'The most talented girl in the world' reveals true male identity

Charice starred on Glee. Photos / YouTube and Getty

Back in 2010, singer and actor Charice was the brightest young starlet to come out of the Philippines, with a starring role in Glee and a US top 10 album.

Flash forward seven years and Charice is no more. Having undergone a drastic and very public transformation over the past few years, Charice has this week unveiled his new name: Jake Zyrus.

It's been a dramatic turn of events for the singer once described by Oprah Winfrey as "the most talented girl in the world."

Sunshine Corazon (guest star Charice) performs in the season premiere episode of GLEE. Photo / Getty

First discovered as a teen in 2007, Charice turned YouTube buzz into worldwide fame, appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and singing a stunning Celine Dion cover on The Oprah Winfrey Show that drew praise from even the singer herself.

Those early, headline-making appearances turned into a bona fide Hollywood career: Charice's self-titled 2010 album debuted at number eight in the US charts - making Charice the first Asian artist to reach the top 10 on the chart solo.

The same year, Charice appeared as Sunshine Corazon, a foreign exchange student and singing rival to Lea Michele's character, in Glee.

In 2012, Charice's appearance began to change - gone were the previous long flowing locks and girlie attire, replaced with short, boyishly cropped hair and more masculine clothes.

A year later, after much speculation among fans and the media, Charice came out as a lesbian.

It was in 2014, during a 'Where Are They Now' segment with old pal Oprah, Charice went a step further.

"I'm not exactly transitioning to a male, but basically my soul is male. I'm not going to change my body - I'll cut my hair and wear boy clothes, but that's all," he said.

Charice with Oprah

As of this week, 'Charice' is no more, replaced by 'Jake Zyrus' across the performer's official social media accounts.

It's clear Zyrus sees this as a fresh start: All pre-Jake posts have been deleted, as he announces his "first tweet as Jake."

My first tweet as Jake. Overwhelmed. Saw all your love comments and I'm so happy. Finally. I love you, everyone and see you soon.

— Jake (@jakezyrus) June 20, 2017

I won't let anyone ruin this moment. I won't let anyone ruin my happiness. Thank you to all the beautiful write ups about me.

— Jake (@jakezyrus) June 20, 2017

forever grateful. let's just love one another. i love you all. I really do. I reaaaaalllyyyy ddddoooo. 😔❤️

— Jake (@jakezyrus) June 20, 2017

Already an industry veteran at the age of just 25, it's unclear what's next for Jake Zyrus, but his fans are flooding social media with messages of support for the new phase of what has been a long, public journey:

Proud of you @jakezyrus! I'm sure many kids out there struggling with their identities will look up to you & feel hope for a happier future.

— { f e m i n i s t } (@feministph) June 20, 2017

I support you then, as I support you now, @jakezyrus. I actually think that's an awesome name. Stay strong. Thank you from all of us. pic.twitter.com/uk7w3XqUcd

— Shakira Sison (@shakirasison) June 20, 2017

Charice Pempengco is now Jake Zyrus. Respect. It's his choice and his life! 🌈

— 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐳𝐲 (@krizzy_kalerqui) June 19, 2017

The Charice we knew is now @jakezyrus, and we're supportive as to how he confidently identifies himself. Self-actualize and be happy! 🌈

— YLS (@YourLawyerSays) June 19, 2017