Broken, The Music Video

LOVE.IT.

Last night, just before the news Channel 5 unveiled the much anticipated music video for Idol #3's latest single 'Broken'. Already the song has been receiving much support on the airwaves, with Class 95 playing it up quite a fair bit (thank you!!) and its also climbing the 91.3 charts.

Its been sooo long since we've seen Airi on tv and its great to see him looking all worthy of his Idol title in this slick video, with this great and very radio-friendly song. Reminds me of the way I felt about Taufik's 'One Last' (the first single out after 'I Dream', I kept it on loop for like, forevah!)

Anyhoo, check out the video, produced by the talented OAP5 producers (love the hanging naked bulbs woot!), and vote for the alternate ending you prefer at www.facebook.com/mediacorpch5 or www.youtube.com/universalmusicsg2010.

Most of all, sit back and enjoy!

So how? You likey?

Personally, I like Ending 2 better. Kinda leaves things hanging, not your typical happy ending, most likely she won't find the letter/song.

Here are some of my fave shots from the video....

I absolutely loved the naked hanging lightbulbs. LOVE IT! I actually suggested to Airi that his music video have these hanging lightbulbs swaying in the wind and well, doubt it happened because of me, but it woulda been nice if it was haha.

I love the shots of the drums, the beat of the song is one of the best things about it, it grounds the melody (imo anyway). Btw, the drummer in the video is one of Airi's good friends. He's also one of the awesomest drummers I've ever seen play, and I had the privilege of watching one of their mini jam sessions - v. cool.

I like this shot for so many reasons. The colour of the wall totally helps break up the monotony of colour in the rest of the video which is mostly black/white/plain (which is simple and great, because the focus should be on the song). And I love that he's surrounded by 'equipment' - so music lor. Coulda done without the IKEA chair. Maybe a wooden, more er, rustic chair woulda looked better?

Who out there tried out for the casting call looking for 'Eurasian girls between 17 - 21 for a Ch5 music video? So obvious riiiight? :)

So did everyone think Amelia made the cut? Believable as Airi's love interest? Imo, not many shots of them together so couldn't really tell. Most of the shots of her were very 'Ghost Whisperer'-like to me. She is definitely pretty though.

This is definitely one of the best shots for me cos it actually shows them together, and you're given a sense of their chemistry, however, in this particular frame it looks like Airi's really pissed like "Hello-oh, I said I'm sorry already la, what else you want me to do....wahlaueh!"... and she's just stoning in that 'Melinda' way (I'm sure she was directed to stare into space and be indifferent).

Here's the 'Ghost Whisperer' shot... 'broken promises' written on the misty window.

And the follow up shot where the 'human' touches where the ghost once wrote.

The window thing was a nice touch. And, so, 0k, not to take the piss, silly GW comments aside, it was a really nicely shot video. I totally enjoyed it and I'm so happy that Channel 5 decided to produce one for Airi. Its sad that Taufik never really got a good music video for his first single (post win), so yay for Airi! And in that vein, one more shot of our Idol, singing his heart out for us. Can't wait for the next single to arrive - please Channel 5 make sure he has another video to go with! :)

xoxo, s.

ps. voting closes 12th May at midnight, so if you haven't cast your vote, go do so at the links above.

I Heart Broken

Not A Broken Record.

I'm in trouble. I think I'm seriously addicted to Airi's single 'Broken'. I know I sound like a broken record, pun intended, but I just love the song! I've also gotten a few offices-full of people addicted to it, and in KL mind you! My cousin, three friends and their colleagues - thats about 30+ people - have given me the thumbs up, a few of them have had it on loop for a few days now, citing they thought it was some international artiste....my reply - "Got standard right?"

Even when I can't sing it outloud cos everyone in the house is asleep, I plug my headphones in, put it on loop, close my eyes and mute-lipsync my heart out. Its just such a great tune, but the best part about it, apart from Airi's crooner delivery, are the lyrics and emotion conveyed.

And if its anything to go by, the album coming out in just over a month's time will be something worth looking forward to.

