Leaked Footage Poll

I did a poll on the left sidebar on which of the 6 leaked audition videos you think would win Idol.

50% said Leak #2 would win.

Here are the identities of the leaks...

#1 Charles "Stitch" Wong singing "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" (18%)

#2 Frances Maria Lee singing "Killing Me Softly" (50%)

#3 Mae Sta Maria singing "I'll Be There" (4%)

#4 MJ Kuok singing "The Man Who Can't Be Moved/You And I Medley" (3%)

#5 Jannah Shaharuddin singing "Bleeding Love" (6%)

#6 Justin Jap singing "I'll Be There" (16%)

Click below to get to my previous posts and view the vids!

Leak #2

Leak #1, #3

Leak #4, #5, #6

5 out of the 6 leaks will be performing tonight. Mae performs next week on Piano Show 2.

If general polling is anything to go by, looks like Frances should be going through to the Top 12.

The next two with the highest votes were Charles and Teddy. Perhaps they'll be in the Top 12 too.

xoxo, s.

ps. thank you for participating in the poll, it has now been removed :)

Singapore Idol 3 : Episode 3 Recap & Full Review

Maybe its my own fault, I set my expectations too high. I even sent The Kids and The Husband packing on the pretext of buying discounted bread at Centrepoint so I could indulge in Idol uninterrupted. With notebook and pen in hand, I sat down, Coke Zero (another indulgence) by my side and hit play (I recorded mah - was about 20 minutes behind... my son refused to be coerced into going kai kai!)

The show opens with Gurms and Hady taking a walk past our Top 100, sat on white plastic chairs, anxiously awaiting their fate at the TV Theatre lobby....

"They sang their hearts out. They cried. And they've gotten their golden ticket."

This year, each of the Top 100 are told to pack clothes for a week. If they make it through to the next round and the next and the next, they'll proceed straight to Idol Bootcamp without heading home.

So each morning (like on the Apprentice), they tote their trolley bags like good lil children to Caldecott Hill, never sure if they'll get to stay another night at the posh Idol digs for the week at the Orchid Country Club (OCC). (I wasn't allowed to reveal the name of the location before, but I posted about it anyway, check it out here.)

First hopeful we see step up to the mic is Duane "Pussycat Doll Dancer" Ho. He impressed judges with his 'Bottle Pop' dance move at the previous auditions. Today, Ken told him frankly, "I was trying very hard not to look at you. You sound better that way." OUCH!

Next up was Fathin Amira. I thought she looked great. Like she really listened to what judges said to her before about imaging. I was so happy for her, plus she didn't look so 'dazed' anymore (well maybe still a little, but it was a WHOLE LOT LESS than before! Good job on the makeover girl!) Then, basket, kena suan by Dick. Hello, do also die, dun do also die? How? I say, Fathin, you kicked butt, glittery butt, in that outfit - keep at it girl!

Chua Ai Ping. Sigh. False starts and forgetting lyrics aside, Gaga's 'Pokerface' does not work acapella. Sorry 3024. That was just cringe-y for me.

Best line from Dick tonight :
"You should see the joy in everyone's face when you screw up!"

(brutal, but true!)

Totally agree with Farhan 'The Hair' Shah (he certainly has a lot of hair doesn't he....apparently producers nicknamed him Zac Efron because of it) about Ken's cryptic comment about being 'special, but you must learn to be different'. *huh?*

Maybe Ken meant, that Farhan has the potential to be something special, a star, but in order to be star, he must first hone his personality and learn to stand out and be different....ta-daaaaa ..solid not? I can translate..cos I speak Uncle Ken.

Ryan Lee and Syltra Lee are NOT siblings. Here's some info they didn't tell you on the show...

Ryan's full name is Ryan Scott Santoso-Lee (so happening...Ryan are you Spanish or Indonesian by any chance?).

Syltra Lee is a wonderful mix of Chinese (50%), Indian (25%) and Malay (25%).

Awesome possum right? I like her voice. But girl, I don't think you want to pick a fight with Ryan, he looks like the type who will totally 'say it to your face' (and he did).

