Alexandra Bounxouei

Lao pop star Alexandra Thidavanh Bounxouei is on a five-week visit to the U.S. with her parents and sister. The Lao-Bulgarian artist told VOA-Lao the main purpose of her visit is to hold charity concerts to raise funds for Lao temples in several states.

Besides Tennessee where the first concert was

Alexandra received a certificate of appreciation from Wat Lao, Nashville.

held in Nashville for the benefits of the Lao temple there, Alexandra has also performed in Ohio, Texas, and Minnesota. She is currently in Seattle, Washington, where she will perform on Saturday night for the benefits of the Lao temple in Seattle. She was also scheduled to hold concerts in California and Nevada, but had to cancel out of respect for her sponsor who met an accidental death.

Alexandra and family at Wat Lao, Nashville

The 20-year-old singer, already popular in Laos and neighboring Thailand, became more famous early this year when she starred in a Thai TV musical play, becoming the first Lao artist ever to break through the gate of Thailand's entertainment world. She now has her own Thai Fan Club.

In this exclusive interview, Alexandra discusses her acting and singing career as well as her upcoming concerts in Australia.

Click on our audio file to hear more of Alexandra's interview in Lao.