‘Asian Americans have a place in music’: Singer’s emotional comment lauded by ‘Alter Ego’ judges

November 17, 2021

Korean American James Paek received a standing ovation after sharing his takeaway experience from the new Fox singing competition series “Alter Ego.”

Kingston Sol: On the Nov. 10 episode of the show, which sees the show’s contestants performing as their dream avatars, Paek took on a larger-than-life character that channels love and light named “Kingston Sol.” Along with his alter ego, he performed “Let It Go” by James Bay.

“Alter Ego,” which premiered on Sept. 22, is a game show wherein digital avatars created by motion capture technology appear onstage as the contestants sing backstage. The show is hosted by Rocsi Diaz along with Alanis Morissette, Nick Lachey, Grimes and will.i.am who serve as judges.
Paek is a 35-year-old artist and design researcher from Fullerton, Calif. For over 15 years, he has been a worship leader and speaking pastor. With his interests in technology and human-centered design, he worked on projects that incorporate innovation and social good in 2016, according to a bio on his website.
On Nov. 12, he shared a clip of his appearance on “Alter Ego” with the caption, “It’s this moment on @alteregoonfox for me 🙏🏼.”
“To my Asian American artist family, to those who are already doing your thing and to those who are dreaming of creating and sharing, you are beautiful, you belong, your stories are more than worthy of telling… you are gifts to this world,” he said. “To everyone, be on the lookout for amazing Asian American artists, storytellers, songwriters, etc. Their art will inspire you.”

The clip also shows a portion of the show in which judge Nick Lachey asked Paek, “What do you think you’re going to take away from this ‘Alter Ego’ experience?”
The judges stood up to clap as Paek answered, “I grew up in the ‘90s so will.i.am, Alanis, Nick, I grew up listening to you guys. But when I listened to the radio, nobody looked like me on the radio. And so part of the journey for me on this show is this: I would love to show the world that Asian Americans have a place in this space of music.”

Featured Image via @alteregoonfox

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