Showing posts with label Final 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Final 2. Show all posts

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Sylvia Ratonel's Idol Journey - The Performances


Sylvia's Idol Journey....
Finally I can post this!
I first started this post almost a week ago, but its taken til now to finish compiling all her vids, one was missing and I had to get it recorded, extracted, converted then uploaded in order to make this listing of vids complete. (In case you're wordering, I'm talking about the Spec 4 vid which is still subpar, but will have to do.)

Below, you'll see Sylvia's transformation throughout the season via her performances from Piano Shows all the way to the last spectacular almost 2 weeks ago. I've also included judges' comments as well as my own. Video borders are pink cos her colour for the Finals is PINK!

Hope you'll enjoy taking this trip down memory lane as much as I did compiling it...

Piano Show #2
'Mercy' by Duffy

Judges' comments :
Ken, in the earlier audition rounds, put his name at stake by proclaiming Sylvia as “Top 10 material”. She certainly did not let Ken down, with her kitty-sexy rendition of Duffy’s “Mercy”. Halfway through the song,Sylvia already had the other two judges and live” audience lapping out of her hand.
Dick Lee : "When you came on I thought, 'Eh the guest artiste came on already ah? That performance was great, you don't need to be in this show."
Florence : 'Top 10 material...its no longer a question."
Ken : "I think the viewers are beginning to understand that I'm never wrong."

summerr says :
Clearly a break-out performance. I liked that her transformation from 'auditions' to this show was quite dramatic - you have to agree, with the bangs, and smoky eye makeup - Sylsyl wowed.

Spec 1 : Chart Toppers
'Fallin'' by Alicia Keys

Judges comments :

Dick – You’re gorgeous! Easily the sexiest singer Singapore has seen.

Flo – The sex kitten has officially been unleashed. Boomz!!

Ken – Your last performance raised the bar and with this performance you have widened the gap.


summerr says :
I have to say, I actually forgot that she sang this song. Watching it back, I vaguely remember it, but I have to say, Sylvia looked gorgeous! Comments from the judges were good, so all's goode :)


Spec 2 : The Year I Was Born
'Sweet Child 'O' Mine' by Guns & Roses

Judges comments :

Dick – As always you look hot, but the performance was lukewarm. This genre is not for you.

Flo – That was not comfortable but it was an energetic performance. You will make it to the next round.

Ken – There was no improvement to build supporters. You need to be good every week, so don’t get complacent.


summerr says :
SylSyl has TWO brothers? Why did I always think she was an only child? She never talks about them. Anyway, I actually enjoyed this performance. No improvement or big wow from the week before, but it was enjoyable and entertaining.


Spec 3 : An Asian Feast
'Sinaran' by Sheila Majid

Judges' comments :

Dick – You chose a beautiful song and sang it beautifully. Week after week you own the stage.

Flo – It was delicious, delectable and delightful.

Ken – This performance was a lot better than last week’s. You don’t have a unique voice but you can stand out from the rest if you have a style of your own.


summerr says :
Back when I first did the review, I remember thinking Sylvia looked like she was concentrating really hard throughout the performance. Watching it again now, so many weeks on, I think she actually did a really good job. She had energy and covered the stage well. Well done girl, especially on a song in a language she didn't even understand!


Spec 4 : A Tribute To Michael Jackson
'The Way You Make Me Feel' by Michael Jackson

Judges' comments :

Dick – You can tackle all genres and you do it well. Tonight you were a little bit ok for me. You’re losing the fire; that was not 100% from you, only 70%.

Flo – Vocally you did not nail it but as a performer you have blossomed. You have become a star. Welcome to the Top 10!

Ken – Out of thousands, you have lived up to expectations. You will be in the Top 4!


summerr says :
Sorry about the poor visual quality of this vid, best I could do since this vid wasn't available on youtube. Anyway, I liked this performance actually, bearing in mind its not an easy song to sing. She certainly looked the part.


Spec 5 : For Someone Special
'When You Believe' Whitney Houston with Mariah Carey

Judges' comments :

Dick – Consistently you pick good songs and deliver them beautifully but you need to sing with more heart and emotions.

Flo – You sang with the confidence of a professional.

Ken – You were too pre-occupied with the lyrics of the song. You need to focus on the emotions.


summerr says :
Definitely would have to agree with the judges. She did seem distracted with roving eyes, but she did her best to put up a confident front.


Spec 6 : Mambo Mania
'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' by Whitney Houston

Judges' comments :

Dick – The others are strong this season. You’re strong too but I don’t think you’re fighting hard enough.

Flo – Too distracting of a performance, however I don’t think you’re in danger this week.

Ken – You gave the best performance of the season when you sang Mercy. Tonight it was the best performance it terms of pitching, but if you want to 'come back' you can't do it with a song like this, it was still too mild.


summerr says :
I have to say, watching it this time, I'm in total disagreement with the judges. I thought she did 'bring it' with this song. I enjoyed her energetic performance. On tv, it wasn't thaaaat 'distracting' thanks to the camera cut aways.


