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.

Idol Fanlovin'

Good mornin' & we're spreadin' the Idol Lurve....

I gotta hand it to the fans, you guys are just awesome. Week after week, without fail, you show up at the studio, at roadshows and at shoots bearing banners, books, letters, cards, gifts, food and so on, just to show your Idols how much you care.

Note to fans : food makes them really happy..and loopy! Cookies of any kind will be a hit! The double chocolate chip cookies were a huge hit - everyone had black teeth for a while - oh and Jessica Cali loves her Bubble Tea.

Anyway, this post was inspired by a very simple yet lovely poem that one of Sezairi's fans wrote to him. Saw it on facebook. Someone even sketched a portrait of him! (see Airi collage below)

Thereafter, a little digging on facebook revealed MORE fanlovin' in the form of fan-art...check these out.

But this Sylvia fan definitely takes the cake (not a real one, that one goes to the Sezairi fan who actually made a cake - see Airi's fan collage). This Sylvia fan has made car stickers to show her support for Sylvia! She's got stickers enough for TWO cars and one of 'em will be comin' to Caldecott Hill tonight for the show. How awesome is that? A fan made car stickers!

Props to the super supportive fans without whom this Idol journey wouldn't be much of a journey. I know each of the Top 3 are crazy in love with their fans and are still amazed that people they don't know on a personal level come out to support them week after week. I love how Tabby's fan made a 'Tumblr' pic that says 'reblog' if you love her.

One more reason why I love the fans - they make the atmosphere at the studio and at roadshows just absolutely crazy. Seriously, all the clamoring, camwhoring, flash-photography and name-screaming just makes the whole 'Idol' thing more...'IDOL'. :)

So here's a big thank you to the fans for all their undying support.

Its IDOL DAY peeps! 8pm , tonight, watch, vote, vote like mad, then results at 10pm, only on Channel 5.

xoxo, s.

ps. All credit for the above fanpics used belongs to the fans. I am merely 'borrowing' your artwork to illustrate how loved the Top 3 are.

pps. If you're reading this before 9am, don't forget to catch the girls on 987FM at 9am on the Dan & Young Show!

Short week on Idol

Its Monday and tomorrow is Idol Day already!

What a short week this has been. It feels like we've just recovered from 'losing' Charlie and adjusting ourselves to the whole concept of Top 3 and gawd, before you know it, even that's out the window, the buzz-phrase from tomorrow 10.30pm onwards will be 'Final 2'.

So what have your Idols been up to this 'short week' since last Wednesday night? With no roadshow or music video to shoot, you may have had the misconception that our Top 3 were resting on their laurels.... not so.

Thursday was a much-deserved rest day. But come Friday, its back to 'work'. A full day profile shoot followed by individual 'chat' sessions with Judge (Uncle) Ken Lim at his office made for a super long day. (and lemmetellyou, I've had the pleasure of working with Uncle Ken, and I've had work 'chats' with him before, and peeps, next to the word 'loh-sor' in the Singlish Dictionary, you'll see Uncle Ken's face there (probably next to mine hehe). Don't get me wrong, imo, he's very wise and worldly (yes he is!) and I totally adore him and have the utmost respect for him (yes I do, as I do Flo and Dick) - but the man has a way of lecturing you that needs you to commit at least an hour of your life in that white room he calls an office. AT LEAST an hour... I've never been in there for less.)

Saturday was vocal training. Sunday was choreography, more 'chats' and MORE vocal training (this week's songs are tough - as of yesterday's 2nd vocal training session, your Top 3 were still trying to figure out how to sing those individually challenging songs the Judges have dug up!) .

Izked and I managed to catch up with the Idols for a short yak and some makan at Chilli's on Saturday evening. :) It was awesome to just 'hang' for a while in between all the Idol business. The Chilli's people were awesome enough to show 'em some lurve and even gave us a special VIP bill! Awesome not? Its so nice to meet people who follow the show, and so here's a big thank you to the Chilli's managers and our two fab servers for the superb service - glasses always filled and tummies overflowing!