I've sung this song to myself so many times I thought I'd just do everyone the service of putting out the lyrics so you can sing along too. This player I found online automatically loops it - perfect!

No copyright infringement intended, just a fan/friend sharing her love for another friend's music. If you like music, support the artiste, please go buy it from your telco or the Nokia music store (like I did :).

Broken by Sezairi Sezali

VERSE 1:

dropped of your keys last night

the front door still unpainted

you were polite like ice

i, once could met it

you took our pictures down

and you left them on the ground

its like you wiped all the mem'ries

of what we used to be...

you and me before it all crashed down

CHORUS:

and i know i never told you

that i love you

now its all too late

and i don't know how to hold you

but i want to

i don't want to leave this way

all i know

is broken

VERSE 2:

i heard your voice break when you said

"well i hope you're happy"

nothin' to say i'll stare straight into my coffee

then the conversation changed

how we talked around the blame

and the pain of losin'

all of the good times lost

when it all crashed down

CHORUS:

And i know i never told you

that i love you

now its all too late

and i don't know how to hold you

but i want to

i don't want to leave this way

all i know...

is broken...

BRIDGE:

well i'm here if you need me

i know you don't believe me

well i'm so sorry

for all the pain i've caused

Ho-oohhhhh

CHORUS :

and i know i've never told you

that i love you

now its all too late

and i don't know how to hold you

but i want to

i don't want to leave this way

all i know...

is broken...

Ho-oh...

xoxo, s.

Airi's 1st Single Is Here (1st look) + Sylvia gets signed!

"Broken" by Sezairi Sezali

Sorry I've been in the rabbit hole the last two weeks (also known as KL+Blogger's block+stupid addictive facebook games). Last two weeks of American Idol has just boring me to tears. Maybe its the effect of seeing the perfect vocals of Glambert less than 20 metres away, I don't know, even Didi couldn't Benamify me. Siobhan Magnus is the only reason I watch the show nowadays. But this post ain't about the Americans.

Our very own Singapore Idol, Mr Sezairi Sezali will be releasing his debut lead single (after TBAA), hot off his new album (to be released this May! Woot!) and its entitled 'Broken'. Like the cover image for the single? Its very Airi, and I'm glad that he's pictured the way we know him, not airbrushed or primped into manufactured pop commerciality. We voted for the singer-songwriter-musician, and that's what it looks like we're gonna get.

Folks, "Broken" is super radio friendly, you are gonna love it, I heard a demo of it, and its AWESOME, take my word for it. Think John Mayer (minus the douchebag-ness), laid-back, great lyrics, and just a wonderful song to sit back and listen to. Its a nice fit.

"...Broken is an honest and REAL song with a strong emotional message."

- Sezairi Sezali

(aah, just the way we like you Airi - honest, and emo)

There are two other pretty awesome songs lined up for his album, but you'll just have to wait for 'em - I say GOOD JOB Universal Music (and Airi of course!)! Scroll to the bottom to see Universal Music Singapore's official media release.

On another happy note, UMS has also signed up runner-up Ms Sylvia Ratonel. I found out recently (the day she became my 'celebrity babysitter' :) just kidding, we had lunch, my kids were there, they love her) that she'd been offered a contract and we were jumping up an down outside my kids' preschool like crazy people. Isn't that just awesome great news? I'm so happy for both Airi and Sylvia, things are finally starting to happen. Don't miss Sylvia's 'return to tv' (as Channel 5 has been calling it) this Saturday on the telemovie 'Seven Days', she'll be singing a duet with Jack & Rai (follow the jump here to listen to it on J&R's facebook fanpage - the song is called "You & I" and its listed under their 'music player' on the left sidebar).

Idol3 Reunion Tonight : Twitpiccing ON!

Iz and I are throwing a small 'reunion' party tonight and so far only Tabby (prior engagement) and Charles (overseas) can't make it, so hopefully we'll see everyone and I'll be twitpiccing (yay!).