Spec 7 : My Folks Love This
'Warwick Avenue' by Duffy

Judges' comments :

Dick – It been a very long time since Singapore has seen a beautiful and talented singer. You’re very soulful and you chose the right song.

Flo – You went from zero to hero. I hope Singapore votes for talent tonight and keep you in the competition.

Ken – This is a comment for your supporters: they need to vote aggressively and keep you in the competition.


summerr says :
To me, this was her comeback performance. Its my favourite performance. I also loved her outfit and hair. Plus, I don't know if it was the pain from her stomach cramps or the fact that she'd been sick for the previous 3-4 days with stomach flu, but she looked....'pained' which suited the song perfectly. Loved it all la.


Spec 8 : Killing Me Softly
'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow' by Amy Winehouse

Judges' comments :

Dick – That performance was so sexy! I am completely blown away. It was a beautiful rendition.

Flo – You pulled it off beautifully. There is no reason why both girls should not make it to the next round.

Ken – I also think it was very sexy! Obviously you are better than the guys and deserve to be in the final 2.

summerr says :
Loved. It. So Sexy! :)

Spec 9 : You Asked For It
'Cry' by Mandy Moore

Judges' comments :

Dick – Very poised, elegant and sensational but I am not feeling the fire from you. I need more!

Flo – Your ability to emote is excellent. It was a heartfelt and powerful delivery.

Ken – I am glad you are able to sell yourself well. You can afford to take risk with your voice. Don’t be boring and play it too safe.


summerr says :
It always cracks me up whenever Sylvia says 'Certainly' to the judges. She's done it a few times throughout the season. I've asked her about it, and she says she always mentally kicks herself after she says it, and tells herself, 'hello you're not in a hotel right now!' <--hilarious!
Anyway, I thought this was a good performance. When Iz and I first heard her sing this in the vending machine room, it was pretty clear this was the song to go with out of all the song suggestions you guys sent in.

Spec 10 : Song For A Cause (In Commemoration of World AIDS Day)
'I'll Be Here' by Sylvia Ratonel

Judges' comments :
Dick – A very elegant, sophisticated performance, what we expect from you.
Flo – It’s a potential radio hit. It’s just sensational.
Ken – You are here on your own merits and deserve to be here in the Top 4 more than anyone else.

summerr says :
I liked this song. But instead of calling it 'I'll Be Here', I thought it shoulda been called 'I'll Hold Your Hand'.


Spec 10 : Song For A Cause
'Make You Feel My Love' by Adele

Judges' comments :
Dick – That was a very Sylvia performance, and I love Sylvia :)
Flo – A mesmerizing performance.
Ken – Best song choice tonight. Simple, not showing off, but sincere.

summerr says :
You know what, I take it back, THIS one (instead of Warwick Avenue) has got to be my favourite performance. The song is good, but its the way SylSyl sings it that made it great for me. I loved her phrasing when she says 'a million years', its so warm and reassuring.


Spec 11 : Step Up And Dance
'I Don't Need A Man' by Pussycat Dolls

Judges' comments :
Dick – It was a decent attempt. You got to give it a lot more!
Flo – Vocally you were not delivering. It was all right.
Ken – Not a song I like to hear you sing.

summerr says :
Not my favourite performance from Sylvia, cos I felt that eventhough she tried not to show it, one can see that she's preoccupied with remembering the choreography.


Spec 11 : Step Up & Dance
'American Boy' by Estelle

Judges' comments :
Dick – You completely re-deemed yourself! You picked a fantastic song.
Flo – I would be very proud to play that on radio.
Ken – Good choice of song. You’re going to be in the final 2.

summerr says :
This song is SOOOO Sylvia :) Aced it, even with the slip-up on the lyrics that no one really noticed *wink* - did you notice it? It was Dick's fave song, and HE enjoyed it :)


Spec 12 : Judges' Choice (both songs chosen by Judge Ken Lim)
'Angel' by Sarah McLachlan

Judges' comments :
Dick – In the entire season 3, this was the first time I was so completely mesmerized.
Flo – That was tender, moving and sincere. And if you don’t mess up in your next song, you will be in the final 2.
Ken – Wasn’t that a clever song choice! You can’t manufacture that kind of honesty.

summerr says :
Mesmerizing is the word. Elegant, riveting and oh so hauntingly beautiful - nicely done SylSyl :)


Spec 12 : Judges' Choice (both songs chosen by Judge Ken Lim)
'Held' by Natalie Grant

Judges' comments :
Dick – You’re very versatile. You can do any kind of genre and still shine.
Flo – I’ll see you at the finals.
Ken – It’s not an easy song to sing and you pulled it off.

summerr says :
I hadn't heard this song before and even after hearing it on Youtube and watching the video, the song left no impression on me other than that it was a fairly nice (although common-sounding) song. When Sylvia sang it, she somehow made it her own. She OWNED it. And it was so believable.

