Idol out : Mae Sta Maria

Bye Bye Mae :*(

We're now down to the Top 6, and its made up of 4 boys and 2 girls. Just two weeks ago, the stakes were even - 4 girls and 4 boys. But in the last 4 weeks, we've seen a girl go home every week....from Nurul to Amira to Malaque and now Mae.

Tonight's bottom 2, were arguably the strongest performers of the night - Sylvia and Mae. Was it a case of too little too late? Did Sylvia's soulful rendition of Warwick Avenue give her a slight edge over Mae?

Was Mae's beautiful rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow not enough to put her through when she had been 'safe' for a few weeks in a row now.

I was surprised it was Mae leaving us tonight. In all honestly, I was more worried for Tabby and Sylvia, considering they were both in last week's bottom 3 with Malaque. When Matt (the wubby) asked me during a commercial break who I thought would be going home, I said if Singapore didn't vote more, it could be Tabby or Sylvia. It didn't even cross my mind Mae would be on the chopping block because she'd been safe for a few weeks now, I thought her fanbase had grown....

The newly minted Top 6 looking super glum as they say goodbye to their beloved 'ta jie' (big sister, or as Faizal says 'kakak'). They have known each other for barely 4 months and are like family.

And I suppose many of her fans are wondering why the judges didn't save her. Personally I think its because there are still a few more weeks left to go, and if the judges use their save tonight, whoever they save may still be ousted next week. I think the Judges will try to keep that save for the last girl standing or to keep a girl in the Top 4, whichever happens sooner. But thats my 'educated' guess...

Perhaps we shall leave that to the conspiracy theorists and concentrate on Mae's exit post for now....

Here's Mae's exit song....

And here's a short goodbye note I got from her as she left for wardrobe. For her exit interview with Idol TV, check out the Official Blog (sorry was at the balloting session for next week's theme, so I missed out recording it while Iz was interviewing!).

Finally, here's a lil note from Mae's mom, Aunty Sandra....

Doesn't Mae sound/look just like her? She's such a sweetheart, so supportive of her daughter. Mae's so lucky to have her and I'm sure she knows it. In fact, I think the Top 7 are so lucky to have such amazingly supportive parents who love them so dearly. Tonight's show was so full of love and encouragement - it was really really heartwarming to see.

Well, an upside to Mae's goin' home - she gets to see Mike who is missing her something fierce right Mike?

See you back in Singapore soon Mae! And drop that album of yours while its hot! You'll always be a star in my book....*big big hugs*

much love to Mae, Mike and Aunty Sandra (you rock!).....

xoxo, s.

Quick update : Sylvia is SUPER SICK

Quick update from the studios...

'Mercy' singin' 'sex-kitten' Sylvia Anne Ratonel is super super sick today. On Monday night at the choreo session, poor Sylvia suffered from chronic tummy pains and was rushed to the doc's. Doc diagnosed her with a viral infection and stomach flu (ouch! the latter is very very draining!)

This morning, poor Sylvia was apparently still throwing up.

But being the determined trooper she is, still reported to MediaCorp today for the show. I'm hoping she gets some steroids, lots of water and some rest whenever possible today before tonight's crucial show (since she was bottom 2 last week).

Here's an alternative - howsabout we give SylSyl a rest tonight, and we call it a 'no elimination' episode and have everyone come back again NEXT week for a DOUBLE elimination? Clever not?

Any siproducers reading this?

Anyway, fingers, toes and limbs crossed for SylSyl to be better by tonight. And Sylvia fans - you got your work cut out for you - double your votes to keep her in in case her performance ain't 100% k!

Poor girl, get well soon babe...

xoxo, s.

ps. now we know why she din reply the email interview - she was SUPER sick :(

Parents' Choice tonight - some interviews & pics

3 Interviews, 3 sets of Pics & 1 missing Idol?

Backstories @ My Folks Love This

Wonder why the parents chose the songs they did for tonight's show (song choices are listed in the left sidebar)? See below....

(sorry ah, this post a bit rojak! just read on and bear with me k?)

3 sets of pics

Last week, I asked one of the producers to help me take some pics at each of the Idols' homes as they went to shoot their lil weekly profiles. Unfortunately they got so caught up, they managed to only get pics from 3 of the Idols' homes. I say some better than none right? Here's a lil peek into the homes of Charles, Tabby & Faizal.

