12 Days To Go....

OMG how time flies....

It's Tuesday, can't believe it was already a week ago that we bade farewell to super-awesome-contender-for-the-Idol-title Tabitha Nauser. I still say Top 3 go to Grand Finals also can waaat? rite?

Oh well, sigh, bygones. Time to focus on the Finals.

Lets get back to Idol business, sorry its been a bit quiet on the blog. Had guests in town from last week, then hitched a ride back to KL without The Husband, so am effectively single-parenting it amidst the dust bunnies, ventolin inhalers, mosquitoes and sweaty pasar malams here. A bit more settled in last night - but got time got sucked into Twitter (dammit, its crazy! before I knew it ...3am! Had been on Twitter/MSN for 5 hours!). But on the upside, I had an amazing chat with @siproducer on MSN and whoa have I got gossip up the wa-zoooo.... which I will spill when I get the okays ;)

Suffice it to say, the show is gonna be blardee amazing.

seriously. i kid you not. excited just thinking about it again!

I can share with you the medley for the opening number - its I Gotta Feeling-Bad Romance-Boom Boom Pow. :) Nice right? Shan't say anymore cos I'll spoil the surprise, except that its gonna be a spectacle with lots going on.

Ok secret-rundown-for-show aside, here are two vids of Airi and Syl trying out their new song choice 'Crazy' and 'Yellow' respectively at last Thursday's keycheck. Airi also presented his own original composition 'Something Personal' at keycheck, but ultimately the choice was 'Crazy' by Aerosmith.

Yesterday (Monday), the Top 2 got to ride the Singapore Flyer. Their profile shoots were shot there last night (more being shot today at their homes, see below) and both were elated to take the ride into the night sky. Here are some pics, courtesy of @siproducer and @izked.

I personally love going on the Flyer, its so peaceful (unless you get a bunch of chatty tourists - I was stuck with a bunch of Korean ones once, aiyo, could not 'ohm' at all, had to shout to my guests about the whole purpose of Marina Barrage)....and the skyline is beautiful. It really is an awesome ride, I recommend everyone go on it at least once. The Top 2, got to ride it for 3 rounds last night :)

Shots taken by @siproducer whilst st SylSyl's place this morning and Airi's place right now :) (Tuesday afternoon).

What else is up this week with the Top 2?

1. Tonight, they'll be walking the red carpet for the premiere of Avatar (looks like a scary movie dude) at 7pm. At least they get to relax right?

2. They are doing their last radio interviews this week, Airi's on tomorrow at 9am and SylSyl's on on Thursday at 9am. Betcha Dan & Young are gonna miss being idol-invaded every week :)

3. SylSyl's TP Homecoming roadshow is happening tomorrow at 3-4pm.

4. Tons of newspaper interviews to do tomorrow too from Berita Harian to Straits Times bla bla bla.

5. Thursday's all about vocal training in various combos with alums, guest artistes and each other. :) - I almost pengsan-ed (fainted) when I saw the schedule for Thursday - was like a menu for combo meals. Airi + x, Sylvia + y, Airi + Sylvia + abc, def+y+x+ Sylvia only. etc etc. Siao!

6. Friday's reserved for the studio recording of the winner's single. Yep guys, this is it, this will be the recording that will be released to the public when one of them wins. So Friday is D-Day - they gotta focus and NAIL THAT SONG in the studio. Uncle Ken should be back by then to supervise (I'm guessing), since the song's his baby.

7. Saturday is the last day for vocal training plus its Roadshow Day. Mae, Malaque, Nurul, Amira and Justin will be joining the Top 2 at The Heeren (newly revamped and revealed) at 630pm.

8. And from Sunday onwards, its choreo sessions (again, think combo meal menu) all the way to actual live rehearsals at SIS (Singapore Indoor Stadium). WOOT!

Oh, and Sunday is also Roadshow Day. Tabby, Charlie, Faizal, Duane and Farhan (ie Awesome Foursome + Farhan 'Tabby's Alleged Ahem' if you believe Matt the Wubby ;)) will be joining S&S.

Sounds like a packed week? Thats cos it is! I shall leave you to digest all that info now.

