Show off your talents

Filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad’s new film, Talentime, premieres on March 26.

The film boasts a host of new talents besides Yasmin’s usual team of actors and actresses.

The cast includes The Amazing Race Asia 2 runner-up Pamela Chong, Mahesh Jugal Kishore, Malaysian Idol winner Jaclyn Victor, vocal powerhouse Adibah Nor and funnyman Harith Iskander, who starred in Gubra and Sepet.

The movie is about high school students preparing for a talentime.

Gua (gua.com.my), with the support of Silkygirl, is organising a contest in conjunction with the film.

Participants may either sing, dance or play a musical instrument. They have to record a video of their performance and upload it on www.gua.com.my/talentime. All videos must be no longer than a minute.
Participants can submit multiple entries and compete in all three categories.

The weekly winners will win Silkygirl products worth RM300 each. Cash prizes of up to RM15,000 await the grand prize winners.

The contest runs until the end of the month. For more information log on to www.gua.com.my.

Weekend watch: Cities honoured with Heritage status

There will be a “live” telecast over RTM1 from Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur at 8.30pm of the official commemoration of Malacca and George Town as Unesco World Heritage sites.

The Badminton Super Series: China Open 2008 airs “live” over RTM1 this weekend. Catch the semi-finals tomorrow at 2pm and the finals on Sunday at 2pm.

The popular Konsert Jom Heboh is shown over TV3 this Sunday at 9pm). "Live" from Penang's Stadium Batu Kawan, the artistes performing include Krystal, Jaclyn Victor, Stacy (AF), Jeffridin, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Awie and Fazly Zainal.

New series Sonnria Pasta debuts over 8TV tomorrow at 4pm. It is about a girl whose short-lived relationships with men changes after an encounter with a celebrity.

This week's instalment of Music On 8 (8TV, tomorrow, 10.30am) features all-girl group The Pussycat Dolls.

Jaclyn Victor: In the camera’s eye

It’s a new career step as Jaclyn Victor delves into acting.

JACLYN Victor is definitely going places. It seemed only a while ago that she clinched the first Malaysian Idol title (in 2004) and now she is making her debut on the big screen.

Though her acting debut is in a supporting role, Jaclyn - or Jac as she’s known to her fans - is very excited about it. The movie, titled Talentime, has generated some early buzz and it is helmed by none other than award-winning director Yasmin Ahmad.

“I’m nervous and excited at the same time. This is my first attempt at acting,” said Jac recently during the filming of Talentime in Ipoh.

But Talentime was definitely not the first acting offer she has received. The 30-year-old was reported to have declined an offer from Mamat Khalid to act in his latest movie, Estet.

“People may think I’m choosy, but that’s not true,” she explained.

“I declined the role in Estet because I was busy with Asean Idol then.”

Jac added that Yasmin had offered her the role of Bavani in April, when she was not too occupied.

“In fact, Yasmin asked me a couple of times when we were shooting the Here In My home video clip at KLPac. She also asked whether I could speak Tamil and I said yes.”

While singing is second nature to this artiste, the idea of being in front of the camera was a daunting one.

Fortunately, she underwent three months’ training with the cast members. Also, she had on-screen chemistry with Mahesh Jugal Kishor (who plays Mahesh, Bavani’s younger brother).

On her role as 19-year-old Bavani, Jac said it was bit tough because the teenager was full of angst.

“Though Bavani loves her brother Mahesh to death, she is also jealous that her deaf and dumb brother is showered with all the love and attention by their family.”

How would Jac sum up her acting experience?

“Acting for the first time was really fun and working with Yasmin was a great experience. She knows what she wants from all of us. I was amazed to see how the other actors got into their characters so quickly. I guess that’s the difference between professionals and an amateur (like me),” she laughed.

“I learnt a lot about the relationship between the cast and the director. Yasmin gave us what we needed in order to play our roles convincingly. Acting is a different (challenge), compared with singing. It’s another level that you can feel all sorts of emotions.

“I’m still a singer, first and foremost,” said Jac, adding that she is currently busy selecting material for her latest and third studio album.

“My goal is to be involved 100% all the way to make sure that I’m happy with the result. My first album was just an introduction to who I am. My second album featured songs that are really beautiful and catchy. My third album will feature (songs with) more emotions on top of vocal techniques.

