The Death of Singapore Idol?

Is Season 4 a Myth?

A few days ago, Airi posted a link to a vid of the Flying Dutchman appealing to Channel 5 to change up the format of Idol so that viewers could get to know the contestants more intimately. Watch...

Basically FD's point is that to vote objectively, the audience/voters need to get to know the contestants better. He felt that Airi's passion for music and his intelligence never really came through on the show. I guess he has a point, considering that the singing portion is only about 2 minutes and the VT preceding that is probably about 90 seconds. In earlier rounds, both durations are even shorter.

Maybe the solution to that isn't less contestants as suggested, but a longer programme? Instead of just 1 hour, it could be 90 minutes. Looking at American Idol, they've got longer episodes at the start of the season (and tons more auditions episodes) that enables them to draw out storylines (plus their editing is more succinct la). Aside from the fact that they have a lot more content (so many OTT auditions), they also tend to do profiles from early on and spend much time developing those 'characters'. I found Season 8 of AI to be very 'developed'. Every single one of the Top24 were followed from auditions stages. So in a way, it wasn't so random - we were already 'prepped' to fall in love with Anoop, Danny, Adam, Allison, the two rednecks, etc right from the start, so in a way it was predictably who were the ones going thru - all of the ones they focused on (except for Tatiana, she's just there for her 'unique' laugh). Lets see what they do with Season 9 (American Idol Season 9 premieres on 13th/14th Jan, Starworld, Channel 5).

Btw, you all know who FD is right? For the uninitiated (or non-Singaporean), FD is short for Flying Dutchman. FD is a radio personality, he helms the morning show on top Singapore radio station Class95FM. He's also co-host of Channel News Asia's 'BlogTV', a show that covers hot topics discussed on blogs and the internet.

Last week, I was privileged enough to get an invite from the producer of BlogTV to appear on the show to discuss Idol. OMG, flattered can? I'm like so Ms Fail on cam (I bet they didn't see that shot of me looking down my own shirt on national tv (@maressaz watched it on replay a few times just to laugh) OR that shot of me and Justin hurriedly sitting back down in our seats to clap when the jib (crane) camera swung in front of us), maybe they want me for comic relief? LOL! (click to enlarge pic)

Anyway, as flattered as I am, I had to pass cos unfortunately, taping is on Thursday night, and I'll be in Hong Kong having my 'charchanteng' nissin noodles at the time - post-Idol 'family holiday'.

But I think I did good, made up for it by suggesting they give @izked a call, he IS the Official Blogger after all, and guess what - he said OK and so did.......SYLSYL aaaannnnddd....*drum roll please* Uncle Ken!!!

Its gonna be an interesting show! Telecast details are as follows :

Thursday, 7th January, 2010.

9.15pm LIVE! online at www.blogtv.sg

9.30pm ChannelNewsAsia (if you can't go online to watch)

So catch Judge Ken Lim, Singapore Idol runner-up Sylvia Ratonel and Official Idol Blogger Izked on BlogTV with The Flying Dutchman and Phin! I'll definitely be hunting around Tsim Sha Tsui for 'internet' tomorrow night at 9pm - maybe my hotel will have free wifi? Pray pray pray got!

Anyway, back to the 'death of Idol', I doubt there's been much talk about a Season 4 within the MediaCorp walls, based on experience from previous seasons, there needs to be a break of a year or two before any new talents can be 'harvested'. In fact, I actually hear a tiny bit more buzz about the possibility of 'X-Factor', or 'Singapore's Got Talent' but then again, until a press release comes out, I wouldn't start queueing anywhere.

Perhaps it IS time to hang up the old 'Idol' cape. Industry watchers in the US have been criticising Fox for what they say is a tired format that is losing its draw. So its no surprise that Singapore would feel the same. The 'Idol' franchise has been around for a good 8-9 years, people are not just familiar with it, they're almost 'over' it in most places. So I doubt changing the format is going to help. I think what needs to change, is people's attitudes. Contrary to what Airi said on the finale about 'more love than hate', working on Idol has shown me that people prefer to be vocal about their hate. It would be great if we all worked on the positive and the biggest positive for Idol is that its a great platform to boost to local music. Spread the love y'all!

xoxo, s.