Tickets Anyone? Wanna go watch the Finals at Indoor? Simple.

Follow me on Twitter.

I'm giving away 2 pairs of tickets daily from now til the 26th. Contest runs from 12noon to 12midnight every day, just look out for question on twitter and retweet with the answer :)

Easy? You betcha!

Other ticket avenues :

1. Official Blogger Iz also running a contest

2. MediaCorp TV's Watch & Win contest (this one gives you $$$ too so you can pretty yourself up!)

3. Tune in to 987FM, Singapore Idol's Official Radio Station (and their website)

4. Bug the Idols (or their fanclub reps) til they budge on their Twitter/Facebook pages (Top 2 AND the 10 finalists)

5. Bug @siproducer on twitter

What you should NOT do is go to Reception at MediaCorp and ask - cos they won't have any.

Or bug the Channel 5 interns for tickets like @norasyraf <-- poor dude!

Ok, thats all from me for today - rushing off to take the kids for a swim before it pours, can you believe my friend's parents' built a salt-water pool for their newborn grandson? Talk about OTT! But hey, I shall not complain, The Kids and I get to chill in it today! Ah its so nice to be back in KL!

xoxo, s.

Roadshows & Working Thru Christmas

Gearing up for the finals - a schedule to die for -_-

Don't get me wrong, your Top 2 are not complaining, not at all. Surprised initially, but not that surprised once you remember the Finals are just 2 weeks away! They're ready to give the next two weeks their all to gear up for what is to be the biggest show of their lives (thus far at least, I am hoping for big things in the future).

Think about it, when else will two (plus 10) 'amateur' singers get to put on a concert at the Indoor Stadium for an 8000+ strong crowd?

Only when Idol is in town.

And also in town (couldn't help myself, this pun was just too good to pass up!) your Top 2 will be, from now til the finals, there are four roadshow appearances and they are ....

TODAY & TOMORROW!

12 Dec 2.00pm Jurong Point

13 Dec 2.00pm Iluma - 8days 1000th issue roadshow

NEXT WEEKEND :

19 Dec 6.30pm The Heeren (with Mae, Justin, Nurul, Malaque & Amira)

20 Dec 3.00pm West Mall (with Tabitha, Charles, Faizal, Duane & Farhan)

A Packed Schedule...

In between these two weekends of roadshows, your Top 2 will be busy with profile shoots, at the Singapore Flyer, at sunset/twilight (sure to get amazing shots!), at home, all over Singapore, etc. On top of the gazillion profile shoots, there will be a gazillion sessions of choreography, vocal training, imaging and camera rehearsals (so many solos and group numbers to do!) at Indoor Stadium to attend and digest! I bet you they now alternate their mantras between *I am the next Singapore Idol* and *must find time to practice my songs*.

Dan & Young Lovin'...

They've got their last (2nd last for the winner) radio interviews with 987FM next week.

Wednesday 16 Dec, 9am : Sezairi

Thursday 17 Dec, 9am : Sylvia

So don't miss out these last radio sessions with Dan & Young next week. The following week is show week, so its full-on rehearsals the whole week through. If you want to stalk them you'll have to do so at Indoor Stadium. *stalkers are you noting this?*

Ok, thats about all I have on their schedule. I've got visitors in town again this weekend, so will endeavour to find time to blog. I won't even get to catch S&S at Jurong Point today :( .... wonder how this particular roadshow will go, especially with the crazy 'death-threat' see my next post.

See you at the roadshow tomorrow S&S! Oh, and shout outs to Mae (and cutiepie Mike) and my boy Justin who are all back in town - love you guys - can't wait to catch up!

xoxo, s.

ps. In case I wasn't clear in my first few paras, the Top 2 and other 10 finalists, are WORKING ON CHRISTMAS DAY ... 10am - 10pm - camera rehearsals at Indoor Stadium. :( so poor thing hor, shall do my best to whip up a log cake and drop by. Anyone else got the same idea?

pps. @siproducer - Sleeq for the finals, guest appearance, can? Just one song - 'Moviestar'! Maybe they can angle it and make one line 'Idol Stars' and intro Sylvia and Sezairi..... sorry ah, don't mean to play producer/director, just an idea to think about - support local talent!

ppps. @siproducer Are Idol alums coming? Daphne Khoo, Olinda Cho, Sly, Jonathan Leong, Nurul Maideen, Paul Twohill <--- would love to see them again.