Tabitha & Mom

Mr & Mrs Nauser (both good looking - Mommy looks like Ms Sri Lanka and Daddy looks like George Clooney/Richard Gere! - no wonder Tabby is HAWT!) chose the song 'Summertime' for the simple reason that its Mrs Nauser's favourite song! I say Mommy has good taste in music.... definitely a song Tabby can handle.

Faizal & Parents

Faizal's parents decided on 'The Reason' by Hoobastank for tonight because they feel that no one is perfect (first line of the song goes 'I'm not a perfect person'), and neither is Faizal, but his imperfections are what make him 'perfect' for their family. Everbody say awwww :)

We love Faizal just the way he is too!

Charles & Parents

Mr & Mrs Wong are so smiley :) no wonder Charlie's so smiley :)

They chose Corinne May's song 'Fly Away' for Charles because they love this song. Charles sang it at his grandma's funeral a while back, and he told me it made him cry. It is a beautiful song, and hopefully it will touch the hearts of many and keep Charles on the show.

3 Interviews

(thank you Mae, Airi and Duane who took the time out to reply!)

Mae's parents chose this song cos Wizard of Oz is her Mom's favourite movie :)

Mae says :

"It’s a classic song that they liked and when I was young I loved to watch The Wizard of Oz and Grease…..and I don’t think “Grease Lightning” would be a good competition songJ Hee hee. So they chose this oneJ"

1. Lets get to know the rents'...

Mom's Name : Sandra Vernie
Mom's age :55
Mom's occupation : A stay at home Grandma to 3 Grandchildren under the age of 4
(I just wanna say I met Mae's mum for the first time last week after the show and Mae is exactly like her - hand gestures, speech patterns...everything - its so adorable! Love Mae's mum, she's just the cutest!)

Dad's name :Hans Vernie
Dad's age :60
Dad's occupation :Bus Driver

2. What do you think of the song choice?

LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3. Whats your fave thing about your mom?

How I can tell her anything because she loves me unconditionally and will always stand up for me! Her heart is soooo big!

4. Whats your fave thing about your dad?

He’s very ZEN about everything, he’s taught me how to be calm and to LOVE…..

5. If you could choose a song to represent your parents, what would it be?

'I Saw Her Standing There' by the Beatles because my dad says it represents how they met and fell in love.
(isn't that the sweetest? You can tell Mae's parents are quite sentimental folk ya :))

6. How do you think the Idol journey has been so far for your parents?

I think it’s been a very hard journey for them because when they are not in Singapore, they feel a bit helpless because they can’t vote or watch it on TV live…but they’ve learned just to trust that they given me all the tools to be strong and independent. I love themJ

Airi's parents chose this song for him cos his Dad is a huge Ray Charles fan. But Airi will be doing the Jamie Foxx version of this song.

Airi says :

"My dad is an avid Ray Charles fan, he has old Ray Charles vinyls and he loves listening to jazz. He always blasts his stereo with jazz and blues music every night since I was born!"

1. Lets get to know the rents'...

Mom's Name : Rubiah Chayan

Mom's age : 47

Mom's occupation : housewife

Dad's name : Sezali Suliman

Dad's age : 50

Dad's occupation : despatch rider

2. What do you think of the song choice?

I honestly think its an honour to be able to do a cover of this song and I hope I can deliver it well. I'm sure if I could do that, it will be a good performance

3. Whats your fave thing about your mom?

Her positive attitude. Having to live with a replacement aortic valve in her heart and having to be on several types of medication everyday of her life has never stopped her from doing what she wants to do. She is optimistic and never fails to smile, anyone who has met my mom would say the same thing. She's my inspiration!

4. Whats your fave thing about your dad?

His passion for the things he loves, he's an audiophile enthusiast and will spend hours and days just to get the right sound. he's a perfectionist. (so THAT's where you get it from Airi!)

5. If you could choose a song to represent your parents, what would it be?

L.O.V.E.! (awww...psst I only the hi-five version!)

6. How do you think the Idol journey has been so far for your parents?

Exciting. I've never seen them more excited about anything else than this. Its nice to see them being so supportive

Duane's parents chose 'Imagine', the John Lennon classic because of its deep meaning. But Mom has chosen the David Archuleta version because it suits Duane's voice.