Quickie Post : Top 2 - Interviews...

Quickie Post : Can't get enough of SylSyl and Airi?

Demand is sky high for these two, but they're stuck in the middle of a super-packed schedule, rehearsing for the 'biggest-show-of-their-lives'. But then again, can't disappoint the adoring public right? Last week, I mistakenly thought that was the end of radio interviews cos I didn't see anymore listed in their skeds, but lo and behold just found out today, your Top 2 are gonna be on 987FM again, Woot!

987FM Interviews on Dan & Young's...

Airi on Christmas Eve (Thursday) 9am

SylSyl on Christmas Day (Friday) 9am (man! the girl's workin' on Christmas Day!)

CNA TOMORROW!

But even before the radio interviews are happening, your Top 2 are gonna be on the morning talkshow on Channel News Asia TOMORROW, so tune in to CNA's Primetime Morning at 9am to watch! They'll also be dong a segment with Malay News (for Suria) tomorrow, but I'm not sure when that's goin' on air, will tweet it the minute I find out!

Burning questions?

Do YOU have any burning questions you want answered by your Top 2? Email them to me at summerrstv@live.com by the end of tomorrow and I'll try to get them answered by Christmas Day :) - maybe on video if they can spare me the time!

Ok, back to my BTS post (had to update you abt the interviews mah - important!), with vids on whats been happening over the last coupla days - vocal training, rehearsals and choreo. Plenty to watch!

xoxo, s.

ps. If you are still desperately seeking tix to the Grand Finals, check out my 7pm post later....I've got news...

Singapore Idol Hady & Idol Judge Ken on CNA - FULL VIDEO

Found Full Interview Video!

It was at the Prime Time Morning site! (duh!) Click thru to the site then click on the 'Singapore Idol' link next to the pic of Hady/Ken.

OR JUST CLICK ON THIS PIC LA! :)

Enjoy!

xoxo, s.

Hady Mirza and Ken Lim : Full Interview Details

Hady Mirza Talks Misconceptions...

Ken Lim calls Dick Lee 'The Mean One'

Flo No Show

So this morning, I rushed like mad to get the kids ready before 9am so I could plonk myself down in front of the TV all set for the CNA interview with Flo, Ken and Hady. My sources told me they'd be on at 9am on CNA.

--wahlao reading what I just typed I suddenly feel damn LOSER getting so excited about an interview on friggin CNA! But total 180 in a split second cos HELLO!! Its IDOL baby! And TOMORROW is IDOL DAY DUDES!!!!!! EXCITED CAN!! --

So in the midst of undressing one baby and dressing another and packing the school bag and wiping dirty MILO-stained faces, I was frantically glancing at the clock. Then lo and behold, one of 'em decides, 'I need to poo poo Mommy'.

Suffice to say by the time I was done it was 9.13am. I turned on the TV and it was Stock reports. I thought DIE missed it liao! I SMSed frantically to everyone I knew - DID I MISS IT?

Thank goodness, someone replied : 9.20lah ...groupie! (such a buzz word these days!)

Call me what you like. At least I din miss it lor. Btw, I thought Flo was meant to be there, but perhaps she got caught up with work ... we love her interviews - hope she gets on CNA later in the season.

Here's what Hady and Ken had to say :

Hady, very cute and looking very dapper in his glasses (must have said this like 20 times today already in various places - twitter, fb, sms etc) seemed a little tired (long night working on the album dude?) but cheery.

"My season was really tough, (but) for this season its gonna be even tougher."

About his role on the show, Hady says, "There's a misconception that i'm a co-host with Gurmit, but I'm the big brother, the mentor."

Hosts ask, which is more important for contestants this year, viewers votes or good review from judges? Basically who they should be performing to.

