Vichayanee Piaklin, better known as Gam The Star 4, finally broke the popular TV singing competition run of male domination when she garnered the most votes and was crowned its first female winner. The 19-year-old is now living her dream of becoming a professional singer with the release of her first album Gam.

BK: How has your life changed since you won The Star 4?
Gam: It has been completely turned upside down. At first, I was in a state of disbelief about the whole winning thing. But everyone around me has given me encouragement and support. They have also taught me how to conduct myself in this business, so my worries are gradually easing. Becoming a singer and having my own album isn’t just my dream anymore, it’s a reality.

BK: How does it feel to be the first female winner?
Gam: Dazed, glad, proud…I don’t even know how to describe the bewildering mix of feelings when they announced my name. No girl has ever won a popularity competition like this before and it happened to be me. I’m so thankful that the viewers were impressed enough with my singing to choose me to be the “Star.”

BK: Tell us more about your first album.
Gam: It’s a dream come true for me and I really enjoyed working on it. The fans who watched me in The Star tend to think that I am just a powerhouse singer and can only sing in one style. But with this album, I get to show my other sides. The album features a variety of music from acoustic to pop, dance and R&B, to hip hop. I’ve also changed my look and hair style for the album.

BK: It often seems to turn out that the runner-up ends up being more popular than the winner. How do you feel about this?
Gam: I’m happy for Ruj [Suparuj “Ruj” Techatanon, The Star 4 runner-up] because we are friends. All I can focus on is doing my best on whatever job I am given.

BK: What do you think your fans love about you?
Gam: I think they like me for who I am. I am not beautiful and I know my look doesn’t sell. But when I am on stage, I always give my best and sing the best I can. I guess the fans appreciate that. And I am so grateful for the support they have given me. They don’t just love me, but they also love my mother and my younger sister.

BK: What’s your ultimate dream?
Gam: Now, I just want to make every day the best. But it would be great if one day I got a chance to sing with Beyonce. She’s my idol.