18 hours to go..

It's Idol Day!

2am on Idol Day, I'm super duper excited for the show later tonight. The thought of the results gives makes me anxious, so I'm compartmentalising and not focusing on that so much, would rather focus on the amazing performances lined up for viewers all night.

Here's what we can expect to see...

Performance Show :

1. Look out for a very cool opening sequence. If you'd read this blog, you already know the opening song is a medley of I've Gotta Feeling-Bad Romance-Boom Boom Pow. What you gotta look out for is the very start of the show - there are gonna be some familiar faces to look out for, and also, look out for the chemistry between the Top 2 during Bad Romance :) Sizzle!

2. Look at the left sidebar to see what your Top 2 are singing.

3. Wardrobe! I am so blown away by each of the Top 2's outfits/styling for each of their songs. The opening outfit is okay. But the individual outfits for each song, especially Crazy, Yellow and Touched By An Angel (they both look like 'earthbound' angels) are just breathtaking. Your Top 2 really glow, they've definitely stepped it up since the last time you saw them 2 and a half weeks ago.

4. Voting lines open at 8pm and will be closing 15 minutes later than usual, at 10.15pm. Make those precious extra 15 minutes COUNT you guys! Vote for talent!

Results Show

So many things to look forward to!

1. Taufik Batisah is performing! Yes! Your very first Singapore Idol is returning to the Idol stage and performing his latest, a brand new song called 'Addicted'. I watched him during rehearsals today, still one of the hardest working people I know, and he's awesome. Slick dance moves, LIVE awesome singing, catchy beats and a sexy-killer wink to die for. MUST WATCH!

2. Hady Mirza is performing! Our very own Asian Idol and as Gurmit likes to call him, 'Idol Big Brother', will be performing his first English single, 'I'll Never Leave You Again'. Its such a beautiful song, you WILL be blown away, Hady's voice is amazing, AND he wrote this song. :) Hady also joins forces 'Idol Band' which includes a secret guest bandmember guaranteed not to disappoint, to sing 'Use Somebody' - very very good!

3. Idol alums from Season 2 are performing with some of our Top 12 - Nurul Maideen, Gayle Nerva and Mathilda D'Silva join Tabby and Sylvia for a cool 'Divas' number singing 'Free Your Mind'. And Paul Twohill and Joakim Gomez join Farhan and Faizal for a 'Boyband' number. Check out my previous link to watch rehearsal vids.

4. Charice Pempengco's guest performance.

The Youtube starlet who made it to Oprah's soundstage will be gracing the Idol stage for a mini-medley and her single 'A Note To God', which incidentally was recorded before by Jojo (Duane was the one who enlightened me). Little girl with a big voice, I've yet to hear her live, she's only comin' in today at like 4pm, from what I've seen on Youtube, she's sure to wow. I've gotta make sure I'm next to Amira to catch her reaction cos she's a huge fan (and probably also catch her in case she faints! LOL!)

5. Top 12's 'Spectacular Recap' Medley. The main themes highlighted are 'A Tribute To Michael Jackson' (Airi, Faizal and Charlie sing 'Smooth Criminal'), 'An Asian Feast' (Malaque, Farhan and Nurul sing Kylie's 'Chiggy Wiggy') and 'Mambo Mania' (Mae, Duane, Justin and Amira sing 'Hey Mickey'). I have no idea what Spec 'When Love Takes Over' is for LOL!

6. And of course, the ACTUAL results....

With so much to look forward to, how can you not tune in right? Spread the word, the Idol Grand Finals is gonna be a night to remember.

Producers are going all out - expect pyrotechnics, confetti blower and a crew of awesome dancers. Plus, with Indra's LIVE band (and Indra himself stepping up to the piano for a number of performances) and Ann's back-up singers, each song just sounds so much better and fuller. Its a full-on concert!

Those comin' to Indoor Stadium are in for a treat. During the half-hour break (when News is on), you'll get to experience LIVE performances by Tabby, Charlie and Faizal, and possibly Hady too!

