SINGAPORE — Chinese pop singer Coco Lee is no stranger to being in the limelight.

She not only has 26 albums to her name, she’s also performed on some of the world’s biggest stages from Taipei to Los Angeles. She was also the first Chinese pop star to perform in the Oscars show in 2001. And last year, Lee was conferred the Most Beautiful Woman Of The Year award by Esquire Magazine.

This year, fans can catch Lee on TV, when she appears as the guest celebrity judge on Season 2 of Asia’s Next Top Model, offering tips on how to “work it” for the camera.

So it’s a little surprising, then, when Lee said that there used to be a time when she was quite shy being in front of the camera. Mind you, this is coming from the same person whose visage has graced the cover of many a glossy magazine.

“When I was young, I was really shy in front of the camera and I didn’t like taking photos,” she said. “But now, with the nature of my job, things are different.”

As guest judge for the TV reality show, Lee offered some valuable advice for the contestants.

“(Beauty is) about understanding your body, and your eyes ... some girls struggle with that. I told the girls, you have to flirt with the camera, and make love to it,” she said.

That is actually is a lot easier than it sounds, asserts Lee. “It’s really very simple. (All you have to do is) use a mirror and try out different poses — see what looks good,” she said. “It’s ultimately about understanding your body.”

Of course, it also helps to have a certain idea of what the shoot will be like. Lee added: “When I prepare for a photo shoot, I usually come up with a concept, and choose clothes that fit the concept.

“And I have to bring my music — all the Top 40 stuff gets me into the mood. I can’t live without my music.”

What: Asia’s Next Top Model Season 2

When: Tonight, 9.40pm

Where: Star World (SingTel mio TV Ch 301/ StarHub TV Ch 501)