*update* Daphne, Oli, Jon are confirmed not performing...*sob*....producers cite schedule conflicts (I'm thinking too costly maybe?) *ahem* Sleeeeeeeeeeeeeq!

Short week on Idol

Its Monday and tomorrow is Idol Day already!

What a short week this has been. It feels like we've just recovered from 'losing' Charlie and adjusting ourselves to the whole concept of Top 3 and gawd, before you know it, even that's out the window, the buzz-phrase from tomorrow 10.30pm onwards will be 'Final 2'.

So what have your Idols been up to this 'short week' since last Wednesday night? With no roadshow or music video to shoot, you may have had the misconception that our Top 3 were resting on their laurels.... not so.

Thursday was a much-deserved rest day. But come Friday, its back to 'work'. A full day profile shoot followed by individual 'chat' sessions with Judge (Uncle) Ken Lim at his office made for a super long day. (and lemmetellyou, I've had the pleasure of working with Uncle Ken, and I've had work 'chats' with him before, and peeps, next to the word 'loh-sor' in the Singlish Dictionary, you'll see Uncle Ken's face there (probably next to mine hehe). Don't get me wrong, imo, he's very wise and worldly (yes he is!) and I totally adore him and have the utmost respect for him (yes I do, as I do Flo and Dick) - but the man has a way of lecturing you that needs you to commit at least an hour of your life in that white room he calls an office. AT LEAST an hour... I've never been in there for less.)

Saturday was vocal training. Sunday was choreography, more 'chats' and MORE vocal training (this week's songs are tough - as of yesterday's 2nd vocal training session, your Top 3 were still trying to figure out how to sing those individually challenging songs the Judges have dug up!) .

Izked and I managed to catch up with the Idols for a short yak and some makan at Chilli's on Saturday evening. :) It was awesome to just 'hang' for a while in between all the Idol business. The Chilli's people were awesome enough to show 'em some lurve and even gave us a special VIP bill! Awesome not? Its so nice to meet people who follow the show, and so here's a big thank you to the Chilli's managers and our two fab servers for the superb service - glasses always filled and tummies overflowing!

I didn't take too many pics cos, well, I wanted it to just be some 'laidback' time to hang with the Top 3 without constantly thinking about blog content ya'know? I left the picture-taking to Iz who's camera was flashing non-stop LOL! Keep a look out for his take on our 'idle-pig-out-session'!

Suffice it to say, it was quality Idol time for me at least. Its so surreal that the journey's almost over! While we ate and laughed and ate and laughed, I was mentally sealing the moments in my head cos it can't get much better than this! Poor Airi was in migraine central initially but he came round later and felt much better and it was all good.

Me and Iz picked up the tab - cos we love 'em right Iz? For me, it was just a small 'thank you' to the Top 3 for sharing with me their journey thus far. They've been so forthcoming (all the Idols have been) from Day One. Thank you for not minding my rushed interviews, constant twitpiccing, video-ing, long-windedness and my often MIA-ness (due to my other 'commitments') and always welcoming me with big smiles and open arms.

All you guys, have made this 'job' so easy and so fun! I can't imagine what it would be like if the whole bunch had turned out to be prima donnas!! DIE!

Tonight, the Top 3 will be attending a private screening of the upcoming movie Planet 51 - who says there aren't perks to bein' an Idol, this is what, the like 4th or 5th movie premiere they've been to?

After tomorrow night, the Top 2 can look forward to a full day covershoot with 8Days on Thursday, key-taking for the Finals on Friday and two roadshows this weekend (check the left sidebar). Idol business never idles for long (sorry, HAD to get that pun in here somewhere!)

xoxo, s.

Wanna Be An Idol? Clear your schedule...

Can you handle Idol 24/7?

