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.
The Results Show was such a roller coaster ride. Thanks mostly to Gurmit who kept everyone in suspense at every point. "We'll find out....right after the break!"<-- oldest trick in the book but we, the audience, can't do anything about it right??
Everyone was emotionally spent right after. Amidst goodbye hugs, tears and promises to keep in touch, I managed to track down Uncle Ken (ok, more like I tailed him til I got a semblance of a quote).
All night our beloved Uncle Ken spouted what seemed to me to be some pretty cryptic comments at practically everyone.(I can't quote verbatim right now, I gotta watch the show back! I too excited Twitpiccing all the way to write his comments down, but I do remember thinking, gotta file his comments under 'Things that make you go hmmm?').
When I finally caught up with him, I asked him point blank, "Why so cryptic tonight?"
To which he simply replied, "Where got?"
After a little more nudging, he said, "Whatever I say makes sense, I'm trying to teach them something and I hope they listen."
So contestants, especially those that are through to the Top12, I hope you were listening and absorbing what Uncle Ken said.
One comment I kinda remember, was him telling Syltra that she can't keep using her agression. First thought was : "She aggressive meh?"
And he mentioned somewhere that Nurul resembled a cashier at (his new favourite store) 7-Eleven. To which the quick-on-her-feet-funny-one replied she used to work at a 7-Eleven, the Thomson Rd branch! (thats comedic timing you can't buy guys!)
Anyway....
Once the goombyes were done, the newly minted Idol finalists, went straight back to work. Call time was now. Estimated end time : 4am. (I left waaaaay before midnight, thats crazy long hours to be singing! Welcome to Idol Land guys!)
Producers ushered Tabby, Syltra, Malaque, Charles, MJ and Farhan were ushered right back to work at (not haunted by now, so late even the ghosts are asleep) Training School to prep for the upcoming Spectacular #1 Show, aired live on Wed, Sept 16.
The theme is Chart Toppers(which is like a free-for-all really, but when you have such a vast genre, its very very hard to pick the right song, and we all know how important song choice is right?!)
While taking turns to go in for key check and song selection, Izked the Official Blogger recorded some 'Thank You' vids..... thank you to Iz for filming (and sharing) while I was stoning in the corner bemoaning the loss of my Lumix (which my son broke earlier in the day!)....
Farhan, Farhan, Farhair. I cannot believe Jeric actually cut off a huge chunk of his hair last Friday - its like it all grew back (and more!) in the last few days. One of the producers commented "amazing, it grows back by the minute!"
Apparently when Farhan called his Mom to tell her that he'd made it through, the first thing she said was "Must go cut hair ah!" Way to go Mom!
He was actually still qute affected by Ken's comment that he shouldn't be in the Top 12 and that the spot should have gone to either Jannah or Nurul. He's determined to prove Uncle Ken wrong.
I love how he ends his video message with 'Lets go to McDonald's for shaker fries". So random, so Farhan, so sweet :) Just goes to show the friendships forged in Idol don't end when the journey does. Awwww....
Helllooooooo.....I am so attributing the blurness and sloooowwww speech to the late hour at which this was recorded and the fact that she has been on the go since god-only-knows what time that morning.
Tabby is classic Tabby in this video, a little random, but a lot sweet - who can resist that megawatt smile? That thank you speech is Academy Awards worthy :)
Anyway, the first thing I saw when I went back to Studio 1 (after chasing after Ken) was Farhan and Tabby coming off stage together and my first thought was, "Hah, the "couple" made it through!"
I said as much to them, to which they both scoffed nervously.
Much has been said in the media about these two pairing up. Are they or aren't they? I suggest you guys keep us guessing, its just so much more fun that way. Plus, who knows, some teeth whitening company may want you to endorse their products - both of you have whiter (and nicer) teeth than Sly!
The beatboxer is through and a little shell-shocked. He kept to himself mostly while Malaque, Syltra, Tabby and Farhan chatted amongst themselves (with Iz and I).
I asked him how he was feeling, whether he was happy. And he said, if he hadn't gotten through tonight, he would have been happy too because the Idol journey has been so stressful for him so far. But now that he's through, he's super happy, but is just so aware that the stress is going to be even worse after this.
He said of his performance, "Usually once I get on stage and start singing, the (scared) feeling goes away; tonight is the first time I've had the feeling throughout the whole performance."