I'll update on what everyone's up to this weekend :) Some quick ones first -we all know Faizal's been signed by the label that used to manage local duo Sleeq and he's one of the male leads in Suria's version of 'Light Years' called Cinta Ixora; and Mae's a radio-personality-in-training at 987FM :). Lets see what everyone else is up to.

Oh and did I mention that Tabby's singing for the opening AND closing of the upcoming Youth Olympic Games? If you follow Izked's tweets, you woulda seen this...

Congrats Tabby, we're all super proud of ya & behind you! *hugs* :)

My spidey sense tells me she's gonna be signed very soon (possibly already signed to a management contract), but no official word is out yet - its been a tad difficult to find Tabby as she's decided to take a break from her laptop (ala Miley?) and deleted her Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr accounts (*tragic*, I loved her Tumblr account, it always had something to make me smile). But again, ala Miley, why talk about your life virtually instead of actually living it? I guess, good move sweets. Just remember to pick up when I call ya! (btw, her phone is also dead and gone, which is a good thing considering the blonde moment that resulted in her posting her mobile number on her twitter a few months ago! *face palm*) To contact Tabitha for gigs, email her, deets are on her only point of contact - her facebook fanpage.

Ok, thats it from me, I'm off to cook Assam Prawns for tonight's potluck (ok, its not just for Farhan, I'm now also a prawn-lover).....follow me on twitter to catch my twitpics tonight :)

xoxo, s.

ps. And here's the official word from Universal Music to the media about Airi's single and Sylvia's contract with them, it was released yesterday (25th March). Sorry I kept mum for so long, not at liberty to dish the dirt mah -- heheh. Airi/SylSyl managers, wanna hire me? I'm an experienced publicist *wink*...

SINGAPORE IDOL’S WINNER & RUNNER UP – DOUBLE HAPPINESS FOR UNIVERSAL MUSIC SINGAPORE

Sezairi Sezali releases DEBUT SINGLE – BROKEN

Sylvia Ratonel signs on with Universal Music Singapore for album record deal.

After having the Top 10 hit with the winning song “Touched By An Angel” (written by Ken Lim), Singapore Idol winner, Sezairi Sezali, releases his much anticipated debut lead single “Broken”, from his forthcoming new album, through Universal Music Singapore.

“Broken” is the first single taken from Sezairi’s debut album which will be released in May. The single is written by Jez Ashurst (who has co-written songs for The Saturdays, Pussycat Dolls, Cheryl Cole and James Morrison) and Ben Montague. The single will be released digitally and for fans alike to download*

“I think “Broken” is an honest and REAL song with a very strong emotional message”, says Sezairi Sezali.

More details of Sezairi Sezali’s debut album will follow and it will be a selection of original songs and songs of special meanings for him. Album will be produced by Jason Tan (Eastward Audio) who has helmed production for previous Singapore Idol winner’s, Hady Mirza, platinum selling self titled debut album released in 2006.

Universal Music Singapore is also proud to announce that Singapore Idol 2009’s runner up, Sylvia Ratonel, will be signed on as its recording artist for an album record deal, joining Sezairi to Universal Music‘s roster of artists.

“I am truly grateful to have a chance to do the one thing I am most passionate about – Making music. It’s a bonus to be affiliated with a great label and have the opportunity to work with a talented musician and a good friend like Sezairi” - Sylvia Ratonel

On Sezairi’s thoughts of Sylvia as a record label mate, “Sylvia joining the Universal Music family is very exciting news for me. I’m looking forward to the possibility of working together with her. I think we have a very strong chemistry and I’m definitely very proud of her.

With both talented artists signing on with Universal Music Singapore, Mr. Lim Teck Kheng, Marketing Director, says “It is of great honour for Universal Music to be working with 2 talented individuals who are so passionate about music.

From the start of our working relationship, we recognised the potential of both Sezairi and Sylvia. We are delighted that we can be there to assist them in their start of their music careers.”

*Sezairi Sezali’s “Broken” will be available digitally on SingTel, M1, Starhub, Nokia Music Store, Sony Ericsson’s Play Now Plus and other digital stores.

Release date of Sylvia Ratonel album and other details will be announced soon.

