An Apollo winner, Asha Sing has also been a singer and back up dancer for Shakira and is now trying her luck to win a spot on the popular entertainment channel, E!, on their new show "Opening Act" through their Opportunity Rocks competition. She defines her music as American with a Bollywood twist. Find out more about this very talented musical artist who sings, writes music and is adept at playing different musical instruments.

How did you get inspired to get into music?
My family is very musical, my father is the middle of five children and my paternal grand-father was a preacher my mom on the other hand is the youngest of 13 and growing up every family member I knew was connected to music and to medicine. My family is Christian and church music and choir singing have been an integral part of my life growing up so music was something that came to me very naturally. My parents realized my passion for music when I was very young and they have been extremely supportive of me and always encouraged me to pursue it. At the age of 10, I started training in classical music and took opera lessons and have been part of musical shows all through school and high school. I have performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York with my school choir, was accepted into the prestigious 200-member All National Choir and am also an Apollo winner. I then decided to learn music professionally and thought of majoring in music and was accepted at the University of Miami, Berkley and NYU.

Tell us more about Opportunity Rocks and the Opening Act?
Opening Act is a new show that is part of the Opportunity Rocks competition on E! Opening Act will give unsuspecting singers and bands a chance to open up for more established artists. Past chosen acts have opened up for superstars such Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, and Jason Mraz! Participants have to send in videos of approval, and registered Facebook members will vote for contestants. Voting begins August 6 midnight PT and ends August 12, 11:59 PT. The top ten videos voted on will then go to the panel of judges, which include superstars like Jason Derulo and Martina McBride, who will make the final pick. My goal is to make it to the Top 10!

How would you define your music style?
I would say my style is American with a Bollywood twist. I am of Indian American origin, my parents came from India and growing up I have listened to those sounds and want to bring that to my music. I think my music assimilates both the American and the Indian culture.

What kind of music do you personally like?
I love pop music. I am also a songwriter and have recently written a commercial hook for the hugely popular Puerto Rican artiste Daddy Yankee, which will be releasing within a year. I love writing pop commercial music and I love listening to it. I think pop music is the hardest to create, take for instance Kolaveri Di - its main- stream pop music that sounds very simple but it became hugely popular. Presently my favorite band is The Civil Wars and their music is very pop and upbeat.

What artists do you look up to?
Career wise I look up to three artists Shakira - because she has successfully blended her regional music with an international flavor; Jay Sean - he is an Indian who grew up in the UK and his music represents a mix of the East and West (which I aspire) and Selena Gomez - I am inspired by the fan base that she has.

You were a backup singer and dancer to Shakira, what has that experience taught you?
It was a life changing experience; I performed with her in Miami when she was performing on the Wakka Wakka track. While performing with her I realized that I could be like her, but the Indian version and I am hugely thankful to her for helping me realize that.

What are you listening to right now?
I am listening to a song called Prima Donna Girl by Marina and the Diamonds.

A South Asian artist that you like listening to, apart from Jay Sean?
I am listening to Arjun, a UK based artist.

Apart from Jay Sean not a lot of South Asian, singers have made a mark internationally, what do you think is the challenge faced by Desi singers?
I think the ability to relate is a hug challenge that South Asian singers face. If you look at Jay Sean, he has become so popular because people of all cultures identify and relate to his music and there is an element of universality in his music, which is one of the reason for his huge success.

Apart from music, what else are you passionate about?
I am very passionate about my church life in Plantation, Florida and about my fellowship. I value my education a lot; I am going to college to get a degree in music business, because I know I want to make a career in music and want to learn everything about it. Many people who go into the music industry get carried away with the glamor and live in this alter reality, but I think educating yourself about your trade is very important.

To vote for Asha and help her gain a spot on The Opening Act click on the link below and vote for her by August 12 (Sunday) 11:59 PT! Hurry Up! http://www.eonline.com/shows/opening_act/sweepstakes/opportunity_rocks#main.

You could also check her out on Facebook.com/AshaSingMusic, Youtube.com/AshaSingMusic, Twitter.com/AshaSingMusic.