Singapore Idol Top 24 : Benjamin Chow

In The Shower with :

Benjamin Chow

(nickname : Worrymuch)

Benjamin says the 3 words that best describes him are Jazz, Rap and Sensitive. I've seen/heard the jazzy side, and he does come across as a sensitive kinda guy. But rap, hrm. Surprise me Ben.....

Quick facts about Benjamin :

Lives in : East

Occupation : NSF

Favourite MJ song : Smooth Criminal

Favourite Judge : Ken

Single/Attached? : Attached

Who does he think will win Idol 3? Jannah.

If music is your first love, what is your second?

Musical Theater! I've been in love with the theater ever since I was a kid- I remember the first time I played Fagin, from Oliver Twist, almost ten years ago... I never stopped trying to learn as much as I possibly could about the performing arts after that. My favorite playwright of all time is Samuel Beckett, and my favorite musical is probably Sweeney Todd (the original George Hearn broadway version mind you). :)

Secret Single Behaviour : What do you do on your own that no one knows about?

I absolutely HAVE to drown my fries in Mayonnaise. I usually order two large seaweed shaker fries, ask for like five packets of mayo and two packets of curry- and that's lunch right there! My girl keeps telling me i'm gonna die of clogged arteries. (aww, ain't that sweet! the nagging girlfriend, not the clogged arteries)

summerr's take :

With controversy and scandal swirling around him, he's definitely had loads of pre-publicity, but not the kind that you'd be happy about. He has a voice, and he can sing, so hopefully his performance at the Piano Show will put naysayers to rest.

I haven't quite figured Benjamin out yet, he's a little bit of an enigma, but suffice it to say, he comes across as earnest and well-meaning, although a little neurotic at times. He says its just because he wants to improve that he asks so many questions and asks for feedback.

Ben will be singing the Etta James classic, "At Last", which seems to be right up his alley of 'jazzy' classics. Apparently he raps too, that rap at the end of Episode 3, while the credits were rolling, was Ben.

Make a date with Benjamin!

Saturday, 5 Sept : Lot One, 3pm -4pm

Catch Benjamin in person at the second Idol roadshow where you get to meet the second group of 12 that will be performing at Piano Show #2.

Tuesday, 8 Sept : Caldecott Hill, 9am - 930am, 987FM

Tune in to 987FM at 9am to catch Benjamin's first radio interview, alongside Jonathan, Amira and Charlene.

Wednesday, 9 Sept : Caldecott Broadcast Centre, Studio 1

Singapore Idol Piano Show #2, 8pm and The Results Show later at 10pm, on Channel 5.

To vote for Benjamin :

Call 1900 112 1209 or text 9 to IDOLS (43657)

Each call/sms costs 60cents.

Lines will only open from 8pm on 9th Sept 2009.

Find Benjamin Online :

- watch this space -

xoxo, s.

Poor Ben is probably wondering, "Why won't this go away?"

With all the speculation and comments about Benjamin Chow faking it (yes it is apparently still a topic people are discussing - just check the forums and tweets) plus an ongoing police investigation (am assuming they are investigating it since a report has been lodged), Benjamin still needs to focus on the competition.

In case you haven't heard his side of the story, do check out these two articles on Mediacorp TV's Buzz site. These are the only 'interviews' you'll see from him as all Idol contestants are not allowed to do interviews at this stage.

If you missed them, here are the links...

Benjamin Chow - Idol Hopeful On A Crutch

Idol Hopeful lodges police report for hacked Facebook account

I still maintain that the important thing to remember here is that the guy is where he's at in the competition because of his voice. He CAN sing. The Judges don't really do sympathy votes, not at this stage anymore anyway. But if he gets through to the Top24, who knows how the audience will vote, hopefully based on vocals and not the crutch.

Update : Just as I was about to sign off on this rather mundane post, my mobile rings and its flashing 'Benjamin Chow Idol 3'. Speak of the devil. Wonder why he's calling? They caught the hacker? He's calling to confess it was a sham (yea rite, and pigs can fly!)! Watch this space, the day just got interesting...

xoxo, s.

Brothers Cheok tribute to Ben Chow

Check out what I found on youtube :) Idols supporting their fellow Idol! (awwwwww!)

The Brothers Cheok doin' a shout-out to Ben Chow in light of his hacker plight.

Very cute guys. I had fun watching this lil clip!

Ben, if you're out there, have you seen this? Its buddy support Idol-style!

Sound quality and picture clarity not the best, so don't hold it against the brothers k?

xoxo, s.