Sidetrack, speaking of live performances, standing in during full dress rehearsals for Charice Pempengco today were Gayle Nerva and Mathilda D'Silva. Props to both for pulling off those big songs. Extra props to Mathilda D'Silva for a SUPER amazing adlib performance of 'A Note To God'. She didn't know the song at all, so while the music played, she made up her own song, and it sounded pretty good! She was also hilarious, hamming it up along the way! I have tons of vids to share, and they will all go up tomorrow night after the show. :)

Ok, thats it...gotta go now, its 3am....17 hours to tx.

OMG!

xoxo, s.

ps. To see behind-the-scenes pics, check out my twitpics!

Sezairi Sezali's Idol Journey - The Performances

Airi's Idol Journey ....

Yesterday morning I posted Sylvia's performance journey on Idol, today its Airi's turn. Like the post I did on Sylvia, I started compiling these vids about a week ago.

In the vids below, bordered in Airi's fan-support colour GREEN, you'll see Airi's transformation from musician geek to what Florence calls the 'cool cat', from auditions to the Piano Show, to the last Spectacular just 2 weeks ago.

Watch his journey, its starts with his very first audition in June, earlier this year...

Airi's original audition

Piano Show #2

'Sunday Morning' by Maroon 5

Judges' comments :

Dick felt his performance was a great start to the evening. Ken added that he makes for a very convincing backup singer, and that he is lacking in a strong presentation of himself to the viewers.

summerr says :

Taufik inspired him and he wanted to inspire others. I'd say you're there already sweets. I still get chills whenever you pick up the guitar and play this. Its a great song and I think Airi did it well.

Spec 1 : Chart Toppers

'You Give Me Something' by James Morrison

Judges' comments :

Dick – I like listening to your voice, its calming. However your performance needs to be more exciting.

Flo – I absolutely disagree with Dick. You were the cool cat tonight, there was nothing I did not like about the song.

Ken – There is no difference if you are in the contest or not.

summerr says :

I have to agree with Dick, I love the sound of Airi's voice, it is calming. And with this performance came the birth of Airi's 'cool cat' nick.

Spec 2 : The Year I Was Born

'Faith' by George Michael

Judges' comments :

Dick – Your singing was really good.

Flo – You were comedic cool tonight. I did not know whether to laugh or enjoy the performance. Seems like you were trying too hard.

Ken – You need to have a bigger ego. You need to start listening to songs that make you shine. You have a decent voice, and your tone is one of my favorites.

summerr says :

Well said, you have to have faith in yourself before others can have faith in you. I totally enjoyed this performance, from the interesting 'moves' to his pitch perfect singing for this song. I really liked this!

Spec 3 : An Asian Feast

'Jeritan Batinku' by P. Ramlee

Judges' comments :

Dick – I like that performance, you sounded very elegant and jazzy.

Flo – You added so much emotion to that song. (Can't believe Flo called him Sezali LOL!)

Ken – Thats your best performance. Good vocals, but you need to concentrate on correcting your flaws to realize your potential. There's nothing wrong with your singing, it is good, you just have to believe in yourself, I think thats lacking.

summerr says :

O.M.G. is the first thing I have to say. I'd totally forgotten how amazing this performance was. This song is so tough to sing and only the biggest stars in Malay music have attempted. Imo, Airi did P. Ramlee proud. Two solid performances in a row. Agree with Ken, that WAS his best performance up to this point.

Spec 4 : A Tribute To Michael Jackson

'Thriller' by Michael Jackson

Judges' comments :

Dick – You sounded quite cool but I felt you were trying too hard. Very pitchy in the high notes.

Flo – There is a cool quiet comfortable quality about you.

Ken – You have the most original style tonight. You are likeable, it was nicely done.

summerr says :

I don't know why some people even complained about this one, I totally enjoyed. It was fun to experience Thriller in a different arrangement. I thought Airi hit a new cool quotient with this one. Plus he was in his element with that guitar :)

Spec 5 : For Someone Special

'Ordinary People' by John Legend

Judges' comments :

Dick – You sounded great, great song!

Flo – That performance was cool sophistication.

Ken – You are the closest to being original. The image you creating for yourself is a bit dull.

summerr says :

I liked the way Airi sang this, it was so effortless. It was so cool and confident. He sounded great!

Spec 6 : Mambo Mania

'Play That Funky Music' by Wild Cherry

Judges' comments :

Dick – It was a very confusing performance.