UPDATE : I believe they are totally great friends now. Spotted on someone's facebook posting somewhere!

Finally we have a genuine lookalike this year - Mohd. Sezairi Sezali is the spitting image of Najip Ali! And he can sing!

Next up would be #1896 Sylvia Ratonel. Very pretty girl, and she apparently had really good comments from her first audition. She can definitely sing, however, gotta learn to say 'th' for THE instead of 'de'...sorry, its my Grammarschool OCD behaviour comin' out again. Anyway. looks like she may just sail through, Ken has predicted she will be in the Top 10, saying 'Do not embarrass me.'

*actually Ken, even if she doesn't get the votes to get into the Top 12 (which I'm sure she will seeing as she's hot and can sing damn well), your judges' save can put her there :)

Other cuties who kena bambu-ed are Herizal Ellroy #1930 (seriously cute, but wahlaoeh, how come run out of breath mid-song? so wasted! tsk!) and Rachael Gan #3438 (cute in your Taiwanese/Japanese anime kawaii sense of the word). Actually, Rachael can really sing, she was a little pitchy but she has a pretty good voice.

Noor #2377. I remember her now. She sang MJ's 'Smile', one of the many MJ tributes we saw that day, and to be honest, her rendition made me yawn it was so slow. But whatever it is, you can't deny, Noor is a character. Too bad the singing didn't quite match up.

Latecomers are never tolerated in this industry. Never. Initially I thought the way the judges treated Ruben Raj #1234 (what a nice number!) was really mean and unnecessary, cos I mean, c'mon, its the guy's dream, give him a chance right? Well, on hindsight, he didn't show how much he wanted it. To not call/check-in with producers for an important workshop session is just irresponsible. If he can do it at this stage, chances are, he could miss a call time for a live show too.

Other latecomer Samantha Lee #2032 (also not related to Ryan and Syltra) had the best line of the night :

"I vomited in the morning."

Sorry girlfriend, the judges don't do pity. Dick really let her have it man.

Luckily Ken helped ease the tension by clarifying that today's lesson is : "Dun anyhow eat before an important date."

I was a little disappointed watching Tanna Tiew. Cancer girl had so much going for her, a great voice and a great story. I thought she would step it up tonight, but she seemed to retreat further into her shell, especially on Group Day. I hope next year, after she's had more time to recuperate and regain her confidence after her brush with cancer, she will try this again and not give up. I totally support her!

Two pretty power houses were up next. Cheryl Lim #1359 and Charlene Tan #2320.

Cheryl, 18, is a student who had to get her parents' consent to halt her studies if she made it through to the next round. Luckily her parents are supportive cos this girl can sing. She's also very pretty, looks a bit like Cheryl Tay, the Miss Singapore Universe who's a vet right?

Charlene Tan, we of course know from last week's profile where she talked about taking up singing part time after her mom had a stroke. She's such a sweetheart. Her phone call to check in on her mom really tugged at the heartstrings. I just wish someone would give her some makeup lessons so her face would fit her voice. Cos she's quite pretty, but looked plain next to all the other made-up contestants.

Speaking of good lookers, we were given another look at Gabriel Cheok tonight, and I swear, he has got to be the cutest guy on this season of Idol.

What you didn't get to see was the judges, Ken especially putting him and brother Jonathan on the spot. Ken basically asked them what they would do if there were only ONE spot left in the Top 24. Who'd get it?

Initially both brothers didn't answer, then, when pushed, they each answered 'themselves'. Then Ken turned the tables on them again and said something along the lines of them being terrible brothers (LOL). It was an evil trick question guys.

Evil bus stunt. Back in July when they were filming this, producers told me about the 'bus stunt' results reveal. I thought it was a brilliant twist. And totally unexpected. I'm fairly sure a lot of drama ensued, but it wasn't shown in tonight's episode.

Basically what happened was, there were 4 buses chartered to come pick up the Top 100. Everyone thought they would be heading to OCC for the results. 3 buses picked up their passengers and left for OCC. The last bus, picked up their passengers, then told them they would be making a slight detour to pick someone or something up from Reception. Once there, Ken boards the bus. And tells them that their journey ends here.