Ken : "You know what's the most important part? Its no secret. If you're good you're good."

He goes on to say what is important is that, "Singaporeans have to support local talents. At the end of the day its very good platform for them. It begins with you believing in yourself, working smart, and being prepared for all your performances."

Totally Ken, you always make so much sense. You are so Uncle Ken lor.

Next question to Ken : "Have you made anyone cry?"

Ken's reply : "No no i'm a very nice guy, the mean one is Dick actually." And he chuckles. That now famous chuckle. Like the one at the end of this trailer.

Anyone come out bawling and shattered?

Hady : "Yea yea for sure, its my job as well to give them a shoulder to cry on."

Ken : "One of the differences is Hady helps cos he's gone thru the whole cycle. He can help them, prepare them."

This year's show seems to have it all, a mentor, more talent, new twists to the format - how can anyone say this is not exciting? Haters step off please. You are ruining my buzz.

Ken : "The standard this year is much better and i think it will get better"

Timothy Goh asks about the number of judges this time. It was four last season, why 3? Will it work?

Ken : "You know the saying, too many cooks spoils the broth? Three judges makes the show smoother, tighter, less confusing for contestants."

He likened it to being in front of a firing squad and four different comments would serve more to confuse the contestants.

Ken : "I would suggest American Idol revert to 3 judges instead of 4."

Er hello, Ken where have you been? Paula's out, its only 3 judges for Season 9 - Randy, KaraD and Simon. Ok la Uncle Ken I give you chance, you so nice, and not mean like Dick (plus I doubt you are on twitter right? I follow Ryan and Perez :).

More about this season :

Hady : "A lot of weird characters, its really interesting." Yes, I have seen shots of Krauser and Deluded-Avril Girl <-- hello how deluded ARE you?

Some advice from the Big Brother :

Hady: "Have to stress to contestants this year, most important thing is to have fun

you have to treasure this moment. In my season I enjoyed it so much."

Yupe LODIs!!! Enjoy the journey you guys - its a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And even if you join again, it won't be like your first time you know?

Hosts now ask "From what you've seen so far, any talent?"

Ken :

"From the auditions I was quite surprised, different from last 2 seasons. We have very hungry contestants (this time). A little bit reckless, which is necessary to take chances and to be different." (woo hoo, I like this...reckless! Awesome! Its about time we saw some risk takers!)

"Its going to be an exciting season, its the best auditions we've ever had."

(woot woot!)

Hady :

"They are very enthusiastic, we're just worried if they will be able to last to the end. "

Ken : "Look at Hady he's still around - Asian Idol."

For most of the interview, Ken was affable, and relaxed, sat back in his chair, with arms crossed over his chest - cool and experienced. Hady looked a little anxious. But we don't care, we love you Hady!

To round off the interview, Ken highlights whats "gonna draw them(viewers) in" this season...

The elimination process is different from last two seasons. This season "judges will pick 6 out of the top 12." Plus judges will have the entitlement to save ONE before the finals, this is the 'Judges Save' like what you saw on American Idol (Simon, Randy, Paula and Kara saved Matt Giraud).

Once more Ken says, "Contestants are a lot more talented." (and they were allowed to bring instruments into auditions!)

Final change - "Results on the same day" (its gonna be MADNESS! expect thumb cramps from SMSing furiously! maybe they should allow voting via twitter!)

The interview ends cordially with a short video featuring Krauser, Deluded Avril and Ribbon Ah Lian.

Can't wait...less than 34 hours away!!!

xoxo, s.

ps. Sorry i'm a bit late, pics took ages to render!

pps. Please note that I was typing furiously while interview went on and since I'm not a court stenographer, I'm sure there will some 'phrase/word' inconsistencies with the actual interview. Will upload the interview tonight once I get it!

Hady Mirza and Ken Lim on CNA this morning!