Flo – You were a cool cat but tonight you became a wild cat. I miss the sincerity in your performance.

Ken – Tonight you were trying very hard.

summerr says :

Again, I enjoyed this performance. Vocally I thought Airi was spot on. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him go 'wild' and rocking out the stage. Like Gurms' said he 'rocked the house down'.

Spec 7 : My Folks Love This

'Georgia On My Mind' by Ray Charles

Judges' comments :

Dick – If Sylvia has the soul, you have the groove. You’re the musician of the group. Promise me to pursue music in your life.

Flo –Woohoo! The cool cat is back!

Ken – Do not fall into the self indulgent route.

summerr says :

Airi's Dad totally steals the limelight before and after the song when he proclaims his feelings for Airi, so sweet :) Ok, back to Airi's performance - spot on again! I totally enjoyed his groove.

Spec 8 : Killing Me Softly (song chosen by Faizal Isa)

'What Goes Around Comes Around' by Justin Timberlake

Judges' comments :

Dick – I wish you would be one person who did something interesting. Hope to see something more from you.

Flo – That song needed an edgy oomph which was missing in your performance.

Ken – Your biggest problem is you can’t bring in the emotions. You need to make your vocals more natural.

summerr says :

In his VT Airi says he couldn't 'wait for it to be down to 2' - well look where he is right now! I thought this was a great song choice for Airi plus he was back with his guitar, something I think everyone loves about Airi - him playing his guitar and being awesome.

Spec 9 : You Asked For It (song chosen by a fan)

'Virtual Insanity' by Jamiroquai

Judges' comments :

Dick – This is exactly the kind of performance I want to see tonight. Finally someone gets it right! You upped everything!

Flo – You look and sound unique. Crazy, sexy and cool! Everything came together.

Ken – How you sound should be how you look. You can easily be in the Top 3 provided you stop looking like a singing barber.

summerr says :

For many, including myself, this would be Airi's breakthrough performance! It never fails to my head bobbing and shoulders twitching, not to mention...a big smile :) love this Airi, and it proves that he doesn't need the guitar to shine!

Spec 10 : Song For A Cause (In Commemoration of World AIDS Day)

'Where Is The Love' by Black Eyed Peas

Judges' comments :

Dick – You’re able to make the song into your own style. Tonight it’s all coming together for you.

Flo – Risky choice and a busy song. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Ken – Very disappointing performance, too bland.

summerr says :

I was pleasantly surprised when he sang this cos I hadn't had a preview of it before the show itself and I had wondered how he was gonna tackle what is essentially a group song with just ONE voice - he did it, and he did it beautifully. He managed to make this group song a solo that worked and OWNED IT! There's a lot of lyric here and his diction never faultered.

Spec 10 : Song For A Cause (In Commemoration of World AIDS Day)

'You' by Sezairi Sezali

Judges' comments :

Dick – You created a lovely mood with the song but you were off pitch in the falsetto parts.

Flo – That was very romantic. No doubt you would have gained new female fans with the song.

Ken – You’re vocally competent and in a good position to go to the Top 3.

summerr says :

I have loved this song from the moment I heard it months ago in that lil vending machine room. It always gives me goosebumps. After the performance, Airi said to me he couldn't believe he couldn't hit his own notes (aiya one part oni)....but he was sick la. Anyway, its always the beautiful lyrics of this song that gets me...

Spec 11 : Step Up & Dance

'Mad' by Ne Yo

Judges' comments :

Dick – It just did not feel right for me.

Flo – That felt insincere, it just wasn’t you.

Ken – You are slacking, not your best and you know that.

summerr says :

To be honest I love it when Airi sings R&B. I think he did a decent job on this song. I had thought he had gone flat at points, but it could have been his arrangement. Watching it again now, I'm sure he made a coupla hearts flutter, especially in the last chorus/verse :) I totally disagree w the judges though.

Spec 11 : Step Up & Dance

'Caught Up' by Usher

Judges' comments :

Dick – Quite convincing, good try. Could have picked a better song. Your dance moves were pretty okay.

Flo – I thought that was another awkward performance.

