Idol out : Tabitha Nauser

Bye Bye Tabby :( *sob*

Definitely the most talented and confident 17-year old I have ever met. Ever the go-getter, Tabitha was fierce-competition from Day One. Not only was she talented and gorgeous, she had her eye on the prize. She may not have made it to Indoor Stadium, but in my eyes, and many others, Tabitha Nauser is, without a doubt, already a star.

Uncle Ken said that if it were up to the judges, they would have put her in the Finals. But it wasn't. It was up to Singapore. Whether they made the right or wrong choice is debatable, because in my opinion, all 3 deserve a spot at the finals. Quoting Ken again, he said at the start of the show, he wished it could be a Final 3 instead of just 2. I agree wholeheartedly.

Here's her exit interview - recorded on Iz's behalf as he was watching the Idol set being taken apart for the last time.

This was meant to be a vid of her exit performance, but having her Mum and Dad come on stage totally opened the floodgates and she just could not sing. Her Dad is just the sweetest and had given her a dozen white and red roses - so sweet right? How not to be emo and cry?

This next vid, was recorded between the performance and results shows. As always, bubbly and smiley, Tabby's just telling us how she was feeling at that point in time, who knew it would be a self-fulfilling prophecy!

I know there are some that deem Tabby 'arrogant', but that is just so far from the truth. Tabby is just such a lovely girl. She's friendly, open and not at all stuck-up. Her height, good looks and megawatt smile may make her seem intimidating, but she is actually very approachable and always at the ready to take pictures or have a chat with a fan. Despite the many 'haters' comments', Tabby has always been the smiliest, bubbliest one backstage at every show. Don't be so quick to 'judge' based on the barely two minutes of performance you see each week.

Anyway, after the interview, I asked her what would she be up to next (after the Grand Finals and Countdown show performances) and she said she'll be heading back to school to do her MassComm course. But somehow, I don't think this is the last we've seen of Tabby - I'm quite sure a number of broadcasting executives have got their eye on her for their own shows, so fingers crossed many projects come her way, so we can see/hear more of Tabby real soon.

As I was finishing up this post, this music video came on tv, and it was just so poignant and seemed appropriate. So this song is dedicated to you Tabby dear, from me. Eventhough you may be sad, 'don't play that broken-hearted girl', I believe in you and so do a whole lot of people, chin up babe!

.... don't forget to email you-know-who (told your parents about it!) and send in your Amazing Race application the minute you turn 18! Go with Mommy - it'll make for great tv!

xoxo, s.

ps. Don't forget to catch Tabby's exit interview on radio in the morning at 9am on 987FM with Dan & Young.

pps. Right after I published this post, a friend on Twitter sent me this link and omg, what a nice way to pay tribute to a great Idol contender. Watch. Props to campushawn who made the vid.

ppps. All photo credits to Ash & May. Thanks babes for being so chop chop fast with the uploads to Facebook!

Co-ed or Single-Sex Finale?

What a dodgy (almost typed doggy *tsk*) header right?

It was the shortest way I could come up with to sum up my thought. And my thought was/is, what kind of combo will you be sending to the Finals on the 27th.

In just under 11 hours, we will know who the Final 2 are. And I'm curious to see if it will be a Girl-on-Girl thing or a Boy vs Girl thing. And if its Boy vs Girl, WHICH GIRL?

The fight for the Top 2 spots are so close.

Five years ago, when we were at Top 3, I couldn't figure out who was going to the Finale either. I recall being at a Lime (now defunct) magazine covershoot where we shot not one, but THREE possible covers - Taufik+Oli, Sly+Oli and Taufik+Sly. It was consensus that it could be any of the 3 combos.

Well the buzz at that time was that Sylvester would be in the Top 2, but who was going with him? Yep, it did seem at the time that Sly had a lot of fans, he had beaten the odds week after week despite less than stellar performances. The word behind closed doors was that the recording company offering the prize were also very keen to sign on Sly too (which they did in the end), thinking his huge fan base would ensure album sales and a Mandarin album meant regional wings. So all signs pointed to a 'Sly' win....

Well, we all know how that story turned out.

Who knew it would be a landslide win the other way to the 'Soulman'? Perhaps it was the perception that the Sly fans were so strong that compelled others who never voted throughout the season to pick up the phone and cast a vote for the one that 'the general public' thought was more deserving.

The Top 3 dilemma..

I can't comment or draw experience from the second season as I was overseas and couldn't follow it. Anyway, originally I thought I could type my way through my thoughts and figure out at least ONE of the 3 that should be a shoo-in to go to the Final 2. But I've realised....nope, still can't single one of them out. Its THAT close. Tabby, Sylvia and Airi all have rabid fans. All 3 are very talented, equally talented in their own right, and are deserving of that chance at Indoor Stadium.