I thought it would have been kinder if Ken just said it out right. Without the misleading phrases.

The faces of those on that bus were just....heartbreaking.

Suffice it to say, clever plan, but somehow it didn't translate well on tv. Bad editing perhaps?

Group day was a huge mess. I would have liked to watch more of the contestants' practice time overnight at OCC rather than the actual auditions, cos thats where most of the drama is isn't it? In the middle of the night at the hotel. Where are all the shots of groggy contestants? Whining about sleep deprivation or other group members etc? Was sorely disappointed when it wasn't really shown. Maybe they were all hunky dory I suppose.

The only person who bitched about his group mate was Ryan, who was complaining aboutDaryl not having a sense of timing while he sang. Thats just whining. Thought there would be bitching :P *yawn*

Finally, for all the hoo-hah about Benjamin Chow, his hacker drama was not ever mentioned. Despite the limiting crutch, Ben seems fun enough. Let's see how his journey pans out next week. I'm waiting to hear about the results of the police investigation....juicy juicy.

End of show. Abruptly jump to credits which feature footage from next week (I hope its footage from next week, cos they never really said like 'on your next episode of...'). There are hints that they will address the whole Ben shebang next week....Ryan is seen saying 'Ben', and I've learned that Ryan Lee and Benjamin Chow were roommates at Bootcamp.

A topless guy (Theodore Teow) is seen saying, "I'll be quite regretful if he became the Idol",but whether he meant Ben or someone else, we will only find out next week.

So, what did you all think of Ep3? Share share below. So I know I'm not crazy when I say I wished there was more I could sink my teeth into.

xoxo, s.

Singapore Idol Eps 1 & 2 videos have been UPLOADED!

Need a quick refresher on the first two episodes of Singapore Idol 2009? Well, thanks to the kindest Idol fans ever, episodes 1 and 2 are now available for everyone to watch, pause, dissect, laugh and watch some more....can anyone say Afreel Lah-veeen?

Ok, so where to go?

For Ep 1, now in 4 parts, you can watch it here. (below)

For Ep 2, click to my previous post about it.

All videos taken from this youtube channel. Also available at your Idol Official Blogger's site here.

I say it again, Gabrielle Ferdinands' Mom is real pretty. Reminds me of Leandra Rasiah's (season 1) Mom, who was a beauty queen in her heyday!

enjoy the refresher...

I'm gettin' ready for tonight's ep...eeeeee so exciting can!

xoxo, s

Videos of Singapore Idol Ep2 (6 parts)

As promised to people in the comments section, here is Episode 2 in all its youtube glory :) Compiled for your viewing pleasure!

(especially for those of you who aren't in Singapore :) and are dying to see what the fuss is all about)

Enjoy.......

Hope you enjoyed episode 2 of Singapore Idol....don't forget to tune in tomorrow at 8pm for episode 3 (if you haven't seen it yet, do check out the 2 minute interstitial below that gives you a sneak peak of tomorrow's episode)!

DRAMA RIGHT? :) I'm definitely tuning in lor...I wanna know who that girl is sobbing on Gurms' shoulder.

xoxo, s.

Found : SI Ep 2 Part 1 Youtube Clip!

UPDATE @ 6.47am, Friday 14th August :

Check out this clip of Ep 2! Just found it on Youtube!

See? What'd I say about the guy with the fan?? Can bounce right? HILARIOUS!

And the Brothers Cheok...cute rightttt? What did you think? Leave a comment!

Don't forget to check out the full review of Ep2 and take a first look at the 100 faces that made it through to Theatre Auditions!

xoxo, s.

Introducing Your Top 100

Singapore, meet your Top 100 Idol hopefuls!

(Click on image to enlarge!)

Out of over 4000 that came and auditioned for Singapore Idol, these lucky 100 get to experience the mental, physical and emotional torture that is the Theatre Auditions!