Ken – Tonight it did not happen for you. You need to provide us with a significant performance.

summerr says :

I actually quite enjoyed this one with the dancing and the dancers. And with all the moves, his voice didnt quiver either, so I give him props for that - singing live and dancing is no joke . Good job Airi.

Spec 12 : Judges' Choice (both songs chosen by Florence Lian)

'Your Body's A Wonderland' by John Mayer

Judges' comments :

Dick – You have made this series quire classy. Its great to see you with your guitar.

Flo – You have every chance of getting to the finals.

Ken – Best male contestant of this season.

summerr says :

Flo picked the kind of song that suits Airi's vibe and vocal tone. But it sounded like he went a lil flat in places. But that mini guitar solo was cool and so was the adlibbing, cos the song basically doesn't go anywhere on its own, so he had to 'dress it up' a little and I'm glad he did.

Spec 12 : Judges' Choice (both songs chosen by Florence Lian)

'Haven't Met You Yet' by Michael Buble

Judges' comments :

Dick – It was the most perfect song for you. It was the essence of you. It was great!

Flo – You can’t fake likeability. Look at them, they love you!

Ken – Not sure if that was one of your best or better performance? Well done.

summerr says :

This is a great song choice. It gives Airi a chance to showcase his cheeky side (agree with Dick, 'essence'). Vocals were spot on, but what thrilled me was that he totally owned the stage (and Flo) in this one :) I actually loved this one more than Virtual Insanity. And I'm glad this is the last song of the Spectaculars for him. Now its time to up the ante at Indoor.

So that was all of Airi's performances on this season of Singapore Idol. Hope you enjoyed taking that walk down Idol memory lane with me.

Love ya Airi, all the best for Sunday, BRING IT! May the best talent win!

xoxo, s.

Idol Death Threats?! OMFG.

OMG! Deranged fan wants to assassinate S&S at Jurong Point roadshow.Unbelievable right? Never in a million years would I have ever thought an Idol fan would go to such extreme lengths to express their disgruntledness.

This piece of news has been buzzin' for a while since Wednesday when a crazed fan posted a death threat on Sylvia's and Sezairi's Facebook walls. I only found out on Thursday when I met them for keycheck. Apparently even the 8Days journos knew about the crazy 'Chatterbox' post.

With some help from Farhan, I found them on Sylvia's page. The ones on Airi's pages have been removed. Click to enlarge.

Do the Top 2 need to fear for their lives? I certainly hope not.

Security detail at today's Jurong Point roadshow has been beefed up. I hear that in light of this, the Top 2 won't be able to get too up close and personal with the fans today, just for safety's sake.

I'm not sure if producers have reported this to the authorities, but I believe everyone who's seen this post has 'reported' 'Chatterbox' to Facebook on top of slammin' him/her with comments.

Its unbelievable how 'deranged' (yes @JessicaCalixoxo, this is the most appropriate word for a time like this) some 'fans' can be. This fler's one step crazier than stalkerfans who are mostly harmless and just want to stalk you.

When I first heard about it, my heart thumped a bit harder. A sniper should be easy to spot right? And as long as everyone keeps behind barriers, knives and sharp objects are kept at bay.

Gawd. Thinking about it like that. Heart is thumping again. Security better really be beefed up for certain. To everyone who's reading this and is going to Jurong Point today, help keep a look out for suspicious people. Report them crazy deranged people to the authorities immediately k!

On the flipside, more than likely, this person's just all hot air and empty emotional threats. Understandable, his favourite just got dropped from the competition. *Before I go any further I'd just like to say, before you all go and start 'hatin' on Tabby' again, this is by no means her fault k? One 'unstable' fan is NOT a reflection of the artiste. Tabitha felt awful that someone who claims to be her fan was delirious enough to post something so distasteful on S&S's walls, and hopes all will be safe and well for them today.*

So back to the hot air. After reading the posts a few times, it really does seem more like an immediate emotional outburst borne from anger and loss. And hopefully this person has calmed down by now and isn't still on the rampage to eat babies and poodles. The fact that it was totally Anonymous also probably means that this person still wants to 'protect' their identity and themselves in the event they can't carry out their threats. (Wah, been watching too much Criminal Minds, I am definitely NOT a profiler, so will stop here.)

xoxo, s.

ps. Airi & Syl, bullet proof vests?