Will they deliver stellar performances tonight? I certainly hope so. Not just to keep the judges happy, but to reassure the rest of Singapore that there is talent and that the public has made the right choice in choosing them. I think tonight's show is possibly the most challenging, and rightfully so, since its one show short of the prize.

My heart's already thumping as I type this, I can't imagine sending off any one of the three. I really can't. I'm not even sure if I can get through the exit song - may trip whilst filming it on my phone since my vision will be clouded by tears.

Dammit! I WILL NOT CRY.

Cos I look damn unglam when I do.

Ok, anyway, voting lines open at 8pm. Don't get complacent, vote to your heart's content (or til your wallet gives out) and stay tuned for the results at 10pm.

Be sure to follow my tweets/twitpics from backstage tonight, I'll be at studio from about 6.30pm.

xoxo, s.

ps. Come back here at 10.30pm to find out how you can win tickets to the Grand Finals on 27th December.

IDOL DAY TODAY!

Last Spectacular on a Tuesday

I know, its Tuesday, not what you're used to after 17 weeks of Wednesdays, but hey, we're flexible right folks? Producers want Tuesday, we'll amp up Tuesday!

Show's on tonight at 8pm, LIVE from Caldecott Hill and its the last Spectacular show for Season 3 of Singapore Idol. Voting lines open at 8pm, voting deets/song choices all on the left sidebar!

After tonight, the Top 3 will become a Final 2. And the two will face off at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in just under 3 weeks.

Check the blog tonight to find out how you can win tickets to the Grand Finals on the 27th.

Christmas could come early for you :)

xoxo, s.

ps. btw, in case you think the move to 'Tuesday' is due to some big conspiracy theory to deprive one of the Top3 an extra day of practice or sleep in order to 'favour' another contestant, its not.

The terrible mundane/functional reason behind the shift is the unfortunate clash with the Opening Ceremony of the SEA Games tomorrow night. Hope that quells any wayward desire to speculate on the ridiculous and far-fetched :) HAPPY IDOL DAY WOOT!

Last Spectacular Performance Order out!

Spectacular 12 : Judges' Choice

performance order and voting deets are as follows.....

Opening the show for a second week running, Tabby will be singing Jennifer Hudson's 'Spotlight' first.

Next up is Sylvia's rendition of Sarah McLachlan's 'Angel'.

Airi's up next with John Mayer's 'Your Body's A Wonderland'.

After which the cycle starts again...

Tabby will now go fourth, presenting the Karyn White classic 'Superwoman'.

Followed by Sylvia's take on Natalie Grant's 'Held'.

With Airi closing the show with Michael Buble's 'Haven't Met You Yet'.

It's set to be an interesting show, challenging songs for all of them (like I said in my previous post, as of yesterday, they were still working out how to sing their songs), and lets see what the Judges have to say about their song choices and whether their Top 3 met their challenges head-on or not.

Here are this week's trailers to bring you up to speed in case you're wondering what's going on (hello where u been?) For more info on the song choice and watch original artiste vids for each song, check out my previous post on Song List here.

Here's a recap of what happened at last week's show just in case you missed that too. Pity that our usual go-to guy for SI episodes has not uploaded for the last two weeks :(...oh well...fingers crossed it'll magically appear tonight ya!

So now you know all the numbers, be prepared to vote like siao, this is your last chance to get your favourite through to the Indoor Stadium performance of their lives!

xoxo, s.

Spectacular 12 : Judges' Choice Song List!

DFK choose for Tabby-Airi-SylSyl!

Yay, previously meant to be kept a secret,but after my persistent pleases and nudges, @siproducer has agreed for me to release the Judges' choice song list! Woot! Everybody say yea-ah! Time to sit back and take a listen, and get to know the songs your Top 3 will be presenting next TUESDAY!

Judges DFK sat down and discussed long and hard what songs they wanted the Top 3 to sing that would 'help' them connect with the audience yet challenge them because this is still a competition. Like Uncle Ken said on the show, they chose songs that will "give viewers a chance to get to know them more intimately" (read : emote).

Here you go peeps, in no particular order....

Dick Lee's two song choices for Tabitha Nauser are :

1. Spotlight by Jennifer Hudson

I can so see Tabby performing this song. Definitely something she'd be comfortable in.

2. Superwoman by Karyn White

This song is a little old and a great opportunity for Tabby to 'emote'. Lets see her play the 'long-suffering-victim-who-finds-inner-strength', which is what the song calls for. We've seen her 'act', so I would love to see her pull this off.

Florence Lian's two song choices for Sezairi Sezali are :

1. Your Body's A Wonderland by John Mayer

This song is so 'Sunday Morning' and relaxed, its right for Airi in terms of vibe. Its also a great opportunity for Airi to bring out the guitar again, something we love right? I'm hoping to see and feel his innate 'coolness' and just 'hang-out' with Airi on this one.