I decided to compile all the pics into one big collage because, well, individually they DUN LOOK SO GOODE. I mean, seriously, some of them looked like they were posing for a police mugshot. Very few (countable (is this a word??) on one hand) posed like a star! ALWAYS pose like a star for shows like this. Some looked so sleepy, some looked shell-shocked ("omg is that flash?!"), some looked like they just got back from walking their dog, others barely registered any expression, many stood stock still as if about to keel over from nerve gas. Aiyo. Think 'I'm A Star. I'm Gonna Win This. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.

Granted the camera used was probably a simple one that doesn't have auto photoshopping (some do these days, isn't that amazing?! Facelift its called!), but check out 1390! She's awesome at posing! Great smile, great pose - best pic of the lot! And for those with oily faces - BLOT (discreetly of course) BEFORE PICS! (Top 24 ...pls note hor)

Ok. Rant over. Congratulations Top 100!

Check out this fabulous Interstitial for next week's episode (if you haven't already) to get an enticing sneak peak at what's being served up next Wednesday night. Woohoo!

In the 2 minute promo above, its clear that there will be loads of drama. Typically at this stage, judges are harsher and don't hold back as they expect more from the contestants. At this stage, contestants are expected to (and should) be serious about the competition, but the reality is a lot of them still think they're on holiday camp.

For more behind the scenes info about the Theatre Auditions stages, check out my previous posts.

Theatre Auditions Day One

Theatre Auditions Day Two

Theatre Auditions Day Three

Theatre Auditions Final Day

Check the left side bar for in-between posts as well.

Super duper chuppa chups excited to watch Ep3 now!

Its 12am on Friday August 14th, sigh. Wednesday is TOO FAR AWAY, I want to watch NOW! SI Producer - sneak preview can? I make homemade chicken rice for you...can? Taste like Boon Tong Kee, promise ;)

xoxo, s

Better than Ep 1

Just finished watching Episode 2 of Singapore Idol, and I must say I actually enjoyed this one more than I did the first episode on Sunday. It felt like there was a lot more 'heart' (I found myself rooting for more people) and the laughs were heartier too.

To be honest, part of me was expecting to not enjoy the show, I'm not really an 'auditions' person, my interest usually peaks at Theatre auditions onwards (like Hollywood week) when the pressure on contestants make for REAL drama-mama stuff.

So watching more first auditions just now, the show surprised me. I found it pretty balanced and I liked the profiles they did on a couple of the more interesting contestants (now its beginning to feel like a proper reality show, not just a showcase for freaks --> Krauser *bleah*)

It showcased some good voices : Charlene Tan, Tanna Tiew, Frances Maria Lee, Cheryl Yee, Fathin Amira, Duane Randall (was it?) Ho. Random girl sat next to Hady singing 'Mercy'.

UPDATE : Russell...sorry it was RUSSELL <-- POWER name sia!

Featured some outrageous characters : Sherman 'this-is-my-last-chance' Ng, Ronald 'Ken-went-toilet-during-my-audition' Chan and Yeow 'Jackie-Chan-and-Leslie-Chan-Songs' Wei Dur.

And I loved the heartwarming stories : Tarmizi & grandma, Cheryl Yee & grandma, Charlene & mom, The Brothers Cheok, Cancer Survivor Tanna.

Oh and I also enjoyed the story of the Brothers Cheok, both are just so cute. At first look, Gabe was definitely the cuter one, but after watching a while more, I kinda like Jonathan's sass and sense of humour - he looks like a mischievous prankster with a bad boy streak - bigger personality for sure.

For a more detailed review on the characters above, do scroll beyond my sign-off at the end of this part of the post.

And then there was Syarifah 'I'm-a-confident-person' Noor. I wasn't sure which category to put her in - not that great a voice, not that outrageous a character, and not heartwarming at all. I think I'll just put her down as 'outspoken character'. She definitely had a 'cool' look to her, quirky and unconventional, but the minute she started talking and became defensive with the judges, not so attractive anymore. Despite Dick saying she was 'acting' and Ken saying her 'confidence is fake', she's through to the next round. I'd like to see her do a 180 at theatre auditions and blow the judges away (could happen waaat...I'm optimistic!)- at the end of the show, we see a clip at Theatre and she looks like she's gone Erykah Badu on us (turban on her head?) - 180?