Does Idol Land look super glamourous and cotton candy wonderful from where you're standing? Rubbing shoulders with celebs, free VIP passes to concerts, Gala movie premieres and adoring fans - where got stress? Perform only once a week what, other days can play right?

Wrong.

Every season, people sign up for Idol thinking they can wing it, it should be ok, just concentrate on the competition, maybe a few meetings here and there with producers or sponsors etc, one show a week, plenty of time to practice etc.

Little do they realise what the Idol schedule entails.

Because of the nature of the show (its a reality programme and elimination happens on a weekly basis) every day is packed to the brim with production commitments, rehearsals, promos and so on.

Here's a glimpse at what a typical Idol week looks like...

Saturday

10am–7pm: Vocal training for next week's Spectacular

7pm-9pm: Choreography for President's Star Charity (or whatever show/event they are appearing at, last week it was the MediaCorp Trade Show)

(thats the whole day gone by the way :))

Sunday

1pm: Report at Make Up unit for makeup for Roadshow

4pm-5pm: Roadshow @ Mall

7pm-9pm: Choreography for President's Star Charity

Monday

9am-9.30am: 987 radio interview – Report at reception sofa @8.45am

12pm–3pm: Imaging for this Wednesday's Spectacular & MTV shoot

6pm onwards: Choreography for this Wed's Spectacular

Tuesday

9am-9.30am: 987 radio interview – Report at reception sofa @8.45am

3pm-6pm Fitting for shoes and accessories for MTV

6.30pm onwards: Keycheck for NEXT week's Spectacular (eventhough you may not be coming back next week, you still gotta prepare.)

Wednesday (IDOL DAY)

9am-9.30am: 987 radio interview – Report at reception sofa @8.45am

For those not involved in the radio interview:

8.45am: report at wardrobe to collect clothes for tonight

9.30am: report at TV theatre for briefing/meeting with producers, followed by rehearsals, blocking etc.

8.00pm: LIVE Show

9.30pm: LIVE Link to News5Tonight

10.00pm: LIVE Results

10.30pm: Post show interviews

Thursday

12noon–6pm: Profile shoot for NEXT week's Spectacular

7pm onwards: Vocal dub for Sponsor's Music Video

Friday

Whole Day (7am-7pm): Sponsor's Music Video shoot

9pm to 10pm: Presiden's Star Charity (PSC) camera rehearsal

Saturday

8.30am–3pm: Vocal training for Next week's Spectacular

5pm-6pm: Roadshow @ Mall (Report at makeup at 2pm)

7pm-9pm: PSC Full Dress rehearsal

Phew! Busy right?

It may seem like the week's filled mostly because of the commitments for PSC, and should be better the following week, but it usually never is :P.

When there isn't PSC to worry about, there are other events like Trade Shows, Gala Premieres, Media Interviews (magazines, newspapers, web publications, other radio stations), publicity shoots (trailer shoots, photoshoots) etc etc etceterah!

And no matter how tired you are, at the end of the day when you finally get home, you've got to practice and do research for the following week's theme because you have to submit song options for the following theme's key check....(you know, just in case more than 1 person wants to sing a certain song, you should always have a back up song choice).

Its also every Idol hopeful's responsibility to be totally contactable. Schedules are constantly changing because they are always 'in demand'. So no matter how tired you are, you still have to check your email and make sure you turn up when required. Aside from email, in this era of Facebook and Twitter, they have to keep their fanpages updated (and interesting!) too.

So you wanna be an Idol? Make sure you're prepared to handle the hectic schedule first. The schedule at Piano Show stage was easy peasy compared to what they go through at Spectaculars, but hey, thats the nature of the show, the stakes get higher as the show progresses.

Saying all that, I'm pleased to report that the current Idols are keeping up with the pace quite well, good job guys! (They haven't chewed my head off yet when I ask to interview them in between shoe trying and vocal key checks bla di bla. :) So they must still be pretty sane!)

To my beloved LODIs, I know some of you may already be tired and losing steam, don't give up ok? Keep at it, find your stride and always give it to your 150%. Its just the 3rd Spectacular, you have another 6 more to go before the grand finals.

In the words of Sheryl Crow, "No one said it would be easy...."... Ganbatte!

xoxo, s.