2. Haven't Met You Yet by Michael Buble

Cheeky song, which is also kinda like Airi's vibe. But I think this song is more challenging to present than John Mayer's. What I like about Flo's choices are that they are suitable for Airi's tone. They may seem like simple, non-competitive songs, but this is where Airi's challenge it, to make it MORE than just the average radio-friendly tune. And on top of that, use it as a way to let the audience in. Something the judges' have mentioned is lacking (although I disagree on most occasions) in Airi's performances.

Ken Lim's song choices for Sylvia Ratonel are :

1. Angel by Sarah McLachlan

A very emotive song. This one will be a challenge, but Sylvia's emoting skills have taken leaps and bounds since about 4 shows ago. So I'm think as challenging as this song may seem, she's gonna ace as long as she relaxes and believes in herself. She needs to just lose herself in the song and the music, and the emotion will come. There are so many vids of Sarah M singing Angel, but I picked this one cos it seems to be her most contemporary rendition of it.

2. Held by Natalie Grant

I have to admit I'm not too familiar with this song. In fact, I have no idea who Natalie Grant is.

The song's not too bad, pretty inspirational. I would love it if Sylvia could up the drama on this one and make it less country. I'm quite sure she can make it her own :)

So, now that you know what they'll be singing...what do you think?

Imo, it will be quite an interesting show next week, and I'm looking forward to seeing the videos before each performance as I'm sure they will showcase the judges on why they chose the songs and possibly some interaction between them and the Top 3 other than at studio.

As for the 'allegations' of 'sabo' I've seen posted here and there, to be honest peeps, I can't imagine why people think Mediacorp and the Judges are so evil and unprofessional. Sabo, rigging - aiyo ridiculous la.

Mediacorp isn't some back alley producer and the Judges aren't just some random people. Both are professionals in their area of expertise. The judges especially, do not deserve your disrespect. They have, after all, done good by sifting through thousands to select your Top 24. And despite what you may think of their comments on the show, they say what they do in the interest of helping the contestants.

Idol isn't a fly-by-night singing contest, its a purchased format that comes with a production bible and very strict production guidelines which include professional auditing under strict supervision. This is not some mom & pop show.

Sigh, but I guess conspiracy theorists will always abound right? And everyone has the right to their opinion. I just wanna say, lets state opinions constructively with less traces of dementia and malice k? Think. Before you Speak.

(wah, so naggy. sorry ah. but i was serious la about the disrespect thing.)

xoxo, s.

ps. will post again when I know the order of performance :) The Idols are about to arrive at makeup at mediacorp soon (12pm) and they'll be off to The Esplanade for their profile shoots thereafter - so stalkers - go find!

Idol Day on TUESDAY + 2 more vids!

TUESDAY...REMEMBER!

Next week Idol Day is on TUESDAY! Go change all your recording settings so you don't miss recording the LAST Spectacular of the season. That's right folks, next Tuesday's show will be the last one held at Caldecott Hill's TV Theatre. The set at will be torn down and never rebuilt again. The next show after that will be the GRAND FINALS on 27th December at the Singapore.Indoor.Stadium!!!!!!! Woot!!!!!!

Key Words to help you digest that info...

Last Spectacular

Judges' Choice

Top 3 to Final 2

TUESDAY. 8pm

8th December

Digested? Good.

And now for some vids that Ash recorded with his super hi-tech SLR (so envious).

Here's a clearer vid (higher quality) of Charles' exit performance. I watched it again and I still can't believe all those sounds came from one person with a mic. Uh-may-zingg!

This is a recording of one of the producers' interviews with the then newly-minted Top 3. They're all agreeing that next week's show will be intense. Airi also realises he'll have the male dressing room all to himself :(.... but its all goode.

This last one was shot just before the show started. As you can see, right behind that black curtain to the right side of the stage, its all a crazy mess of people walking about, Idols rehearsing their songs, producers, assistant producers, stage hands, just like EVERYONE la is there. Its always a crazy mess here. Notice Airi sitting in a corner, all quiet? He usually is like that before every show - cos he's getting into his 'zone', but last night, he was extra quiet cos he was feeling awful - like many contestants seasons before, he was sick, and had thrown up (not once but twice) - but was prepared to soldier on and deliver the best performances he could.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed the vids, thanks much to Ash for taking the time to film and upload them - musta taken forever (cos he started last night and it only went live maybe at noon today!)

xoxo, s.

ps. Remember! TUESDAY 8pm! (whahah, said it so many times it must be ringing in your ears)

pps. Don't ask why they moved it to Tuesday, just remember to tune in!

ppps. Well, if you MUST know, SEA Games starts on Wednesday the 9th, so clash in schedule, thus Idol moves a day earlier. (which also means a shorter week for producers to get the show and all its innards together!)

p4s. No roadshow this weekend ya....this one I dunno why. But I'm glad the Top 3 will have a short weekend break.