Of course, with the good stuff, there's always the SALAH stuff...check out the various 'Fail' cases.

Open mouth to sing, and handphone rings mid audition : Fail.

Walk into audition and totally face the wrong way : Fail.

Forget lyrics : Typical Fail.

Never tune guitar : Stupid Fail.

Reenact 'Careless Whisper' : Fail. (even Careless Whisper himself was within human hearing range this year! Good job Patrick!)

Sing with pretend mic : Fail.

Sing with ACTUAL mic : LAGI Fail.

Pick nose in public and get caught on camera: SUPER Fail.

Say to camera on a reality show you just joined, "Can I not be on camera?" <-- BIGGEST FAIL!

All in all I had a good time, it was enjoyable and a nice prelude to what looks to be a dramatic Episode 3. (Credit roll featured some pretty interesting soundbites from Judges expressing disappointment, discourse and disagreement. I am hoping for Drama with a CAPITAL 'D'. Sources tell me that there WILL be drama in the form major attitude problems, and apparently, a contestant's b**chy nature really comes out. Plus, its NOT necessarily a girl - EXCITING NOT? *clap clap clap with me!*)

So til next Wednesday, 8pm on Channel 5, we'll have to twiddle our thumbs and discuss all things Idol to keep the fire burnin' and the wheels turnin'!

xoxo, s.

ps. For those of you who missed Singapore Idol's second episode, it is now available on MOBTV. Singapore Idol is provided free, but you have to sign up as a member first.

Previously, I had posted that now everyone overseas who's been wanting to watch can do so, but unfortunately I was misinformed, and this service is only available to Singaporeans due to geo-related copyright issues. MY BAD, SORRY K!

----------------------------

Detailed review starts here.

GRANDMA IS THE SECRET WEAPON Idol producers the world over have featured older family members for that 'heartwarming' effect. Its no different here. Last week, we saw Tabitha Nauser's grandpa story, this week features Tarmizi's and Cheryl's grandma stories. Both yielded the desired 'awwww' effect.

TARMIZI Before I start on him, I have to say I totally enjoyed the mini Beyonce 'Single Ladies' tribute that was a lead-in to his story! That guy with the 'fan' was hilarious (see pic), he could really bounce! That coupled with big teddy bear Tarmizi declaring that he's 'the male version of Beyonce' (seriously??), had me ROTFL! Anyway, his story starts with him saying he can sing, and that Idol is a platform for him (sure, sure) then it takes a look at his relationship with his grandma. CHO CHWEET - but relevence? Dunno.

As for his singing, I totally agree with the judges, maybe it was his personality, but somehow I, too, expected more 'voice' from him. The Voice did not match the Diva personality! He betta BRING IT at at Theatres!

CHERYL This girl has the cutest grandma who says things very matter-of-factly.... via subtitles. I thought their relationship was really really endearing. When asked what Cheryl's strengths were, the woman declared her grandchild just average in everything! Way to be honest gramma! :)

Well, I thought Cheryl had a nice husky voice and was surprised that the a 16 year-old was denied the Golden Ticket. Perhaps the judges thought she was too young, especially after she declared she'd push studies aside to pursue Idol. Looks to me like they made a judgement call to send her back to school.

Cheryl says she'll be back next year, and hopefully there will be a 'next' season for her to fulfil that vow! Cheryl, if you read this, your grandma RAWKS! Suddenly miss my grandma, ...ok being random.

INSPIRING STORIES (+ TEARS) Mixed in among the grandma/grandpa stuff are other stories that make your heart swell for the 'characters'.

CHARLENE. Skinny Singer (dubbed by Dick) Charlene who decided to be a part time singer when her Mom had a stroke. This one in particular got to me because her Mom had been a musical person and the stroke had robbed her of her musicality (her vocal chords aren't what they used to be, and she can no longer play the guitar). She taught Charlene how to sing and how to play the guitar, and now, the Skinny Singer hopes to do her Momma proud by winning Idol. The judges were right however, Charlene's voice does not fit her image. They all loved her voice though! She's actually pretty sweet-looking, and I think with the right hair, makeup and styling, she can wow. Girl, you have the vocal chops, just listen to the judges, get a makeover and hopefully, you'll have a shot girl! What did you all think about Charlene's story?