So, that was Sylvia Anne Ratonel's performances for this season of Singapore Idol. What did you think? Worthy of Top 2?

I certainly think so. Certainly :)
Love ya, SylSyl, all the best this Sunday! May the best talent win :)
xoxo, s.

ps. Next up later tonight (gawd, its Monday morning 7.12am, and I haven't slept!), Sezairi's Idol journey! Good night/morning all!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Roadshows & Working Thru Christmas

Gearing up for the finals - a schedule to die for -_-




















Don't get me wrong, your Top 2 are not complaining, not at all. Surprised initially, but not that surprised once you remember the Finals are just 2 weeks away! They're ready to give the next two weeks their all to gear up for what is to be the biggest show of their lives (thus far at least, I am hoping for big things in the future).

Think about it, when else will two (plus 10) 'amateur' singers get to put on a concert at the Indoor Stadium for an 8000+ strong crowd?

Only when Idol is in town.

And also in town (couldn't help myself, this pun was just too good to pass up!) your Top 2 will be, from now til the finals, there are four roadshow appearances and they are ....

TODAY & TOMORROW!
12 Dec 2.00pm Jurong Point
13 Dec 2.00pm Iluma - 8days 1000th issue roadshow

NEXT WEEKEND :
19 Dec 6.30pm The Heeren (with Mae, Justin, Nurul, Malaque & Amira)
20 Dec 3.00pm West Mall (with Tabitha, Charles, Faizal, Duane & Farhan)


A Packed Schedule...
In between these two weekends of roadshows, your Top 2 will be busy with profile shoots, at the Singapore Flyer, at sunset/twilight (sure to get amazing shots!), at home, all over Singapore, etc. On top of the gazillion profile shoots, there will be a gazillion sessions of choreography, vocal training, imaging and camera rehearsals (so many solos and group numbers to do!) at Indoor Stadium to attend and digest! I bet you they now alternate their mantras between *I am the next Singapore Idol* and *must find time to practice my songs*.

Dan & Young Lovin'...
They've got their last (2nd last for the winner) radio interviews with 987FM next week.
Wednesday 16 Dec, 9am : Sezairi
Thursday 17 Dec, 9am : Sylvia

So don't miss out these last radio sessions with Dan & Young next week. The following week is show week, so its full-on rehearsals the whole week through. If you want to stalk them you'll have to do so at Indoor Stadium. *stalkers are you noting this?*

Ok, thats about all I have on their schedule. I've got visitors in town again this weekend, so will endeavour to find time to blog. I won't even get to catch S&S at Jurong Point today :( .... wonder how this particular roadshow will go, especially with the crazy 'death-threat' see my next post.

See you at the roadshow tomorrow S&S! Oh, and shout outs to Mae (and cutiepie Mike) and my boy Justin who are all back in town - love you guys - can't wait to catch up!

xoxo, s.

ps. In case I wasn't clear in my first few paras, the Top 2 and other 10 finalists, are WORKING ON CHRISTMAS DAY ... 10am - 10pm - camera rehearsals at Indoor Stadium. :( so poor thing hor, shall do my best to whip up a log cake and drop by. Anyone else got the same idea?

pps. @siproducer - Sleeq for the finals, guest appearance, can? Just one song - 'Moviestar'! Maybe they can angle it and make one line 'Idol Stars' and intro Sylvia and Sezairi..... sorry ah, don't mean to play producer/director, just an idea to think about - support local talent!

ppps. @siproducer Are Idol alums coming? Daphne Khoo, Olinda Cho, Sly, Jonathan Leong, Nurul Maideen, Paul Twohill <--- would love to see them again.
*update* Daphne, Oli, Jon are confirmed not performing...*sob*....producers cite schedule conflicts (I'm thinking too costly maybe?) *ahem* Sleeeeeeeeeeeeeq!

Monday, December 7, 2009

TICKETS TO THE GRAND FINALS UP FOR GRABS!

Idol Finals.
Save the date.
You. Could. Be. Going.























I have 20 sets of tickets to give away to 20 lucky winners of a mini contest I'll be running! :) And I promise I'll make it easy - as long as you're a bonafide fan of the show, it shouldn't be a problem... I think ;)

Check this blog on Tuesday night, after the show to get the deets! :) For now, lets keep our eyes and twitching fingers poised for voting tomorrow night!
Final 2 by tomorrow night! Exciting not?

xoxo, s.

ps. Btw, I'm an avid believer of sharing the goods, so to increase your chances of getting to Indoor Stadium, tune in also to 987FM (Idol's Official Radio Station) and the Official Idol Blog - they've also got tickets to give away via contests :) Good luck all wherever you're trying!