The Original Asians

Don't know those Asian songs?

Not to worry, I've done the homework for you....here you go, videos of the original artistes singing the songs the Idols are singing tonight (some are original videos, some are recordings of the original artistes' live performances).

PLUS the very very important voting numbers for tonight.

You have about 3 hours (from the time of this post) to skim through these songs and get into the 'Asian' mood (and memorise those numbers to call) - now get get get going!

Sylvia Ratonel

1900 112 1201 or sms '1' to IDOLS (43657)

Sinaran by Sheila Majid (malay)

Upbeat and fast-paced, not an easy song,but a great tune to start the night off with a bang if Sylvia pulls it off right :) Will she still be Ken's favourite tonight? And more importantly - will she keep her bangs down?

Duane Ho

1900 112 1202 or sms '2' to IDOLS (43657)

Dang Ni by Cyndi Wang (mandarin)

At vocal training, Duane needed a little help with his Mandarin diction. A friend's post on facebook seemed to indicate Duane doesn't sing Mandarin songs much - we'll see how he does tonight :)

Malaque Mahdaly

1900 112 1203 or sms '3' to IDOLS (43657)

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai from the soundtrack of Hindi movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai by Udit Narayan and Allka Yagnik (Shah Rukh Han)(hindi)

Way before even that 'remark-that-shall-not-be-revisited' by Uncle Ken, Malaque has always been a big fan of all things Bollywood (see her Asian week interview), and this song is so recogniseable - I'm just excited to see how Malaque will bring it - am expecting her to shine tonight!

Fathin Amira

1900 112 1204 or sms '4' to IDOLS (43657)

Bakit Pa by Jessa Zaragoza (tagalog)

Amira told me yesterday that she wanted to a Filipino song, this song especially, because she wanted to dedicate it to the victims and survivors of the typhoon that recently hit the Philippines. Aw, what a big heart on that small chillipadi!

Sezairi Sezali

1900 112 1205 or sms '5' to IDOLS (43657)

Jeritan Batinku by P. Ramlee (malay)

Airi told me he's always wanted to do this song. And he hopes he can do it justice, because only the best have attemped to sing it. He's sans guitar tonight - not sure if that's wise. Tough song, but if he pulls it off - it will be wow. Am wondering how the judges will react, considering they may not be familiar with P Ramlee's work.

Mae Sta Maria

1900 112 1206 or sms '6' to IDOLS (43657)

Nobody by The Wondergirls (korean)

I tried so very hard not to like this song, just because it was so irritatingly popular....I swear, one day it was actually on almost every alternate post on my facebook wall. But its just so addictive, and even my 4 yr old sings it now, I've grown to love it! Can't wait to see Mae do this one - she says she's added 'moves'!

Faizal Isa

1900 112 1207 or sms '7' to IDOLS (43657)

Hapus Ku by Nidji (malay)

I think Faizal is one to watch now. Week on week I feel he's improved and grown more confident, reminiscent of a certain idol before him.

Tabitha Nauser

1900 112 1208 or sms '8' to IDOLS (43657)

Ting Hai by A*Mei (mandarin)

With Tabby's power vocals, I'm pretty sure this song will be no sweat off her nose. I'm keen to see if she can present the emotions that this song needs for it to be a true winner.

Farhan Shah

1900 112 1209 or sms '9' to IDOLS (43657)

Teman Istimewa by Taufik Batisah (malay)

Unbeknowst to many, this song is a real challenge to sing - its fast paces and its arrangement calls for you to be pitch perfect all the time - which means you gotta breathe right. So if Farhan pulls it off - he deserves major props. I worry what Uncle Ken will say if he doesn't get it right (he IS after all, Taufik's boss).

Charles 'Stitch' Wong

1900 112 1210 or sms '10' to IDOLS (43657)

An Jing by Jay Chou (mandarin)

Am just waiting to see Charles at the piano killin' this song! Its gonna be awesome from what I saw at rehearsals. I just hope he remembers to open his eyes more and look at the camera so you too can 'feel' his er..feelings (LOL! ran out of words to use!)

Nurul Huda

1900 112 1211 or sms '11' to IDOLS (43657)

Made In India by Alisha (hindi?)

Only on Idol's Asian Week will you see a Hindi song close the show. Isn't that great? I feel so 'One Singapore' thinking about it. I love this theme - good luck Nunu (Nunu also loves Bollywood stuff like Malaque, so this should be right up her alley - wonder if she got those ankle bells she said she wanted to wear :))

Phew! I spent almost 2 hours on youtube searching, watching and listening to these vids and I must say it was throughly enjoyable. The songs that I weren't familiar with were a treat to watch, now I can't wait to see how the Idols will perform them. And the songs I am familiar with transported me back to the time when I knew them well. Awesome stuff :)

Ok, so now you know the songs, and you know the voting numbers, you're all set for Spectacular 3 at 8pm! Remember to vote for those you feel are deserving :)

xoxo, s.