******************************************************************************

Touched By An Angel - The Ch5 Montage

For all your Idol fans out there :)

Sorry peeps, I know its been a while but I've been struck down by a really bad case of koff and a nose I can't catch. Anyhooo...

This has been airing on Channel 5, but we can't be waiting all hours just to catch it right? So I dropped a note to a very special intern at Ch5 and lo and behold, here it is, less than 12 hours later - thank you JameseyJames :)

Enjoy....

Hope to be up and raring either today/tomorrow. But this vid was too good not to post...

miss Idol, miss the Idols, miss YOU guys tons.

xoxo, s.

ps. Oh and here's the previously 'blurred out' pic taken of Airi n SylSyl hamming it up at rehearsals for the finale. Unreleased til now heheh, and for the last time, they are not dating ;) they just good actors! Love this pic right? Can you feeel the chemistry? LOL!

Happy Idol Day!*summerr takes a break*

Its IDOL DAY folks!

While you're reading this, I'm probably mid air over some ocean heading to Hong Kong. I'm taking a short one week break with the kiddies Disney-style and will be back by Idol Day next week! I'm so gonna miss blogging and tweeting, and I do hope you'll come back next week and watch/review American Idol with me!

I shall leave you with this lovely song, done Idol-style from Celebrate 2010.

Don't forget to watch blogtv tomorrow night at 930pm on CNA or at 915pm on www.blogtv.sg. to catch Sylvia Ratonel, Uncle Ken and Izked on the show. Tell me all about it on twitter k!

much love and wheeeeeeee I'm off to see Mickey!

xoxo, s.

ps. Where possible I'll try to log in, but in the meantime, do try to keep it clean here on the blog k? Self-moderate a little please.

A Night To Remember - Part Deux, Results Show late review!

Confetti + 2 MJs = Rockin' Results Show

Just a mere week ago tonight, we were picking up the scraps at the Indoor Stadium (no wait, 11.47pm last Sunday I was scarfing down bee hoon at the post show reception with Malaque, Nurul, Farhan, Izked and the rest).

Ok, wait, before I go any further, I wanna say sorry peeps for not doing this earlier - got so wrapped up in the whole aftermath (media backlash) and Celebrate 2010 stuff that I didn't review what was actually a great power-packed Results show! So come, sit back and let's reminisce together shall we?

So I shan't bother describing what was a pretty boring post-show party, lets rewind the night instead....

9.30pm, Sunday, 27th December 2009. Indoor Stadium.

We had just witnessed a super tight fight between Airi & SylSyl. Voting lines are open for another 45 minutes, and right now, its a half hour break before the Results Show comes back. But the lucky peeps here at Indoor don't have a chance to take a break. Stepping up to the mic to entertain us are Tabitha Nauser with 'Ain't Nobody', Faizal Isa with 'I'm Yours', Charles 'Stitch' Wong with his awesome beatboxing and last but not least, Hady Mirza with his latest Malay single, 'Angkasa' - delivered beautifully and flawlessly I must say! Here are the vids...

(this footage of Hady was recorded at rehearsals, cos I couldn't find any vids of the actual performance on Youtube. To watch more rehearsal footage, check out my Youtube channel here).

That was enough to make that lil half hour break feel like nothing :) Of course backstage was crazy la, wardrobe change, pee breaks, new hair (styles, not actual hair pffft!), then haul ass to stage left/right to prep.

10pm, We're back with the Results Show LIVE!

Shot and broadcast in HD (just like the performance show earlier on), the Idol Results Show opens with the 'Spectaculars Medley', featuring the following :

• Smooth Criminal performed by Sezairi Sezali, Charles 'Stitch' Wong and Faizal Isa (for Spectacular #4 'A Tribute To Michael Jackson)
• Chiggy Wiggy performed by Malaque Mahdaly, Farhan Shah and Nurul Huda (for Spectacular #3 'An Asian Feast')
• Hey Mickey performed by Fathin Amira, Mae Sta, Justin Jap and Duane Ho (for Spectacular #6 'Mambo Mania')
• When Love Takes Over performed by Tabitha Nauser, Sylvia Ratonel, and later joined by the rest of the Top 12 (possibly for Spectacular #1 Chart Toppers).

