*SG IDOL* Thank you for voting for Taufik. Tune in to the results show at 10pm on Ch5 to see who is crowned as Singapore's first Idol. You vote, YOU decide!The sms which verified that my vote came through was abit too late but it doesn't really matter because it's already official; 23-year old Taufik Batisah, who hails from Bukit Batok (and was also from Jurong Sec, like yours truly!!), is SIngapore's FIRST idol! BY goD~ I'm SO relieved!! Although I've tried very hard to be as impartial as I could throughout my SgIdol reviews, I think I've been quite a staunch, though clandestine, supporter of the kohl-eyed RnB crooner. For the record, I STILL think he's wearing eyeliner despite his adamant public denials, but I don't see how this slight ludicrous detail could detract us from his indisputable talent. The fact that he has garnered enough votes to overthrow his rocker-wannabe opponent, Sylvester Sim, is a miracle in itself; with Singapore's chinese community totalling at, perhaps, a formidable 70% of the population, I was initially convinced that Taufik wouldn't stand a chance. Thankfully, my fears were unrealized and all those smses I sent out have not been in vain ;)
- Sender: 43657, Thu 12.32am 2-12-2004.
Nevertheless, I'm not too pleased with how the show turned out especially when contrasted against the recent Indon Idol and M'sian Idol finales. For starters, I thought that the stage was a leetle too small and with 11 Idol finalists, a dozen dancers, a live band, a mini orchestra and a choir, squeezed onto it, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it collapsed into a heap midway through the show. BUt unfortunately, it didnt (we could all do with a little live drama). Moreover,the show's opening sequence bordered too much on kitsch for my taste; it reeked of cheena-pop concert influences and gave me the impression that I was about to be introduced to a couple of cheesy, teenage superstars. AND Leandra's hair was a coiffure-disaster~! Seriously, the stylist responsible for it should be lynched alive! ... As you might have guessed, my list of complaints is a pretty long one so I better move on to something else...
Taufik scored with a near-faultless rendition of Billy Paul's Me And Mrs Jones. The judges must have known he could pull this one off perfectly because the genre was right up his alley! Taufik made it look so easy to be cool and classy that I was quite green with envy by the end of his performance (cuz I wanna be cool and classy too! :p ) Sylvester's Living On A Prayer however, was quite ghastly, despite whatever nice-things the judges had to say about it. Seems like all four of the latter were practically falling over each other trying to come up with the most flattering compliment for each of the contestants...
I didn't think Taufik's Superstition was anything to rave about; nor was Sylvester's An Jing. It must be that they lacked the novelty of the original performances (during the Spectaculars). Still, I don't think it's very fair that the producers allowed Syl to perform a Chinese song... (unless they think it would be fair-er if he did cuz he's English is so bloordy atrocious!) I have to admit though, he's got the makings of a successful Chinese popster. I mean, he's already got a reliable fan-base (consisting of thousands of obsessed and adoring, pre-pubescent tween girls). All he needs now is an album...
These created-for-Idol songs are becoming increasing monotonous, cliched and uninspiring. There must be a factory somewhere that produces such garbage faithfully for each Idol competition taking place around the world. Honestly, I Dream is nothing more than a weak and sappy boyband-ish ballad which I'm sure even Westlife would never touch with a ten-foot pole. NONETHELESS, our two local finalists performed the song sooooo earnestly, they made the trite lyrics forgivable. I really can't decide whose version is better... but on the whole, I feel that Taufik's vocals suited the song more, especially on the high notes, although Sylvester was quite impressive on the powerful parts.
FIVE little observations I've made tonight about the Sg Idol finale (besides those already mentioned):
1) When he's not stumbling over his lines, Gurmit is definitely mumbling. And sometimes, he talks real slow... as if talking to a retarded person.
2) Christopher Michael Lee has grown a little chunkier (too much turkey during Thanksgiving, perhaps??). I don't think that's anything to scream about but I believe his fans didnt give a damn...
3) Douglas Oliveiro's green suit is absolutely ridiculous. I know Christmas is just around the corner but he shouldn't have tried to make himself look like one of Santa's little helpers..
4) Is it just me or is Jessye Thyidor looking more gorgeous than ever~?? She looked every bit like a glamorous celebrity as she strolled down that pathetic red carpet. Move aside, Sharon Au, Andrea DeCruz etc ... !
5) Every single one of the Mediacorp artistes interviewed during the show had a diplomatic opinion about the Idol finalists. I think they've been prepped NOT to blatantly take sides. However, I'm sure they didnt bother to vote anyway...