I didn't take too many pics cos, well, I wanted it to just be some 'laidback' time to hang with the Top 3 without constantly thinking about blog content ya'know? I left the picture-taking to Iz who's camera was flashing non-stop LOL! Keep a look out for his take on our 'idle-pig-out-session'!

Suffice it to say, it was quality Idol time for me at least. Its so surreal that the journey's almost over! While we ate and laughed and ate and laughed, I was mentally sealing the moments in my head cos it can't get much better than this! Poor Airi was in migraine central initially but he came round later and felt much better and it was all good.

Me and Iz picked up the tab - cos we love 'em right Iz? For me, it was just a small 'thank you' to the Top 3 for sharing with me their journey thus far. They've been so forthcoming (all the Idols have been) from Day One. Thank you for not minding my rushed interviews, constant twitpiccing, video-ing, long-windedness and my often MIA-ness (due to my other 'commitments') and always welcoming me with big smiles and open arms.

All you guys, have made this 'job' so easy and so fun! I can't imagine what it would be like if the whole bunch had turned out to be prima donnas!! DIE!

Tonight, the Top 3 will be attending a private screening of the upcoming movie Planet 51 - who says there aren't perks to bein' an Idol, this is what, the like 4th or 5th movie premiere they've been to?

After tomorrow night, the Top 2 can look forward to a full day covershoot with 8Days on Thursday, key-taking for the Finals on Friday and two roadshows this weekend (check the left sidebar). Idol business never idles for long (sorry, HAD to get that pun in here somewhere!)

xoxo, s.

Spectacular 12 : Judges' Choice Song List!

DFK choose for Tabby-Airi-SylSyl!

Yay, previously meant to be kept a secret,but after my persistent pleases and nudges, @siproducer has agreed for me to release the Judges' choice song list! Woot! Everybody say yea-ah! Time to sit back and take a listen, and get to know the songs your Top 3 will be presenting next TUESDAY!

Judges DFK sat down and discussed long and hard what songs they wanted the Top 3 to sing that would 'help' them connect with the audience yet challenge them because this is still a competition. Like Uncle Ken said on the show, they chose songs that will "give viewers a chance to get to know them more intimately" (read : emote).

Here you go peeps, in no particular order....

Dick Lee's two song choices for Tabitha Nauser are :

1. Spotlight by Jennifer Hudson

I can so see Tabby performing this song. Definitely something she'd be comfortable in.

2. Superwoman by Karyn White

This song is a little old and a great opportunity for Tabby to 'emote'. Lets see her play the 'long-suffering-victim-who-finds-inner-strength', which is what the song calls for. We've seen her 'act', so I would love to see her pull this off.

Florence Lian's two song choices for Sezairi Sezali are :

1. Your Body's A Wonderland by John Mayer

This song is so 'Sunday Morning' and relaxed, its right for Airi in terms of vibe. Its also a great opportunity for Airi to bring out the guitar again, something we love right? I'm hoping to see and feel his innate 'coolness' and just 'hang-out' with Airi on this one.

2. Haven't Met You Yet by Michael Buble

Cheeky song, which is also kinda like Airi's vibe. But I think this song is more challenging to present than John Mayer's. What I like about Flo's choices are that they are suitable for Airi's tone. They may seem like simple, non-competitive songs, but this is where Airi's challenge it, to make it MORE than just the average radio-friendly tune. And on top of that, use it as a way to let the audience in. Something the judges' have mentioned is lacking (although I disagree on most occasions) in Airi's performances.

Ken Lim's song choices for Sylvia Ratonel are :

1. Angel by Sarah McLachlan

A very emotive song. This one will be a challenge, but Sylvia's emoting skills have taken leaps and bounds since about 4 shows ago. So I'm think as challenging as this song may seem, she's gonna ace as long as she relaxes and believes in herself. She needs to just lose herself in the song and the music, and the emotion will come. There are so many vids of Sarah M singing Angel, but I picked this one cos it seems to be her most contemporary rendition of it.