Next Week's Theme : Judges' Choice

Judges' Choice : Surprised?

These 3 certainly were...

Sezairi : Oh. ok.

Sylvia : Huh? Really ah?

Tabitha : What..nooooo.....

Producers and everyone in the know (that would include yours truly and Official Blogger Iz too) worked hard to keep the secret....a secret. The Top 4 were convinced next week's theme was to be 'Jazz'. They even 'spliced' songs and submitted song choices a week ahead, like they always do. Poor things. All that work....pfft!

In the meantime, its Judges' choice for next week's show and according to Uncle Ken, the songs especially chosen for each of the Top 3 were chosen in the hopes that the song would allow audiences to get to know the Top 3 more 'intimately'. I translate that to mean - more emotion please.

Song choices are confidential for now, but here's who chose for whom...check out these pics taken backstage, so 'prize-giving-' or 'cheque-presentation-like'! Each Judge chooses two songs for their Idol contestant.

Tabby's song choices are by Dick Lee.

I like this pic, just add a mortar board on Tabby's head and you have a graduation-perfect pic :) And Dick's the proud lecturer who just crowned her valedictorian! LOL! But that said, they both look good here - nice pic Ash!

Airi's two songs are picked by Flo.

LOL - Looks like a proud mummy giving angpow to her son on first day of CNY!

Airi's expression here is priceless! What song IS that? Flo, are you SURE you want me to sing this?!

Uncle Ken chooses 2 songs for Sylvia.

Can you beat SylSyl's expression? HILARIOUS! And add Uncle Ken's 'almost smile' face next to it! AIYO. I cracked up for about two minutes when I saw this pic!

Thank goodness for Ash's pics. I tried snapping pics with my phone when this was happening but I was shorter than the sound guy, the camera guy, the director lady, the producers, Ash, Iz (these last two are so tall and big they may as well be trees to me!) and basically everyone who surrounded the scene la. So I got me nothin'! Thanks again Ash!

I stayed on for keycheck thereafter to find out what the songs were and suffice it to say, every song that came outta there was totally unexpected. Its going to be a very interesting show next week.

In my opinion, the song choices shouldn't be kept secret, cos I love listening to the original and then imagine how each contestant would reinterpret it. Oh well, not my decision, but I'll keep bugging @siproducer about it - maybe can release one song choice? Please, please, pretty please? I'm sure everyone's dying to know what Uncle Ken picked for Sylvia. LOL. I mean, lookit her face. And Airi's face too! What could elicit that kinda expression right??

Suddenly 1 week seems a super long time. (but then again, juxtapose that against how quickly the last 11 weeks have flown by and well, I shouldn't complain la right?)

xoxo, s.

ps. I would love to see Tabby do a big broadway number, followed by a very simple, unglam, stripped down song, just cos I think we never get to see the girl-next-door side of her - we're always served up the Glamazon. Same goes for Sylvia, a simple, emotive, heartfelt song without all the frills is what I would love to see. As for Airi, I loved watching him dance last night, and a number that includes some moves would be a nice repeat. ;) but thats me. And my initials ain't DFK.

Next Week's Theme : Super Top Secret

It's 10pm...

..and the lines are closed - you can't vote anymore...

..and traditionally at about this time, I will tell you what next week's theme is....

But not this week...sorry!

Its so SUPER TOP SECRET even the contestants don't know, so we'll have to sit and wait til Gurmit announces it at the end of tonight's show...

(see...told u got twist to look out for right? And if I know the producers well (and I do), they only told me half the twist, so that they (or some photog) can get that shot of me with my mouth wide open when they reveal all on the show....)

Anyway, I've been sworn to secrecy for the past 3 days so another half hour shouldn't be too hard to handle :) Hehe, love that this season's got so many twists ...for both contestants AND viewers alike.

Keep watching! Who have you voted through to the Top 3 this week Singapore?

2 girls and a guy, or 2 guys and a girl? Who's Idol dreams have been snuffed out like a Survivor tiki torch?

Remember, the results tonight are based on the total votes received from last Wednesday night and tonight. So it really is anyone's guess!

Your bottom 2 last week were Charlie and Tabby, have your fervent voting pulled these two to safety, throwing Sylvia and Sezairi into the bottom 2?Or have S&S's fans helped to maintain their status at the top of the food chain? OMG, just thinking of all the possible combos makes my head hurt and my heart thump harder!

Man...I think next week even more 'chee kek' (exciting). I got butterflies in my stomach from typing this post AND thinking about next week....arrgh...

xoxo, s.

ps. Am still backstage - check out my tweets/twitpics here.