Watch...

Every time I watched them perform this medley, I got goosebumps, especially during Tabby and Syl's duet 'When Love Takes Over'. Every time I watch that, I can imagine what the Finals would have been like had it been an all-girl affair - without taking anything away from Airi - it would have been pretty explosive...and super sexy! Our Diva showdown - imo, would be better than Fantasia vs Diana Degarmo (cos lets face it peeps, although those two had vocal chops, our girls are vocals PLUS eye candy and swagger!) .... in the words of Ning Baizura, '...in another life, in another place...'

Not sure if you guys felt the same, but I felt 'Hey Mickey' was a bit of a waste of Mae's, Amira's, Justin's and Duane's talents (and a tad humiliating). Initially when I saw the choreo, I thought it was kinda cheesy but hey, its not too bad a song I guess. But when I saw what they had to wear, I was like...O...M....G.... I wish they would have picked a better song and dance (and wardrobe) for these four (but I must say, never once did any of them complain - such good sports!). There are so many great songs to choose from for a 'Mambo' theme... anyway, hope they've gotten over the trauma of wearing those yellow outfits! (I can just see someone commenting, 'producers made them wear yellow cos they secretly support Sylvia and want her to win!' - am I right? Haha, CAUGHT YOU, now that I've said it, this totally INvalidates that stupid lame-o thought, so don't bother posting -AUTO REJECT!)

After the medley, we were treated to a variety of gorgeous performances that I totally enjoyed. First up, Hady with his brand new self-written English single, 'I'll Never Leave Again'. Beautiful song, well written, and totally perfect for his great voice - loved it! Its such a great song, totally worthy to be played on radio stations around the world (and by that I mean US, UK, Australia and Europe! Sounds just as good as any of them angmoh singers wat right?) Backing him on guitars were Sezairi and Charlie.

This was followed by a great crowd-pleaser performance of 'Use Somebody' by the 'Idol Band' featuring the vocals of 'big brother' Hady Mirza with Sezairi, Charlie, Duane and MJ Kuok (everyone say woot!) I so absolutely loved that the producers brought him back for the finale. Eventhough it was just a few lines of song, we've all missed him and it was great to have him back as part of the Idol 'family'. It would have been better if producers had given him a little airtime to say 'hi'. I have no doubt many were wondering 'huh? is that MJ? whats he doing here? how? why? etc', woulda been nice if Gurms had said something about MJ's special appearance (after all, he did fly all the way back from the States just to perform :))

Watch...

Next, we had the Idol Boyband, made up of Uncle Ken's worst nightmares put together - Season 2's Joakim Gomez & Paul Twohill with our very won Farhair & Faizal.

Uncle Ken, can't say the boys dint listen to you when you told them to go form a boyband right? Imo, they actually sounded pretty good! Watch...

The Paulkim/FarFai show was followed up by a sizzling hot Idol Diva performance....

The Divas were Season 2's resident powerhouses Nurul Maideen, Gayle Nerva and Mathilda D'Silva and our very own power princesses Tabitha Nauser and 'queen-diva-for-the-night' Sylvia Ratonel(li <-- can you believe the CNA host got her name wrong and made her 'Italian'? tsk, never do homework hahaha! Aiya, live show, people make mistakes, however, SylSyl doesnt hear the end of it from the Idol crew - 'Ratonelliiiii!') Anyway, I'm sidetracking...back to the Idol Divas, they are AWESOME. Sizzling number that had all the right hair flicks, neck twitches, finger wags and hip pops! Idol Divas FTW!

Watch...

Speaking of divas, the next one up, was (no, IS) a major powerhouse to be reckoned with. No further introduction needed. The very sweet *and tiny!*, 17-year old, Charice Pempengco, performed her 'Bodyguard' medley (I Have Nothing/I Will Always Love You) and her first single, 'A Note To God'(written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster for her).

Watch (and be blown away!)....