TANNA. The other story that was very touching was Tanna Tiew's. She is a 1-month cancer survivor. I can't even begin to imagine the courage and determination joining such an open competition like this would take for someone who's suffered through cancer and chemo which just literally suck the life out of you. Its a pity Tanna is not more personable, perhaps it was her makeup or the hat, but she didn't seem as 'human' as Charlene. Nonetheless, still an inspiring story. Unique voice too - so YOU GO GIRL!

THE BROTHERS CHEOK. Featuring family members that audition together is a no-brainer. So when Jonathan and Gabriel Cheok walked in together, it was expected. But what I liked about them is how different they are. Both are cute, like Flo says, 'marketable' and both can sing reasonably well. But my gut tells me Jonathan will be the one who will make more of an impression. Perhaps because he's older, his confidence is more apparently, plus he seems sassy and a little mysterious (hard to read perhaps). Can't wait to see how the journey pans out for both of them - I have a feeling producers will put them on the spot somewhere down the line and make them compete against each other - reality show mah.

2 BIG SURPRISES AND 2 MAJOR FAILS.

FATHIN AMIRA. The one voice that REALLY surprised me came from a girl Dick called Plain Jane. To me, she just looked dazed. Like not enough sleep. Or perhaps she's just one of those expressionless people. And then the voice comes at you...just would not expect a 17 year old to have that kind of voice or emotion (especially for someone who looks dazed right?). Fathin Amira is definitely one to watch. I hope she gets a makeover too, and some 'presence' guidance. This is one girl who would benefit from Zaki's class (see my earlier post). I hope to see her go far.

FRANCES MARIA LEE. The other surprise came in the form of big personality Frances Maria Lee. She was the voice featured in one of the early trailers for the show - the one where Flo says 'She's got da voice!'. And she sure does! I think possibly the best we've seen so far on the show. I agree with the the judge's qualms about the genre she chose to go with. Hopefully she'll pick more current songs later on, am expecting her to sail through the next stage and be in the top24, her voice is too good to not go through.

FLOP #1. Sherman Ng (who looks like a less glam and much older version of Qi Yu Wu) declared 'I know that my songs reach out to the audience'. Somehow, his rendition of Dreamz FM's 'Should I Stay' didn't seem to reach out to this audience. I saw Ken cringe. I was cringeing. Clever though, to pick a song Ken wrote. Maybe that's why he was cringeing, 'you're butchering my song!'. I don't know how he did it, but he managed to convince the panel to give him another chance, and he chose Dick's song 'Mad Chinaman'. Way to butter up the judges dude. Does not work.

Ousted but not defeated, the fler sumore got self-plug, "Hope you'll catch me in the entertainment industry soon." Ok, holding my breath...not.

FLOP #2. Russell Chan. Dude. Have you not watched Idol before. Closing your eyes completely when you sing is a No-No. He looked like a serious case of 'Shiok Sendiri' (self-enjoyment) when he sang. Maybe Ken walked out to give let you be in your 'moment' . Tsk. Poor guy probably watched his segment back last night and cringed.

Sorry this review has come in a little late!

Ok, thats it for this post...thanks for sitting through the review. What did you all think of episode 2? And which characters caught your attention most? Did any one voice blow you away? Or was everything totally predictable? Tell us tell us!

xoxo, s.

Singapore Idol 3 : Episode 1

Its 2am, Monday August 10th. The day AFTER Idol Day.

I've just watched Episode 1 of Singapore Idol 3.

First reaction : Ok la.

After-some-more-thought reaction : Really ok la, not mind-blowingly fantastic, had a few 'huh?' moments, but generally pretty watchable. The Husband and I enjoyed it mostly, like 90%.

So I'll break this post down into things I didn't like, I liked and 'What The...?'

Did Not Like :

Krauser.

Big THUMBS DOWN. He was LAME. No, make that SUPER LAME.

