After coming to Beijing for some brand promotion in July, Taiwan star Momoco Tao revealed that in the next six months, she will be doing some promoting, hosting, singing and acting. But her top priority will be getting married. That comment inevitably triggered heated tabloid speculation. After emerging in the pop scene as a singer, Tao really came under the public eye when she switched to hosting. After that, her singing, writing and acting talents only added to her reputation.
Momoco Tao as singer
In 1990, Momoco Tao recorded her first album Please Don't Cry for Me, Sky. Without any formal singing training, Tao was recommended by well-known producer Phil Chang, her older schoolmate in college.
Featuring a curious mix of maturity and childishness, Tao's style could be called light rock 'n’roll. The songs profile a girl characterized by self-confidence and optimism. But the ordinary-looking Tao wasn't all that well-received by the music scene. It was only five years later that Tao released her second album.
It was only after Tao became the hottest TV presenter in Taiwan that many of her previous songs began gaining popularity. These included Youth, Stand up Sisters and Feel Too Wronged.
In 2001, Tao toured Southeast Asia. By all accounts, the trip gave her greater insight into who she was and wanted out of life.
Momoco Tao said, "In the past I was very eager to be recognized. I was eager to tell everyone that not only could I entertain audiences as a hostess, but that I was also a good singer and song writer. Gradually, I understood that audiences need time to love me."
Now Tao's singing talent is beyond doubt. Her eighth album will be released in the coming August.
Momoco Tao as presenter
But it was hosting rather than singing that first brought Tao into the pop scene. In February 1996, Tao joined Taiwan TVBS to host the entertainment news. Before Tao became involved, the program had aired under the same format for three years, and had seen dropping viewer ratings. The vivacious Tao breathed new life into the program. She devoted herself to the stories without thinking too much about whether it would harm her looks or elegant behavior, traits essential to any presenter. As her program gained popularity, this plain looking girl turned out to be a hit with audiences.
The success brought by hosting the entertainment news spawned a series of programs specially created for Tao, the most popular of which was a talk show program with entertainment stars. Tao took full advantage of her many modes, which can range freely from moving, to joking, to critical. Tao's sharp words even reduced several stars to tears during the program. But despite her tough approach, celebrities still fought to get onto Tao's program because of its high ratings. They also enjoyed communicating with the smart and sincere personality. Tao has been honored as the No.1
Tao further expanded her career several months ago, when she joined the Taiwan Era News Channel to host a serious news program. Now she can make use of her college major in journalism.
Momoco Tao as writer
In addition to hosting and singing, Tao also worked as a writer for some time. She further showcased her literary talent with two books published last November. One of them is a fairy tale titled Story of Little February, a tale of how the month with the least days in the year is also full of happiness and love. The other book is called Little Eye, a collection of essays written over the past five years. The book covers Tao’s thoughts on love, friendship, sex, birth, and death.
Momoco Tao said, "I want to write more in the future. I’ll write detective novels and martial arts novels. I want to show others that I’m a serious writer, not another entertainer who just wants to publish a book. I will not put my photos in the books, either. If I can’t release albums someday, or be a presenter, I still have a pen, and a private world belonging only to myself."
You may ask how can Tao copes with taking on so many roles at the same time. That's just what this talented young lady is so good at.