1. Let's get to know the 'rents :

Mom's Name : Ange Ho
Mom's age : '29'
Mom's occupation : Counsellor

Dad's name : Nelson Ho
Dad's age : 50+
Dad's occupation : Project Manager

2. What do you think of the song choice?
I like it. I made it my own cause I really liked the song.
(Duane will be playing the piano for tonight's performance :))

3. Whats your fave thing about your mom?
She's honest and she gives good advice.

4. Whats your fave thing about your dad?
He sends me everywhere without complaining. More sending back and forth between school and Mediacorp.

5. If you could choose a song to represent your parents, what would it be?
Flaws And All - Beyonce
(aww, what a great choice - love this answer!)

6. How do you think the Idol journey has been so far for your parents?
Unexpected and full of ups and downs. Fun nonetheless cause they get to scream their hearts out to support me every Wednesday. So cute!

Sylvia's parents chose 'Warwick Avenue' by Duffy because they want Sylvia to bring back the magic of Duffy's 'Mercy'.

Sorry peeps, unfortunately for us, producers didn't manage to get any pics at her place nor did she reply my email.

So to make up for that, here are some more behind-the-scenes pics of Sylvia from the trailer shoot, hammin' it up in her 'school uniform' with Sezairi. Click to enlarge :)

Lastly, apologies again that this week's interviews/pics are not 100%. Wish I could spend 24/7 with the Idols like Iz gets to, but unfortunately, this is the best I can do for now :P I was away for a few days (family stuff) and I already had Idol withdrawal symptoms - missed the roadshow, profile shoots etc...aiya and I missed them a whole lot!

Anyway, hope you enjoyed what I put together above, more posts to come today - busy blogging day for me - its IDOL DAY people!

xoxo, s.

IDOL DAY in LESS THAN 2 HOURS!

Performance order and voting deets are out!

here we go....

Opening the show is ...

Lil Faizal Isa

"The Reason" by Hoobastank

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

Each call/sms costs 60 cents.

Lil Sylvia Ratonel

"Warwick Avenue" by Duffy

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

Each call/sms costs 60 cents.

Lil Sezairi Sezali

"Georgia On My Mind" by Jamie Foxx

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

Each call/sms costs 60 cents.

Lil Tabitha Nauser

"Summertime" by George Gershwin

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

Each call/sms costs 60 cents.

Lil Charles "Stitch" Wong

"Fly Away" by Corinne May

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

Each call/sms costs 60 cents.

Lil Mae Sta Maria

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Katharine McPhee

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

Each call/sms costs 60 cents.

Lil Duane Ho

"Imagine" by John Lennon

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

Each call/sms costs 60 cents.

By the way, I love that Duane's closing the show with such a beautiful song, and I'm sure it will be a beautiful rendition simply because he'll be at his most comfortable - behind the piano. Looking forward to a great show....in about 22 hours from now :)

For the uninitiated...

IDOL DAY = Wednesday, 4th November

8pm Singapore Idol Performance Show

10pm Singapore Idol Results show

Voting lines open from 8pm - 10pm.

wheeeeeeeeeeeee!

xoxo, s.

ps. so glad to be back where wifi is stable! But missing my Daddy already :(

pps. *gulp* suddenly hit me that by the end of tomorrow night, only 6 will be left :(

Idols Love LEGO :) + Recap + awesome Trailer

Shucks.

Missed the Idols' roadshow at Junction 8 yesterday - heard it was a huge blast! Am so envious of all the folks who went. I just saw the pics - all bright and cheery - posted up on Facebook :) So for those of you who haven't seen the pics here they are - thanks to May and James for putting them up so quickly.

Looks like everyone had a great time at the roadshow :) Can't believe we're down to just 7 (used to be 13! They've almost been halved!

The VERY Adorable Lil Trailer....

Here's the awesome cool trailer for next week's show, featuring Lil Charles, Lil Tabby, Lil Mae, Lil Faizal, Lil Duane, Lil 'Boomz' Sylvia and Lil Sezairi :) CHO CUTE! Kudos to OAP5 for another job well done on the Idol concept trailer!

Don't they all look adorable? So cute right? Don't you just wanna adopt them? For a look at the Idols behind-the-scenes on set, click to my post about the theme here.

And here's a quick recap of last week's performances and results.

Watching the recap I realised something - I had no idea Sylvia was so tall! Or that Malaque was so short! I always had this impression that the girls are all about the same height except for Tabby who's super tall, and Amira and Nurul who were petite. Anyway bygones.

Can't wait for next week! Love the song choices (click here for my post on the song list), looks like its poised to be another interesting show.

xoxo, s.