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!

Idol out : Duane Ho

Bye Bye Mr. Pussycat Doll :(

As I was walking to the Tv Theatre today, I wondered if tonight's votes would be the same as it has been for the past 4 weeks - that Singapore would be sending home yet another talented female contestant.

Looks like Mae's exit last week has given voters a wake-up call, the person packing their bags this week is Duane. The youngest contestant at 16, Duane has NEVER been in the bottom 3 much less the bottom 2. Tonight he was both, and finally, surprisingly, got the boot.

Duane went from a judges' pet to weekly ridicule and I give him props for taking all that in, especially at just 16. Its not easy standing there and being judged. Despite the judges' lack of support, Duane got support, and apparently in spades as he coasted through week after week - safe from being in the bottom.

I wonder what happened - either his fans decided he was getting slammed too much they decided to not prolong his torture (doubtful) or the fans of the other idols and previously eliminated contestants have rallied together to pool their votes to change the voting pattern.

Well, whatever it is, its still sad to see Duane go. He's such a sweet kid and we've all come to know and love him. Those closest to him took it the hardest - Tabby and Faizal, who together with him and Farhan made up the 'Awesome Foursome'.

Here's Duane's exit song and exit interview.

Haven't watched his performance on tv yet, but what I saw/heard at the theatre LIVE wasn't too bad. In fact, I thought he was rather refreshing, a nice combo of piano playing and stage presence.

Anyway, Duane, the Idol journey may be over, but you made it to Top 6! Thats an achievement and you know you'll always always be a part of the Idol family! Keep dreaming big my dear! Love ya Duane!

xoxo, s.