I asked him what he was 'scared' of and what stressed him out. His reply, "The whole enormity of Idol. The whole Idol thing la."<-- I guess with the Idol brand name comes the pressure to live up to it.
Malaque was the last one the judges put through. It was down to her and Theodore in the final minutes of the Results show which Gurmit stretched into an excruciatingly suspenseful wait.
"My knees were soft!"<-- I wanted to say MY knees were soft!
One of the promo team's photographers had a still camera pointed at her during that moment and was chanting, "I believe in you, Malaque!" (obviously a fan), while Izked's face was white with anticipation, eyes transfixed on Gurmit.
I was pretty sure the judges would put her through if she didn't get the votes, but what I did not expect was for it to be down to her and another deserving contestant (imo) Theodore.
"I still cannot believe it, I'm here!, " says Malaque who's still reeling from making it through, which you can tell from her thank you speech!
Way to go MJ! Clever boy plugged his myspace page :)
Apparently it was an extremely tearful separation for MJ and his BFF Theodore (seen here, prepping together right before the show started) after the Results were announced. An eye witness recounts that the sobbing was way more than when brothers Jon and Gabe Cheok were separated (the latter already quite teruk, I think my heart would have broken if I'da seen that....*sob*)
How'd I miss this moment? I was off chasing after the elusive Uncle Ken for that 'quote'.
MJ's off back to the US as of this morning to sort out immigration and travel stuff. We'll see you soon buddy!
Lastly, good job to the six who've made it through. You're here because you deserve to be....voters put you through because they love you, and the Judges put you through because they think you deserve it too. So don't doubt that.
Work hard and give us a great show at Spectacular #1 on September 16th!
xoxo, s.
ps. Ep5 review will be done once someone (hint!hint!) uploads it to Youtube...
pps. Check out this awesome rendition of Craig David's 7Days by Syarif (sleeq), with Ben (Muthusalam <-- LOL) on guitar. NICE ONE! Thanks Iz again for the vids! Go to the Official Blogger's blog for more vids.
Vote your favourites through! If you don't vote and they don't get through, don't be blaming anyone but yourself!
Remember what happened to Jeassea Thyidor in Season 1? Everyone assumed she'd get in cos she was so talented, in the end, she was the first to be eliminated along with another super talented singer, Beverly Morata!
SO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITES!
Voting details as follows, click on their links in the right sidebar for their full profiles.
Each call/sms costs 60 cents, lines open at 8pm tonight!!
Happy Voting Idol watchers!
And to the first group of 12, Good Luck for tonight's show, put on a great performance! Much much love to you all...muaks! see y'all later!
xoxo, s.
ps. I'll be tweeting from the radio interviews later at 9am, and again later this evening at the show! Follow my tweets and twitpics!
Its the Hungry Ghost month for the chinese and the holy month of Ramadhan for the Muslims, time is ripe for some spooky tales and ghostly happenings, and this time, it happened to one our very own. Two in fact, am counting the Blogger as part of the Idol family mah!
As many of you may know, Caldecott Broadcast Centre has long been touted as haunted(as are many old buildings). And the Training School where there Idols spend most of their time is said to be one of the most haunted (hearsay of course).
Last Saturday, after the roadshow, Group 1 contestants were scheduled for their vocal training sessions at 6.30pm.
This spooky story was told to me by our very own Official Blogger.
At about 7.30pm (twilight*!!!), one of the Top 24, got locked out outside the building because she forgot to bring her pass and her handphone (alamak!). She'd gone out to reception to buy a drink because for some unknown reason, the vending machine at Training School was shut down (and this machine is always on k...I wonder how it got shut off? *cue eerie music*)
After about 15 minutes of waiting, a kind MediaCorp staffmember opened the door for her and she finally rejoined the group.
At about 8pm, her mobile starts to ring.The number that's flashing is Izked (Idol Official Blogger). She picks up the call and Izked tells her he's locked outside, and to come open the door for him. (Seriously, why do our passes all not work on that door?)
She goes to open the door, but Iz isn't outside.She braves the dark and opens the other entrance by the dark toilet, and he isn't there either.
Then, as she walks past the vocal training room, she sees Iz sitting inside.
OK, start freaking out.Another Top24-er who was with her confirms Iz was inside the vocal training room all the time.