Earlier in the day I managed to catch her during her rehearsal (click here to watch), and even then at 'half-power' she was awesome. I totally regret not 'stalking' her for an interview - saw later on on my youtube comments that she's really sweet and woulda 'talked' to me :) DAMMIT! Charice if by some freak-of-nature-chance you ever read this - you were bloodee awesome man!

After all that balladeering, we needed a change of pace....

....and who better to kick us into high gear than our very first Singapore Idol (and can I say, hunk much?) Taufik Batisah! Sporting a new hairstyle (and fresh from a very handsome shoot with Manja magazine whose cover he graced), Taufik performed his brand new, yet unreleased English single 'Addicted'. I am TOTALLY 'Addicted' to that song, and the dancing - so awesome lor. Kudos to the original SI for always keeping a few steps (and notches) ahead of the game and keeping us wanting more. A few nights ago, I dreamt it got 'mashed-up' with Cobra Starship's 'Good Girls Go Bad'..... OMG - Taufik + Leighton Meester 'remix' video for 'Addicted! HAWT!

(okaaay, almost 2am, getting ahead of myself there....sorry Fik!)

Watch 'Addicted'....

(can't believe I don't have any rehearsal footage - Min, if you're reading this, spare me one can?)

And now, after all those vids, you KNOW what we're up for right? Yep, the results. Gurms recaps performances, recaps Judges' comments, and makes us wait through a commercial break. What you don't see at home folks, is that while we went on that last commercial break, Gurms left the stage and Syl and Airi DID.NOT.MOVE.

Not an inch.

They were rooted to that spot for the whole 2 minutes and 30 seconds (maybe more). I can't imagine standing there, rooted for so long, waiting for the announcement that could change your life, with more than 8000 pairs of eyes looking at you, piling their hopes and dreams (and voting guilt) on you. Iz and I were stood by the stage, behind Airi and Syl, and they seriously looked like statues.

Here's what happened when we got back from the break. It went by in such a blur. I was holding my breath and at the same time chanting 'I Will Not Cry. I Will Not Cry. I Will Not Cry.' (already did when Airi sang TBAA mah! Anyway, check out the hand that 'points' to the 'winner' at 2:13 <-- HILARIOUS! Its like he knew!!!!)

This is Airi singing TBAA again through the confetti. I love these confetti blowers, it always adds to the surrealness of that 'winning moment'.

Want more pics/vids?

For tons more vids and pics, do check out my youtube channel (loads of behind-the-scenes footage here or rehearsals and random moments for you to relive the last 6 months of Idol!) and my twitpics (tons and tons of pics of the Idols taken over the last coupla months - enjoy!).

And in case you're still wondering what '2 MJs' meant - aiya, MJ tribute and MJ Kuok lor. Check out MJ's backstage interview here. See my previous post about Airi's win here and the media backlash as a result of that win.

Coupla random pics before I shut down and ZzzzZzz (Scarlett's first day back to school tomorrow and Mummy is still up at 4.13am!)

Pic #1 :

Our favourite personalities - Judges Dick, Flo and Ken.

Pic #2

Here's a collage (click to enlarge) of the people who help make the show seamless for those at the venue - the Hosts! Kudos to Gurms, Matt (who's been our Idol wubby from Day 1) and The Muttons from Official Idol Radio station 987M! Plus, our very own Mae Sta and Tabitha Nauser did AWESOME 'hosting' links for LIVE tv - they're naturals!

Pic #3

And last but not least, haha, a picture of that 'moment' that has sparked tons of rumours in idol-dom....are Airi and Syl in lurve? ;) *go figure that one out yourself*

xoxo, s.

ps. Look out for my next post on Tuesday/Wednesday about 'The Death of Singapore Idol'. Apparently its a topic so hot - its gonna be on BlogTV.

pps. Its Monday 4th January right now, our Singapore Idol Sezairi Sezali will be enlisting in about 2 hours plus (I'm assuming calltime for these kinda army things is 7am?). Wishing you a painless and uneventful 2 weeks, and an even more painless, hurdle-less 5 weeks after that.