Estelle Fly first made her mark as a member of Japanese idol group Sea*A, performing on major stages across Japan and sharing line-ups with the likes of Red Velvet, LiSA, Babymetal and Tokyo Girls’ Style. Since breaking away to pursue a solo career, she has carved out a vibrant path as a singer, content creator and actress—releasing original music infused with pop and R&B, starring in local dramas like Emerald Hill High, and hosting shows such as MTV Asia.
Drawing inspiration from K-pop icons and Western pop divas, Estelle blends international polish with local spirit, redefining what it means to be a modern multi-hyphenate in Singapore’s entertainment scene.
GRAZIA Singapore (GS): You started out in the ultra-structured world of J-pop idols. What was the moment you knew you had to break out and create on your own terms?
Estelle Fly (EF): There was a moment in the booth where I kept hearing, motto genki—more happiness, more energy. But I wasn’t happy. I was singing someone else’s version of me. That’s when I knew I needed to reclaim my voice—not just vocally, but creatively. Leaving was a risk, but it was also the only way to become the artist I was meant to be.
GS: What’s something you had to unlearn after leaving the idol industry—and something you’re proud to have kept?
EF: I had to unlearn the lie that beauty only looks one way. That worth comes from shrinking yourself. What I’ve kept is my gratitude—for the people behind the scenes, the ones who make the magic happen. And the ability to smile through the storm. That’s something no industry could take from me.
GS: You’ve lived so many creative lives—from idol to YouTuber, singer to actress. Does reinvention come naturally to you, or is it a fight each time?
EF: Reinvention isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. I’ve always believed in doing things before I’m ready—whether it’s voice acting, painting or creating music. Every time I reinvent, I choose growth over comfort. And even when it’s hard, I’ve never regretted choosing curiosity over fear.
GS: Have you faced any challenges navigating the music scene as a woman—and how have you pushed through?
EF: I’ve been told I have a shelf life. That my value fades with age. But here I am, in my 30s, feeling more alive and unapologetic than ever. I don’t shrink myself anymore. I’m not afraid to take up space. I turn every comment, every dismissal, into fuel. My EP ZONE is my answer—a full embrace of every side of me: playful, bold, sensual and grounded.
GS: How does your cultural background or heritage inform your artistry?
EF: As a Peranakan woman, I carry duality in my blood—strength and softness, grace and power. That lives in my performances. It’s in how I move, how I sing, how I show up. I don’t have to perform femininity—I inherit it with power.
GS: What does being ‘young’ mean to you right now—is it freedom, pressure, a proving ground?
EF: Being young now means everything’s louder. The noise, the pressure, the expectations. But it also means being brave enough to feel it all. The beauty of youth is in its honesty—the courage to dream out loud. And I hope no one lets the world dim that.
GS: Do you ever feel underestimated because of your age—or empowered by it?
EF: Underestimation is my favourite setup. I don’t need to prove you wrong—I just need to show up. And when I do? You’ll know exactly why I’m here.
PHOTOGRAPHY ZANTZ HAN
CREATIVE DIRECTION KELLY HSU
PRODUCER CHERYL LAI-LIM
STYLING TOK WEI LUN
HAIR & MAKEUP KAT ZHANG / THE SUBURBS STUDIO
VIDEOGRAPHERS JAYA KHIDIR AND SHERMAN SEE-THO
STYLING ASSISTANT CRYSTAL LIM
HAIR & MAKEUP ASSISTANTS NICOLE ANG AND SVETA KLYN / THE SUBURBS STUDIO
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS MICHELLE YAP AND PENG SHENG
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