When the door to the vocal training room opened (its closed during each individual's session), our freaked out Top24-er rushes in to ask Izked if he'd called her on her mobile just now.
Nope. He didn't.
A quick check on his mobile shows no record of any made calls in the last half hour. Last call made was to Jannah over an hour ago. Iz had been inside the whole time recording Ryan's session on his camera.
FREAK OUT NOW.
Our poor freaked out Top24-er shows Iz the phone, and there is indeed a record of 'his' call to her.When asked if the voice on the phone sounded like him, she said it was kind of muffled and mumbled, and it was a quick call.
Poor girl was in tears from this episode(which is why her identity is not revealed).
We hope she's alright now and will always remember to go anywhere in crowds when at Caldecott Hill.
UPDATE!!
Izk just posted his first hand account of the 'ghostly encounter!'.... go read his story CLICK HERE!
xoxo, s.
*twilight is known be the witching hour for many cultures. It is the transitional time between day and night. Muslims believe that the time between the prayer times of Maghrib (7+pm) and Isyak (8+pm) serves as a portal for ghosts and lost souls. This time coincides with twilight.
ps. I've heard numerous ghost stories from Mediacorpers. I generally RUN through Mediacorp when its dark and I'm alone.
pps. Its IDOL DAY today! So don't forget to tune in tonight at 8pm to catch the first group of 12 perform! And then VOTE like siao! Only 6 will go through tonight, results show at 10pm.
The first 12 Idol hopefuls are at Training School for their choreo session with Zaki.
Two tasks for tonight : 1. Learn the steps for their group song - MJ's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"
2. Work out their steps for their solos.
Here are some vids from today's session...
Actually I felt that they all weren't too bad. Pretty coordinated for what seemed like a pretty complicated routine to me.
Kudos to (Mr) Zaki for his lovely one-liners, and whippin' 'em into shape so quickly.
*Latest update, the choreo session ended at 11pm. Waaay earlier than I expected considering I left at 10pm (thinking it was gonna drag on til at least 1am!)
**Latest Latest Update, group choreo ended at 11pm. Solos went on til 1am!
Check out my twitter (see right sidebar to follow me) for my updates while at Choreo.
Ok, am off to fix up the missing 8 profiles for Group 2!
My review will have to come later. In the meantime, watch!
This is the BEST episode of Idol so far...LOVIN' IT!
Did you agree with the judges' decision on who they've put through to the Top 24? Share your comments.
Profiles of each of the Top 24 are slowly comin' up on the blog. Keep checkin' in to check out your favourites. Links to their profiles are on the right side bar.
*Remember, voting commences at the START of the show (unlike previous seasons)
Vote by Phone
Here are the numbers to call for your first group of 12..
Charles1900 112 1201
Frances 1900 112 1202
MJ1900 112 1203
Jannah1900 112 1204
Farhan1900 112 1205
Ryan1900 112 1206
Malaque1900 112 1207
Nurul1900 112 1208
Theodore 1900 112 1209
Douglas1900 112 1210
Tabitha 1900 112 1211
Syltra1900 112 1212
Will update later with the SMS codes.
Don't forget to support your favourites!! SO EXCITING can?!
Publicity dates for the second group of 12 are :
5 Sept(NEXT Saturday)
Idol Roadshow @ Lot One, 3pm - 4pm
See them in person!
Sezairi, Gabrielle, Duane, Jonathan, Fathin Amira, Sylvia Ratonel, Faizal Isa, Charlene Torres-Tan, Benjamin Chow, Samantha Lee, Justin Jap and Mae Sta Maria.
7 Sept, Monday
Idol Interview on 987FM, 9am - 9.30am
On radio : Sezairi, Gabrielle, Duane and Sylvia
8 Sept, Tuesday
Idol Interview on 987FM, 9am - 9.30am
On radio : Jonathan, Benjamin, Charlene and Amira
9 Sept, Wednesday (IDOL DAY! Woot!)
Idol Interview on 987FM, 9am - 9.30am
On radio : Samantha, Justin, Mae and Faizal
IDOL DAY, 9 Sept
PIANO SHOW #2
8pm : LIVE Performance Show
10pm : LIVE Results Show
*Remember, voting commences at the START of the show (unlike previous seasons)
Will post the numbers to call next week when I update this post. For now, go concentrate on the first 12!
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!
