Once, Twice, Three Times.... That's the number of times I've actually seen this song performed, and each time, I love it MORE!
The First Time It was the Second Day of Theatre Auditions for Singapore Idol 3. MJ Kuok and Tabitha Nauser teamed up for the song-writing challenge and wowed Judge Florence Lian so much that she vowed to put it on radio (unfortunately this has yet to happen as a full version was never recorded - until now. Whether it'll get on local radio - we'll just have to see).
Second Time Everyone loved the song so much that MJ and Tabby made a Youtube video on their own :) These two got chemistry eh ;)
Third Time When MJ tagged me just yesterday on this video which he released for Valentine's Day for everyone to share and guess what, its climbed up to #24 on Youtube for most watched! That's just awesome crazy innit??
Love and miss you guys tons. This post goes out to MJ, Ms Nauser and Cilla Chan (who took over vocals for Tabby here), and all the LODIs of 2009 :)
...I can't breathe....:)
xoxo, s.
ps. Love the percussion - reminds me a little of Paula Cole's 'I Don't Wanna Wait', the theme song for Dawson's Creek.
pps. I know I haven't blogged for-everr, since OMG! ended, but I HAD to put this post out there. Too good not to share :) So please, keep liking and sharing the video - pass it on!
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!)
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.
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 hereto 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 mytwitpicstonight :)
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.
Hrm, could it be that our American counterparts learned something from us?
If you're an SI fan (like moi) say wooot! This is the first ever season American Idol contestants have been allowed to go online via Twitter/Facebook/Myspace. For the record, I'd just like to say WE DID IT FIRST! Our very own Singapore Idol 2009 Top 24 were all totally on Twitter and Facebook last season (SI 2009) with tons of followers on their accounts :)! Our 3rd Singapore Idol Sezairi Sezali has over 25,000 fans on facebook! So lets give ourselves a pat on the back for another Idol first (the other first being the song-writing element at Theatre Auditions)! :)
Here's my homemade collage of your Top24 girls, photos from zap2it.com's Idol gallery, click to enlarge.
Just realised, those that I've 'hearted' are my favourites and they're all blonde!
Oh well, whatever it is, the AI Top 24 have been unleashed into cyberspace, but looking at the nicks, these accounts are probably seriously monitored by their PR nannies and gurus. You have to hand it to the Americans, they are super media savvy, and when they do it, they do it right 1000%. I am so following them all just to get in on the goss (if any).
Here are your Top24 guys, photos from zap2it.com's Idol gallery. Click to enlarge.
Here are the links to the Top 24 (thank you zap2it.com!). Oh and because MySpace.com is big in the US, each of the Top 24 also have a special MySpace page up. Get ready to get 'personal' with them (then again, maybe they've employed 24 interns to 'ghost' -tweet, -fb and -myspace for the kids...
Chris GolightlyIts a shame he didn't make it through. Early spoilers indicated that he did, and following that thread it was later reported he was disqualified for not disclosing that he had an existing contract with someone. His spot was taken away from him, and later on, when the actual contract was produced, it had apparently expired! Wahlaoeh! Can die right? The guy was like totally robbed of his Idol chance. I say, put him back on the show!
Oh and as for that goss I posted earlier about someone getting disqualified - turns out it was just an exaggerated rumour - yeesh - and that person is here to stay in the Top 24. I still don't see this person going very far though, lets see if I'm right.
pps. Btw, does Siobhan remind anyone of Rachel on Glee.....she seems so...uptight or wound too tightly and stressed...but then again we haven't seen much of her, whatever we've seen is from the drama of group day.
For me its a dose of both American and Singapore Idol :)
SI MINI REUNION BREAKKIE!
In about 11 hours I'll be out having a sumptuous breakfast with some of the Idol gang. I'll be twitpiccing, so check out my twitpics/twitter :) I'll be sure to get updates on everyone and fill you guys in on all thats been happening the moment I get home (and get some time to myself :)).
Have you got burning questions for any of the Top 12? Post 'em below under comments before 9am tomorrow (Wednesday) and I'll try and get you your answers :) Follow me on Twitter and I'll ask and answer them while I'm with them k?
We'll be doing a proper reunion at the end of February, so hopefully everyone turns up for that one. Fingers crossed that all goes well and the reunion happens ;) Will let you know when later.
AMERICAN IDOL DAYELLEN ON IDOL DAY!
I can't believe this day is FINALLY here! We've endured countless ridiculous auditions (who can forget the girl dressed as a guitar, dude I have nightmares about that tan) and countless guest judges, Posh in Boston, Posh in Denver, Joe Jonas, Devil-Hoodied Avril, Mary J. Bleah, Kristin 'dismissed-after-1-day' Chenoweth (I loved NPH, respected Shania and just couldn't stop drooling over Katy, so props to them for actually being worthy of the seat). Ok to be fair, I drooled a little over Joe too, but he had so little screen time, it wasn't drool worth mentioning.
