The show launched her career in music and entertainment; in January 2010, less than a month after the competition, she signed a full-time contract with national broadcaster MediaCorp, and sealed a recording deal with Universal Music Singapore in March of the same year Ratonel also became the first Singaporean celebrity ambassador for cosmetic brand Maybelline New York.
At the age of 18, Ratonel left home in what was a rebellious phase, and began visiting clubs and drinking alcohol.
[5] Under the persuasion and encouragement of her family, Ratonel decided to audition for Singapore Idol in 2009[6] albeit having no professional vocal coaching prior to the competition.
[7] On 6 June 2009, Ratonel participated in the auditions for the third season of Singapore Idol, held at The Cathay cineplex.
[8] Ratonel passed the callbacks and theatre auditions, with the judges' opinions divided on the amount of talent and potential that she possessed.
However, at the Piano Show round in September, she managed impressed the judges with her rendition of Duffy's "Mercy".
On 27 December 2009, she competed against Sezairi Sezali for the title of Singapore Idol, and finished the competition as the runner-up.
In January 2010, less than a month after Singapore Idol, Ratonel was signed on a full-time contract with national broadcast station MediaCorp.
[12][13] Prior to the end of Singapore Idol, Ratonel and Sezairi Sezali had already agreed to have each other as featured artists on their debut album regardless of who won the competition.
When Sezairi's debut album, Take Two was released in mid-2010, the track list was revealed to indeed contain a duet, titled "A Woman and a Man", with Ratonel as a featured artist.
[22] Later that month, Ratonel recorded a duet of "Come Home to 5" with Sezali, a promotional theme song for Channel 5 which has been airing since 24 December 2010.
According to her Twitter page, Ratonel has been involved in two charity events set to take place in July and August 2011.
[24] The musical was later revealed to be a Singaporean adaptation of Aladdin, with Ratonel playing the female lead role of Jasmine.
[26] This made Ratonel the first female alum (and third overall) from Singapore Idol to record an original national theme song, and the first non-winner to do so.