Charlotte Church sings her way to No. 1

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Charlotte Church has received her Christmas present early this year. Her third album, "Dream a Dream" is the No. 1 Christmas album in the United States.

Since the Welsh-born classical singer two years ago released her debut album, "Voice of An Angel," the 14-year old has sold more than 6 million albums worldwide.

With a Grammy nomination under her belt and a string of live performances from some of the most prestigious concert halls throughout the world, Church is hitting high notes with fans of all ages. Even Madonna's daughter and President Clinton are singing her praises.

Church is a veteran entertainer. She started performing when she was 3, and, by 5, was winning karaoke competitions. Seven years later, when she was 12, Sony Classical released Church's debut album.

CNN chatted with the teen with the angelic voice recently when she stopped by the studio for a special holiday performance.

CNN: Is it true you've had enough of being called an angel?

Charlotte Church: No, I don't mind that. I can't help mentioning it without kind of joking that my halo slipped, but I don't mind it.

CNN: It appeared to be pretty sturdy when you helped light the Christmas tree in Washington with President Clinton and his family.

Church: That was really really cool. I met the Clintons last year in July, and then I met them again in Washington a couple of days ago, and they were really, really lovely. Hillary gave me a big hug and I was talking to Chelsea, who was really sweet.

FEATURE Tunes kwazy and quaint, rockin' and religious Looking for some holiday music?    VIDEO Vocalist Charlotte Church performs a selection from her new album 'Dream a Dream' Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

CNN: Do you ever have time just to be a kid?

Church: Yeah, I do. As soon as I go back home and I'm with my friends and I'm with my family, it's just normal. I get the best of both worlds.

CNN: At Christmas, you're sitting around the family fireplace, do you get up and sing a little tune or two?

Church: Nothing. ... I sing for a living, I sing everyday, so when I go home, I just want to listen to other people sing. All the other people in my family sing, except for my parents. ... So I like to listen to other people.

CNN: What music do you listen to?

Church: I listen to R&B and hip-hop and stuff like that. I really like Destiny's Child, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott and Kalise. Jill Scott's my favorite at the moment, and I also like Santana and Whitney Houston.

...I love Madonna as well, and she was on a radio station in the (United Kingdom), and they asked her what her daughter Lourdes listens to. And she said, "She loves Backstreet Boys, but her favorite is Charlotte Church." And I was sitting there going, "Oh my God, that means Madonna has my CD in her house! This is so scary.

CNN: What advice would you give another little boy or girl out there who has an angelic voice?

Church: Well, it is quite hard for me to give advice since ... I've only had 14 years of life experience. I would say they should get themselves a good singing teacher -- even if they don't want to sing classical -- just to check that they're not harming their voice and that they're doing everything properly; and to just take things slowly, and try to ... get as much experience as they possibly can. Still be nice to people and not be big-headed. ...Just be really nice and get lots of experience.

CNN: Is there a fellow in your life to whom you sing sweet songs?

Church: No. I go to an all-girls' school, so it's a bit difficult, but I don't mind, because I listen to all my friends saying, "He cheated on me and it's not fair." I tell them, "It's all right, love, there are plenty more fish in the sea."

CNN: Did you choose the songs in this latest album?

Church: Well, generally it's me and me my singing teacher. ... Yeah, we chose about 16 of the 20 songs on this album.

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