(Un)Crowning Idol by the Media

A 'deserving' win?

That pretty much sums up what most of the local papers (and even online news links) had to say with regards to Sezairi's Idol win. What SHOULD have been a moment of triumph raised more eyebrows and question marks than pats on the back. That's just so sad.

I didn't comment on it before because 1. I thought it would resolve itself and someone would stand up for Airi's win, and 2. I know where I stand when it comes to Airi's win, I don't think it needs to be justified or proven correct - professional auditing says it all. Oh, and also, I've seen Izked's emotional post about this debacle and he's said pretty much all there needs to be said about it.

I decided to do this post to highlight an article that came out in yesterday's Berita Harian, written by Hanim Mohd Saleh, entitled 'Apa salah Sezairi menang?' (What's wrong with Airi winning?). Hanim is a great writer, witty too, and imo, I think Straits Times should carry a translation of her article.

It basically raises the issue of just discrediting Airi simply because he's a Malay Boy. Two things he can't help but be. What irks me is that people can't seem to see past those two superficial traits with which he shares with Taufik and Hady. If you spare a moment to get past that racial slur, you'll see that each of the 3 idols are very different artistes.

The worst part of all this 'Idol-hate' is that those making the most negative comments or complaints either didn't vote or didn't vote enough. You could say that you don't have the cash to splash. I just wanna say, d'you think Airi's voters are flash? His devout fans were perhaps more united in their efforts to vote collectively. But on top of those devout fans, are those who probably watched the show and decided to cast their vote for him too - as Uncle Ken said, Airi did perform better that night.

The votes don't lie. He is clearly Singapore's choice. But because the newspapers are widely read, the impression is that every person and their neighbour doesn't think he deserves it, just turns a great win (especially after what I think was probably a really close fight) into something people don't seem to be proud of.

Airi and I spoke about the backlash a few nights ago. After all thats said and done, he told me he's just gonna 'hold his head up high and walk into the storm'. To which I replied, 'because its calm in the centre of the tornado right?'. I had hit the nail on its head.

To Airi, I hope you get to that centre soon. You deserved this win lor...

Much love, xoxo, s.

ps. Peeps, if you feel the same, lets give Airi some love & support right here on this page - add your comments below k! Sylvia lovin' also very much welcome - heck ANY IDOL LOVIN' is so very very welcome!