AND extremely inconsiderate ..... what was the idiot thinking scaring a child like that?! As a mother, I totally reserve the right to SMACK HIM UPSIDE THE HEAD for pulling a stunt like that on a child. SO UNNECESSARY you LAME-O JERK.

And what about his SUPERBLY LAME audition? Dress up like that and people are gonna expect Black Sabbath or at the very least some Aerosmith - but John Lennon's Imagine? Speechless lor. In front of the judges meek like a kitten, once outside, growl at the camera. Dude. So UNCOOL.

Kimberley's Audition.

Not Kimberley per se, just the way her whole audition went. She wasn't that bad and didn't deserve all that drama - she seemed to me like a simple yes/no case. I wasn't that moved by her singing to her grandma, maybe you just had to be where Flo was to get the tears going. From where I was sitting, she looked like she was shouting at poor grandma (which I could hardly hear as it was drowned out by the loud clapping from her entourage). And poor grandma looked like she wasn't sure why her granddaughter was 'shouting' at her, but would ultimately OF COURSE say yes for her to go through la DUH!

Fahmi (guy who almost killed someone)'s story

I was so moved by this guy, was rooting for him, just like they wanted me to and then BAM!..the guy's out - didn't make it...Aiya. Such a downer that he couldn't sing! (on the flipside was Gabrielle's story - LOVED IT! See below.)

LIKED :

I liked seeing the judges again. It was so nice to see Dick, Flo and Ken back behind the table. So nice to see their camaraderie (ok Dick and Flo). So nice to see Uncle Ken again, doing what he does best.

Gabrielle Ferdinands' story.

I think her story was interesting, although to be honest, I spent most of my time just staring at her cos she reminded me right away of Mischa Barton (whom Perez calls affectionately calls Mushy due to her back thigh cellulite *evil Perez*). Gabrielle struck me as someone who has a lot of potential and she's humble, yet we know she wants it - which is good!

Kelly Mae Vernies. You tried out for Australian Idol and felt it didn't click? Well sweetie, if you really wanna make it to the Top 12 and possibly win, better start bringin' back your Singlish. :) I say this with utmost encouragement girl because I think you can sing. So don't lose votes by letting the audience feel alienated from you just because of your Aussie slang. See what happened to Jeassea Thyidor - great voice...Canadian though. I would have loved for her to get have gotten further, but I think her Canadianness may have gotten in the way.

Charles Wong the Beatboxer guy.

Deciding to beatbox, and doing it well, made him unique. He's like a walking subwoofer! The singing was just so-so, so Step it up at the next round b-boy!

Also cute as a button!

Benjamin Crutches-Guy's Accent.

I love that this guy speaks so well. Thats the good news. Bad news is for a minute it felt like he was 90 not 19. You're young dude, act your age! The Husband suspects the crutches are a gimmick. Dick said as much, "The stick helped you!" when he got the Golden Ticket. I'm still on the fence - how do you fake early onset arthritis? More importantly, if found out, wouldn't he face the wrath of like EVERYONE? So I doubt anyone would make such a stupid calculated move right? So, real crutches it is then!

Tabitha Nauser.

Tabitha looks like she has a lot of Swan potential. Just 17, she looks like girl next door, but her features look like with a bit of makeup and styling ....VA VA VOOM!

Daryl Lai's parents.

Daryl Lai's parents get props. They are such positive, encouraging parents. Despite their handicaps, they are supportive and optimistic - definitely a great example for everyone, especially their son!

Sezairi No-I'm-Not-Related-To-Najip.

Just thought the singing was good, better than what we got to see all night.

LOL Moments (Laugh-Out-Loud) :

Both The Husband and I cracked up at Gurmit's skit at the start of the show - he imitated the judge's habits quite well! Especially Ken's habit of rubbing his arms under his sleeves when talking, eyes peering above the glasses at the tip of his nose!

*Eh dun pray pray k....a LOT of people think Ken is sexy - some of the Top24 have told me so themselves too! I personally think its Ken's intelligence that makes him attractive. However, I still do not believe people have asked him what brand of underwear he wears - sure not Uncle Ken?)

Then there was that guy who said in broken Inggrissh : "Yes I'm a bit nervous, cos I haven take my breakfast yet." Kesiannya! (Poor thing hor!)