2. Held by Natalie Grant

I have to admit I'm not too familiar with this song. In fact, I have no idea who Natalie Grant is.

The song's not too bad, pretty inspirational. I would love it if Sylvia could up the drama on this one and make it less country. I'm quite sure she can make it her own :)

So, now that you know what they'll be singing...what do you think?

Imo, it will be quite an interesting show next week, and I'm looking forward to seeing the videos before each performance as I'm sure they will showcase the judges on why they chose the songs and possibly some interaction between them and the Top 3 other than at studio.

As for the 'allegations' of 'sabo' I've seen posted here and there, to be honest peeps, I can't imagine why people think Mediacorp and the Judges are so evil and unprofessional. Sabo, rigging - aiyo ridiculous la.

Mediacorp isn't some back alley producer and the Judges aren't just some random people. Both are professionals in their area of expertise. The judges especially, do not deserve your disrespect. They have, after all, done good by sifting through thousands to select your Top 24. And despite what you may think of their comments on the show, they say what they do in the interest of helping the contestants.

Idol isn't a fly-by-night singing contest, its a purchased format that comes with a production bible and very strict production guidelines which include professional auditing under strict supervision. This is not some mom & pop show.

Sigh, but I guess conspiracy theorists will always abound right? And everyone has the right to their opinion. I just wanna say, lets state opinions constructively with less traces of dementia and malice k? Think. Before you Speak.

(wah, so naggy. sorry ah. but i was serious la about the disrespect thing.)

xoxo, s.

ps. will post again when I know the order of performance :) The Idols are about to arrive at makeup at mediacorp soon (12pm) and they'll be off to The Esplanade for their profile shoots thereafter - so stalkers - go find!

Idol Day on TUESDAY + 2 more vids!

TUESDAY...REMEMBER!

Next week Idol Day is on TUESDAY! Go change all your recording settings so you don't miss recording the LAST Spectacular of the season. That's right folks, next Tuesday's show will be the last one held at Caldecott Hill's TV Theatre. The set at will be torn down and never rebuilt again. The next show after that will be the GRAND FINALS on 27th December at the Singapore.Indoor.Stadium!!!!!!! Woot!!!!!!

Key Words to help you digest that info...

Last Spectacular

Judges' Choice

Top 3 to Final 2

TUESDAY. 8pm

8th December

Digested? Good.

And now for some vids that Ash recorded with his super hi-tech SLR (so envious).

Here's a clearer vid (higher quality) of Charles' exit performance. I watched it again and I still can't believe all those sounds came from one person with a mic. Uh-may-zingg!

This is a recording of one of the producers' interviews with the then newly-minted Top 3. They're all agreeing that next week's show will be intense. Airi also realises he'll have the male dressing room all to himself :(.... but its all goode.

This last one was shot just before the show started. As you can see, right behind that black curtain to the right side of the stage, its all a crazy mess of people walking about, Idols rehearsing their songs, producers, assistant producers, stage hands, just like EVERYONE la is there. Its always a crazy mess here. Notice Airi sitting in a corner, all quiet? He usually is like that before every show - cos he's getting into his 'zone', but last night, he was extra quiet cos he was feeling awful - like many contestants seasons before, he was sick, and had thrown up (not once but twice) - but was prepared to soldier on and deliver the best performances he could.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed the vids, thanks much to Ash for taking the time to film and upload them - musta taken forever (cos he started last night and it only went live maybe at noon today!)

xoxo, s.

ps. Remember! TUESDAY 8pm! (whahah, said it so many times it must be ringing in your ears)

pps. Don't ask why they moved it to Tuesday, just remember to tune in!

ppps. Well, if you MUST know, SEA Games starts on Wednesday the 9th, so clash in schedule, thus Idol moves a day earlier. (which also means a shorter week for producers to get the show and all its innards together!)

p4s. No roadshow this weekend ya....this one I dunno why. But I'm glad the Top 3 will have a short weekend break.