So...
Ellen.
Expectations are riding v. high on this one. I truly hope she delivers.Me and like, a gazillion others, including and especially the people at Fox. Ellen's meant to be some kind of a saviour for for the show, viewership numbers have been sliding the past two seasons and for the first time ever, The Grammys rated higher than Idol (not sure if this is due to people not watching Idol or just more people interested in the Grammys) - not a good thing.
So in comes Ellen to save the day. From the minute they announced she was taking over Paula's place, I was ecstatic - she is such an inspired choice.
Ellen brings in a new and large fan base. Plus, her daily talk show is another avenue to promote Idol (just like Seacrest does on his radio shows, hey, cross-promotion is key nowadays, lookit all the collabos happening in music!).
With Simon leaving the show at the end of this season, if Ellen manages to win the audience over, its also one less major worry for the producers. Simon's other baby 'X Factor US' will be in direct competition with Idol once it starts. So this season, producers will have the added headache of not putting Simon on a pedestal like they have been for the past 8 years as that will only serve to promote him and their future competitor.
Allie Is Wiredhas stated that producers will be reducing Simon's role :
"Expect to see less and less of Simon this season. The focus is going to be back on the contestants and less on Simon’s harsh criticisms of them," an insider tells me. "They also will be spending more time focusing on Ellen once she gets through her first few weeks live from Hollywood." "With Simon Cowell on the brink of ditching ‘American Idol’ to take the throne of ‘X-Factor,’ insiders tell me that executives have figured out a way to ease him out of the conversation this year — focus on Ellen."
Well, from the looks of this trailer and the 'Ellen hates Simon' PR spin (oh yea, you bet yo' a** this is a PR spin - I can smell it), 'Focus On Ellen' may quite truly be this season's mantra. She seems quite 'take charge'/'head judge' in the few short clips you see here - woot! go Ellen!
just talked to @theellenshow...regarding simon she said "he's gonna be a challenge"..."we're both completely different people"
UPDATE!
Found one more American Idol trailer that will give you another look at Ellen's demeanor on the show...she looks serious, but still manages to crack a joke in her trademark deadpan blase expression..
Ok folks, time to hit publish and go watch The Noose! (I love this show! Recorded it just now and now that the kids are a-snoozin', its time for Mommy to watch TV - Noose, Bachelor and V here I come!)
xoxo, s.
ps. Don't forget to be posting your queries for our own idol alums below before 9am tomorrow! Nitez all!
pps. Oh, and listen to this (click!) - its Howard Stern responding to the rumour about him replacing Simon on Idol. What do you think? Is he worthy of the Cowell seat? imo - you have GOT to be kidding me. Seriously? Nooooooo.....
Remember our idol hottie MJ Kuok? He set many hearts a-flutter with his charming personality and heartthrob smile. Those flutters turned into a full heart attack when it was announced he was quitting the show, right after he'd made it into the Top 13.
He left without saying a word, not even to his closest friends in the competition (who were shell-shocked when they found out midway through promo shoots that he wouldn't be returning).
Anyway, that was in September.... MJ surprised us all in December (and by 'us' I mean the Idol family) by coming back to join in the Grand Finals, performing alongside Duane, Airi, Charlie and Hady Mirza in the 'Idol Band' segment. It was just awesome to see him back on stage and enjoying himself :) When he left a few days later, he promised to keep in touch and he has.
He's just uploaded this to YouTube. Its test shots for an upcoming music video for his original song Once Twice 3. Lovin' the look and the shades, and of course the va-va-voom Ferrari. What do you think?
Join MJ's fanpage here to get more updates on everything MJ!
MJ (pictured here with his Idol BFF and also Idol's politest contestant ever Theodore Teow) will be back in Singapore over the summer and hopefully by then he will be able to release his EP and/or his full length album, both of which he's working on right now whilst studying at Stanford University.
To MJ :
Miss ya cuz, do keep me primo updated and I'll see you in the summer!
xoxo, s.
ps. In case you missed out on MJ's performance at the Grand Finals, watch this :
pps. Speaking of MJ in America...its AMERICAN IDOL DAY TODAY! (ok, so the 'speaking of' part was a bit of a stretch, but who cares! IDOL DAY! Last city! Denver, Colorado here we come! Victoria Posh Beckham guest judge!
summerr loves her tv. in fact, she's downright passionate about it. This blog grew to be the Unofficial blog of Singapore Idol 2009. This year, its going OMG! Hope you'll enjoy the inside scoop on this year's big reality must watch!