Congratulations to the Top 2!

Sezairi Sezali vs Sylvia Anne Ratonel

Comin' up in 2 weeks, the Idol Grand Finals have been dubbed the 'S&S Finale'. After 14 rollercoaster weeks of Live performances and Live results, we're now down to these two. Its a first in Singapore Idol history, a girl has made it to the Top 2. In fact, it was a first in SI Top 3 history two weeks ago - where TWO girls had made it to the Top 3. Times are a-changin', and I'm happy to say that all three deserved to be there.

I truly believed that regardless of which two would make it through last Tuesday night, they would be deserving, because all three have truly brought their game. This is my slightly overdue congratulatory note to the Top 2.

First call to order, big hugs and cheers for Sylvia & Sezairi! You guys have come so far, I'm so very very proud of you!

Remember these pics?

Look at them now. Poised and polished to a shine, and soon to be on the cover of 8Days!

Speaking to Sylvia now, she talks about 'strategy' and 'the right song choices', and its like 'wow', SylSyl isn't that blur after all....she has a strategy, its so refreshing to know she's not all just husky tones and hourglass figure. In fact, 6 months ago, it never even crossed her mind to audition for Idol, she had never before performed on a stage in front of an audience. 'Mercy' at the Piano Show was her first time. She confided, "I can't believe this is happening to me. My life was so normal before and now look what I'm doing. I was never in this entertainment industry before." Looks like you're a natural Syl.

Sezairi on the other hand has always been a focused musician. But now that its down to the wire, he's a little shell-shocked, citing he believed it would be an all-girl finale. But at the same time, he feels relief in a way, because he says his focus is no longer about getting through to the next week and staying in the competition. His focus is now on giving his best to put on the best live show/concert for the crowd at Indoor Stadium (and of course the tv audience).

They are both so ready to set that stage on fire and give it their all. TODAY newspaper quoted one of them saying that it will be an 'explosive' final. :)

Talking to them over keycheck the other night, neither of them even mentioned the word 'votes'. And realising that made me smile, cos I think this is the way it should be when you get to the finals, putting your best performance foot out there and KILLIN-IT, rather than obssessing about winning votes. And I so respect these two for their 'mature', 'big-picture' mentality. Good on ya S&S!

So what can you expect from the Grand Finals Performance Show? Well, Sylvia won the coin-toss and has decided to go first. Each will sing 3 songs. The 3 songs will be :

1. Best Song from the season

2. Any song of their choice

3. Winner's single

The performances will be Live and backed by a Live band (WOOT!!!!). For the 'best song' performance, each will be backed by dancers too.

The Top 12 will be opening the show, as per tradition, but the rest of the show belongs to the Top 2.

What can you expect from the Results Show?

Helluva lotta stuff. There will be a number of group performances from the Top 2 and the other 10 finalists in a myriad of combinations. Expect medleys, solos, duets bla bla bla.

There will be a number of guest performances too and apparently one much sought-after artiste who was on the Oprah show has given nods to perform - confirmation comin' soon. *hint* Amira will be crazy happy when she finds out!

Other than that, I've heard that a flash mob something or other could be happening too!

What else do I have to share...

Sylvia's fans will most likely be in YELLOW. Airi's fans most likely in GREEN. Izked's aunt may be supplying light sticks (I am being so random, but its true!). Oh and for the stage, I hear there are gonna be two runways that stretch into the crowd! <-- That would be awesome!

Oh and apparently there will be disco balls (again, another random fact).

Exciting not?

Sigh. Can't wait.

The big stage is just 2 weeks away now, so here's wishing my dearest Sylvia and Airi all the very best for a fantabulous show.

BRING. IT.

xoxo, s.

ps. Next post - song list for the Finals, hehe, you guessed it, I have the first dibs on what they're singing and the title of the Idol winning song, stay tuned :)

pps. ALERT! Wanna win tickets to the Grand Finals on the 27th? Follow me on Twitter and join the daily contest. 2 pairs of tickets given to 2 lucky winners every day. Contest runs from 12pm to 12midnight every day til the 26th!