SIngapore Idol Judge Ken Lim &

Singapore Idol Big Brother Hady Mirza

on Channel News Asia's PrimeTime Morning with Timothy Goh and Cheryl Fox

For those of you who missed the CNA Primetime Morning interview with Ken and Hady, check back here in half an hour for details (gotta transcribe first mah).

Hady looked wicked cute in his glasses (can I say VERY wicked cute). And Ken looked...smiley :)

He said, "I'm nice, its Dick who's the mean one."

Hosts Timothy Goh and Cheryl Fox asked all the right questions and a little more.

According to both Hady and Ken, talent abounds (what have I been saying for like A MONTH???) this season.

More deets in half an hour, promise...(and pics hopefully <-- cannot promise, dependent on supplier).

see you in 30,

xoxo, s.

New Singapore Idol Vid on Ch5 : Judge Flo

JUDGE FLO PROMO

Just saw this video like last night in the middle of the night on Channel 5 when I was chattin' away with Goodboy :) swappin' tragic stories and FRIENDS quotes!

I saw it from the corner of my eye and was like - huh, what was that...been searchin and searchin' and now ta-daaaa found it!!!

Wicked cute graphics - although if it moved a little slower we'd be able to appreciate it that much more! Barely caught the Gurmit pic at the start! Lovin' the Mona Lisa smile effect hahahah - HILARIOUS! Flo is such a sport!

JUDGE FLO on RADIO!

This morning , I was driving The Husband to work, and tuned in to Class 95 as usual (my default channel in the mornings cos I love the Vern-Glenn-FD banter - sometimes so bo liao!) and guess who just walked into the studio - Flo! woot woot!!

I love Flo. She speaks so well (yes I know former DJ, eh but not all DJs got such a lovely accent/non-accented English k!) and she's so very very nice. She and the two Uncles make a great panel this year, fine-tuned for sure!

Flo's visit to Class95 was super short - in and out in like 5 minutes! (Didja know she's the big boss at MediaCorp radio? Solid right?)

But the 5 minutes were good enough for me. She shared some goss : apparently there was a girl who made her cry. Uncle Stare-Down-His-Glasses-At-You Ken apparently decided he was bored and asked a contestant's entourage to come in and decide her fate for her - can lidat wan meh @SI Producer?

Then when the girl's grandma also came in, Flo said that Ken said 'Ok your grandma will decide' -- serious not?

Then they faced each other and grandma said, 'This is the first time I've heard her sing"...cue 'AWWW Moment' and Flo's tears start a-streamin'.

So chweeeet rite this story? Apparently it took Flo 15 mins to 'collect' herself and get back to filming! Must watch - hope its on Sunday's episode! If not, won't fret cos Ep2 is on Wednesday, 8pm, not too far away!

What else did Flo share..lemmesee...oh um yes, that the performance and results shows will both be LIVE on the same night and that Voting commences at the START of the performance show (not at the end like previous seasons)!

Not sure if that's the smartest move...what do YOU think? Should voting still start at the end of the show? Should we have Results on a separate day? Post a comment k? (SI Producer reads this blog hehheh, so am sure your opinions will be heard!)

That was the end of Flo's spot on C95, with Glenn giving a shoutout to producers saying next season should have FOUR judges and to give him a call. To which Flo said, four judges should be her, him, Vern and FD......I say Nay... I like Ken and his glasses. And DIck and his fab lapel pins/brooches.

Apparently Flo was on P10 earlier, but I didn't know, so didn't catch it - aiya! wasted!

Oh Idol powers-that-be, if you're reading this, tell la when you gonna have radio interviews - I wanna tune in can. I promise to blurb big big on my blog then everyone else can also tune in (sigh, Idol groupie tsk!).

btw, just found out : Flo, Hady and Uncle Ken will be on CNA's Primetime Morning this Friday, 7th August, 9am. Tune in for their interview and more goss on IDOL!!!! EXCITED!!!!

Lets hope the interviewers can extract loads of juicy info from the 3 :) Where is Dick? Morning call too early ah?

xoxo, s.