Next Week's Theme : Judges' Choice

Judges' Choice : Surprised?

These 3 certainly were...

Sezairi : Oh. ok.

Sylvia : Huh? Really ah?

Tabitha : What..nooooo.....

Producers and everyone in the know (that would include yours truly and Official Blogger Iz too) worked hard to keep the secret....a secret. The Top 4 were convinced next week's theme was to be 'Jazz'. They even 'spliced' songs and submitted song choices a week ahead, like they always do. Poor things. All that work....pfft!

In the meantime, its Judges' choice for next week's show and according to Uncle Ken, the songs especially chosen for each of the Top 3 were chosen in the hopes that the song would allow audiences to get to know the Top 3 more 'intimately'. I translate that to mean - more emotion please.

Song choices are confidential for now, but here's who chose for whom...check out these pics taken backstage, so 'prize-giving-' or 'cheque-presentation-like'! Each Judge chooses two songs for their Idol contestant.

Tabby's song choices are by Dick Lee.

I like this pic, just add a mortar board on Tabby's head and you have a graduation-perfect pic :) And Dick's the proud lecturer who just crowned her valedictorian! LOL! But that said, they both look good here - nice pic Ash!

Airi's two songs are picked by Flo.

LOL - Looks like a proud mummy giving angpow to her son on first day of CNY!

Airi's expression here is priceless! What song IS that? Flo, are you SURE you want me to sing this?!

Uncle Ken chooses 2 songs for Sylvia.

Can you beat SylSyl's expression? HILARIOUS! And add Uncle Ken's 'almost smile' face next to it! AIYO. I cracked up for about two minutes when I saw this pic!

Thank goodness for Ash's pics. I tried snapping pics with my phone when this was happening but I was shorter than the sound guy, the camera guy, the director lady, the producers, Ash, Iz (these last two are so tall and big they may as well be trees to me!) and basically everyone who surrounded the scene la. So I got me nothin'! Thanks again Ash!

I stayed on for keycheck thereafter to find out what the songs were and suffice it to say, every song that came outta there was totally unexpected. Its going to be a very interesting show next week.

In my opinion, the song choices shouldn't be kept secret, cos I love listening to the original and then imagine how each contestant would reinterpret it. Oh well, not my decision, but I'll keep bugging @siproducer about it - maybe can release one song choice? Please, please, pretty please? I'm sure everyone's dying to know what Uncle Ken picked for Sylvia. LOL. I mean, lookit her face. And Airi's face too! What could elicit that kinda expression right??

Suddenly 1 week seems a super long time. (but then again, juxtapose that against how quickly the last 11 weeks have flown by and well, I shouldn't complain la right?)

xoxo, s.

ps. I would love to see Tabby do a big broadway number, followed by a very simple, unglam, stripped down song, just cos I think we never get to see the girl-next-door side of her - we're always served up the Glamazon. Same goes for Sylvia, a simple, emotive, heartfelt song without all the frills is what I would love to see. As for Airi, I loved watching him dance last night, and a number that includes some moves would be a nice repeat. ;) but thats me. And my initials ain't DFK.

Next Week's Theme : Step Up & Dance!

Step Up & Dance!

Its time for the Idols to move you to groove! Thats right folks, next week's theme is all about the tunes that get your hips grinding, hair-flipping, shoulders shimmyin' and booty-jiggling! The Idols will each be singing two 'dance' tunes. For each one, one of their performances will be accompanied by professional dancers to heat up the stage - woot!

Here are some behind-the-scenes pics taken by James during the trailer shoot in early November (which is why you see Faizal and Duane there). Look out for the new trailer, coming soon on Channel 5 :)

More deets when I return from the studio...in the meantime...enjoy the pics and the rest of the results show...

xoxo, s.

ps. live updates via twitter :)