Odia Girl Only Finalist from India In Black Swan Audition

Odia Girl Only Finalist from India In Black Swan Audition

The saying adversity makes one stronger’ is true for 17-year-old Shreya Lenka of Jharsuguda. Using the lockdown period to pursue her passion for dancing and singing, the teenager from Odisha has made it into the top 23 finalists across the world to be part of Black Swan, a globally-acclaimed K-pop girl group of South Korea. She is the only Indian to be selected by Korean Music Label DR Music.

After one of its performers left the group, Black Swan’s agency DR Music decided to hold a unique global audition in search of its fifth member. In view of the prevailing Covid-19 situation, the audition process took place online. Shreya was among thousands of applicants from across the globe who participated in the audition.

Being a K-Pop fan, Shreya used to follow the group religiously when she came to know about the online audition during the lockdown this year and applied. On July 3, her name was announced live by the remaining members of Black Swan on their YouTube channel making Shreya the only Indian girl among the finalists. Formerly known as Rania, Black Swan consists of four international artists. Apart from two Korean idols, the group comprises Fatou, a Senegalese vocalist/rapper, and Leia, a Brazilian-Japanese singer.

Expressing happiness over her selection, Shreya said it was a pleasant surprise for her when she heard her name being announced by Black Swan members during a YouTube live chat session. “I have received a mail from the agency DR Music confirming my selection. But as per audition rules, I can’t reveal much now,” she said.

Apart from Odissi classical and contemporary modern dances, Shreya has a keen interest in yoga. She has also participated in various events and won several awards. Having completed her Class X from DAV School, Jharsuguda, the teenager wants to excel in academics too. Her daily routine consists of hours of studies apart from the rigorous dance and singing practice sessions.

With the final round of auditions ahead, she is leaving no stone unturned in preparing herself to become India’s first K-Pop sensation.“I would request everyone to support me and help me achieve my dream,” she added.