GLEE's Charice Pempengco Releases Statement on Her Father's Death

Charice Pempengco has canceled her upcoming concerts due to the death of her estranged father, according to published reports.

"I want to thank my fans from around the world for their support and love at this very difficult time for my family and I," the 19-year-old said in a statement today. "We are all very sad about this terrible tragedy."

Ricky Pempengco, 40, was allegedly stabbed during an argument at a market; the act appeared random, says Laguna province's police chief, Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz.

Charice started her singing career at age four when her mother, also a singer, discovered the pint size girl singing on a table. She went on to perform in hundreds of singing contests in Southeast Asia. One of her many fans ("Chasters") put one of her performances up on YouTube and a star was born. She first appeared in the US on the Ellen Show and then came to the attention of Oprah Winfrey and "Hit Man" David Foster, who signed her and executive produced her current album. In 2009 Charice appeared in the "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" film and performed the Diane Warren-written and David Foster-produced "Note to God," which had digital sales of over 110,000 copies.

Charice is currently signed to Warner Music Philippines.

Most recently, the pop singer reprised her role on Glee as Sunshine Corazon, an international student-turned-rival, in the second season of the show. Charice made her first appearance on Glee singing "Listen" from the movie musical Dreamgirls and "Telephone," originally recorded by Lady Gaga and Beyonce Knowles, with lead actress Lea Michele. Besides her stint on Glee, Charice also appeared in the action-comedy flick "Here Comes the Boom," which stars Selma Hayek.