about being the biggest, loudest, or most competitive singer in the room.
They’re about making people smile.
They’re about giving someone an hour away from whatever is happening in their real world.
They’re about hope, connection, fun, and community.
And occasionally, apparently, they’re about performing completely naked because Second Life decided it was time for a costume change.
If you haven’t caught Vanellope performing in Second Life yet, keep an eye on her calendar, follow her social channels, and catch her at a venue near you. Bring your requests, bring your friends, and maybe give her a moment to find the restroom before the music starts.
Because when Vanellope takes the mic, one thing is clear:
The show isn’t just about the singer.
It’s about all of us in the room.
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