Deluded Avril Lavigne.

Or if you listen closely to her praise her idol, it could be Afreel Lerveeen or A-view Laveeen. Oh this girl made me laugh so much. Dick said it, "Do you live in the real world?" (Half of me thought she was gonna reply, "ya I do, cos I'm not a ghost you know!")

SUPER LOL MOMENT : When Afreel dovetailed the end of her singing with a question...Ho-oh, Ho-oh, Howsit?(sumore the face so deadpan - alamak almost keeled over laughing!)

Rachel 'I'm Not Ah Lian'.

Nothing wrong with being Lian right Flo? :) Clever move buttering up Flo (After Dick called Flo a 'Lian', Rachel defends. "She's not Ah Lian, she looks so sophisticated.")

After getting a Golden Ticket, I'm-Not-Ah-Lian says, "Real wan lehhhh!"<-- not Lian meh? Lian just admit Lian lah!

Anyway, I actually thought she was pretty cute and could sing. She shall from now on be known here as Ribbon Lian.

Careless Whisper put on weight and lost some hair and wasn't so whisper-y anymore. And like my source said, he really sang about the Recession. Not as funny as I thought it would be...letdown! (am waiting for ppl to post vids on youtube of these memorable clips so I can put them in the blog!)

Guy in red who sang Ning Baizura's 'In Another Place'. OMG. LMAO. Hello. CMI*.

*cannot.make.it.

Masked Selamat (featuring some guy in a surgical mask! LOL) <-- Goode One producers! Cheesy but unexpected, so props to you for sneakin' that one in!

Sky Ghostbuster Shaw

OMG. He was like in 'concert' mode! He has his shoes off (channeling Joss Stone?) and was waving his arms, asking the imaginary audience to 'Go Louder!'. What the..?

Then he gets to sing another song....Heavens Snow (what? thats NOT the title? But he was singing...Heavens Snow...Heavens Snow...)

No points for guessing the actual song title. Rick Price's 'Heaven Knows'.

Louis with the Irritating Voice.

LOL when he was describing how he thought he'd win judges over with his 'rocker' voice, only to be told by them that the 'rocker' voice was irritating. Then, decided to give judges a taste of his 'irritating' voice, only to find out that the Judges like it better! And I quote Louis :"Whats WRONG with these people?!" (Note to Louis : They din take their breakfast lor.)

Rohit The Hair.

This guy had hair like a Golliwog. Judges thought Slash. I thought.....Alleycats (70s group from Malaysia who thought they were black, but they were just Indian).

I didnt think his audition was that good but he got through anyway...we'll see how long The Hair lasts....

'Huhs?'

#1 : Radio guy who comes away with a Season Pass to the show? Who is he and what was that all about? Why does he get a pass?

#2 : Hady scouting for talent? huh? Why la? Didn't the talent queue up outside Cathay?

(random Hady pic, cos he's just so cute!)

Ken Lim as 7-Eleven Ambassador?!

During the commercial breaks, we got to see Ken Lim appear in his first-ever tv commercial (well I think its his first la, I haven't seen him in any before this).

It was for 7-Eleven, he lets a guy through auditions because he shops at 7-eleven. Cheesy much? Yes. It was.

But I'm glad to see Ken is able to not take himself too seriously and agree to doing stuff like this.

(Must go dig up more info on this (just found out an old friend was the Director of the commercials!) - I thought Taufik was the 7-Eleven Ambassador.... tsk, Uncle Ken stealing the limelight from your own protege?)

OVERALL, the show felt a little short, rushed, even, just ONE hour was not enough - I think everyone would have loved a full 2-hour premiere. (Just move News to 10.30pm la! No one cares about it right?)

Well, all in all, I had a good time with Ep 1 of Idol. I'm hoping to see more of the YAYs than the NAYs in Ep2 though. And perhaps more of the judges' witty remarks.

Singapore Idol Episode 2 airs Wednesday , 12 August, 8pm, on Channel 5!

Ok, end of review, time for bed *yawn* already 4.45am!

xoxo, s.