Co-ed or Single-Sex Finale?

What a dodgy (almost typed doggy *tsk*) header right?

It was the shortest way I could come up with to sum up my thought. And my thought was/is, what kind of combo will you be sending to the Finals on the 27th.

In just under 11 hours, we will know who the Final 2 are. And I'm curious to see if it will be a Girl-on-Girl thing or a Boy vs Girl thing. And if its Boy vs Girl, WHICH GIRL?

The fight for the Top 2 spots are so close.

Five years ago, when we were at Top 3, I couldn't figure out who was going to the Finale either. I recall being at a Lime (now defunct) magazine covershoot where we shot not one, but THREE possible covers - Taufik+Oli, Sly+Oli and Taufik+Sly. It was consensus that it could be any of the 3 combos.

Well the buzz at that time was that Sylvester would be in the Top 2, but who was going with him? Yep, it did seem at the time that Sly had a lot of fans, he had beaten the odds week after week despite less than stellar performances. The word behind closed doors was that the recording company offering the prize were also very keen to sign on Sly too (which they did in the end), thinking his huge fan base would ensure album sales and a Mandarin album meant regional wings. So all signs pointed to a 'Sly' win....

Well, we all know how that story turned out.

Who knew it would be a landslide win the other way to the 'Soulman'? Perhaps it was the perception that the Sly fans were so strong that compelled others who never voted throughout the season to pick up the phone and cast a vote for the one that 'the general public' thought was more deserving.

The Top 3 dilemma..

I can't comment or draw experience from the second season as I was overseas and couldn't follow it. Anyway, originally I thought I could type my way through my thoughts and figure out at least ONE of the 3 that should be a shoo-in to go to the Final 2. But I've realised....nope, still can't single one of them out. Its THAT close. Tabby, Sylvia and Airi all have rabid fans. All 3 are very talented, equally talented in their own right, and are deserving of that chance at Indoor Stadium.

Will they deliver stellar performances tonight? I certainly hope so. Not just to keep the judges happy, but to reassure the rest of Singapore that there is talent and that the public has made the right choice in choosing them. I think tonight's show is possibly the most challenging, and rightfully so, since its one show short of the prize.

My heart's already thumping as I type this, I can't imagine sending off any one of the three. I really can't. I'm not even sure if I can get through the exit song - may trip whilst filming it on my phone since my vision will be clouded by tears.

Dammit! I WILL NOT CRY.

Cos I look damn unglam when I do.

Ok, anyway, voting lines open at 8pm. Don't get complacent, vote to your heart's content (or til your wallet gives out) and stay tuned for the results at 10pm.

Be sure to follow my tweets/twitpics from backstage tonight, I'll be at studio from about 6.30pm.

xoxo, s.

ps. Come back here at 10.30pm to find out how you can win tickets to the Grand Finals on 27th December.

Last Spectacular Performance Order out!

Spectacular 12 : Judges' Choice

performance order and voting deets are as follows.....

Opening the show for a second week running, Tabby will be singing Jennifer Hudson's 'Spotlight' first.

Next up is Sylvia's rendition of Sarah McLachlan's 'Angel'.

Airi's up next with John Mayer's 'Your Body's A Wonderland'.

After which the cycle starts again...

Tabby will now go fourth, presenting the Karyn White classic 'Superwoman'.

Followed by Sylvia's take on Natalie Grant's 'Held'.

With Airi closing the show with Michael Buble's 'Haven't Met You Yet'.

It's set to be an interesting show, challenging songs for all of them (like I said in my previous post, as of yesterday, they were still working out how to sing their songs), and lets see what the Judges have to say about their song choices and whether their Top 3 met their challenges head-on or not.

Here are this week's trailers to bring you up to speed in case you're wondering what's going on (hello where u been?) For more info on the song choice and watch original artiste vids for each song, check out my previous post on Song List here.

Here's a recap of what happened at last week's show just in case you missed that too. Pity that our usual go-to guy for SI episodes has not uploaded for the last two weeks :(...oh well...fingers crossed it'll magically appear tonight ya!

So now you know all the numbers, be prepared to vote like siao, this is your last chance to get your favourite through to the Indoor Stadium performance of their lives!

xoxo, s.