“Somehow, I’ve learnt to be patient and not rush things. I want to take my time in doing the album.”

Jac, who admits to being a perfectionist, takes great pride in the creative process and wants only the best from her recordings.

“I believe that the album is for keeps and I don’t want any mistakes. Your album will remind pople of who you are.”

Catch: A Heavenly King descends

The concert is in aid of China’s post-Sichuan earthquake efforts to rebuild schools, infrastructure and homes damaged by the natural disaster early this year.

The Love From Malaysia Charity Concert is organised by non-profit foundation I-Trust. The foundation’s mission is to raise funds through concerts, showcases and charity dinners to assist the underprivileged and victims of natural disasters in Asia.

The stars who will be performing in the one-night-only event include Andy Hui, Dicky Cheung, Lee Heung Kam, Van Fan, Desiree, JJ Jen, Andrew Tan, Christy Tan, 0MJH, Athena Beh, Tao Ping, Datin Maylene Yong, Jaclyn Victor, Juwita Suwito, Ning Baizura and Deborah Henry.

Hui, one of Hong Kong’s most bankable pop stars was the first runner-up in the Fifth Annual New Talent Singing Awards in 1986. His musical mentor was none other than the late Hong Kong pop queen Anita Mui.

In 2004, he was named as one of the “New Four Heavenly Kings” of Hong Kong pop music alongside Hacken Lee, Leo Ku and Edmond Leung. The first “Four Heavenly Kings” were Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok and Leon Lai.
In 2005, the Hong Kong government honoured Hui as one of 10 Outstanding Young Persons for his excellence in music and film as well as community service.

Hui has appeared in more than 25 films which include Girls Without Tomorrow, Future Cops, Feel 100% Once More, Love Amoeba Style, Six Strong Guys, To Grow With Love, Silence and Dressage to Win.

Jaclyn, of Kuala Lumpur, was the winner of popular reality talent show Malaysian Idol’s first season in 2004. She subsequently emerged champion of Ikon Malaysia in 2007, besides winning the Asian Music Festival in 2005.

She has also won Best Female Artiste in Anugerah Planet Muzik 2006 and her hit song Gemilang won the Anugerah Juara Lagu that year. She also won four awards at the 13th Anugerah Industri Muzik namely Best New Artiste, Best Musical Arrangement in a Song, Best Pop Album and Best Album.

Early this year, she won Best Vocals in Anugerah Juara Lagu for her hit song Ceritera Cinta. Three of her popular songs have been used as television theme songs namely Cepat-Cepat for sitcom Fara, Satu Harapan for mini-series Manjalara and Wajah for documentary Bersamamu.

Ning, from Kajang, is a major name in pop, soul and R&B music and her discography includes nine full studio albums (two of which are full English albums), as well as numerous compilations.

She has won various industry awards and prizes, and has performed in Britain, Italy, France, China, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Monaco.

Ning is best known for her live stage performances, an extensive repertoire and her versatility. She is also an actor and appeared in musicals, films and telemovies.

Among the awards she has won include Album of the Year in Anugerah Industri Muzik 1993 (Dekat Padamu), Best Song in Anugerah Juara Lagu 1993 (Curiga) and Best Pop Album in Anugerah Industri Muzik 2005 (Erti Pertemuan).

Her notable films include Gemilang, Maria Mariana 2, Bara, Mimpi Moon, Malaikat Di Jendela, Lady Boss and Diva.

She has been the brand ambassador for Time.com, Imedeen, the Singapore Tourism Board, Ssangyong and the Carat Club.

Juwita, the sister of acclaimed composer Aubrey Suwito of Gemilang fame, is a singer and songwriter best known as the vocal coach for Malaysian Idol and the voice behind national tourism theme song Malaysia Truly Asia.

Jacklyn Victor attended at QuestNet 10th Anniversary

QuestNet, a leading network marketing company facilitating almost four million entrepreneurs across the globe, celebrated its tenth anniversary in style recently.

QuestNet's tenth anniversary event, held at the Sunway Resort and Spa, Petaling Jaya was attended by 2,500 enthusiastic entrepreneurs from 160 countries who have reaped financial rewards through the company's innovative business opportunities and interactive e-commerce platform since its inception in 1998.

"In a short span of 10 years, http://www.quest.net[QuestNet has expanded its presence globally to create a family of successful entrepreneurs," said JR Mayer, Managing Director of QuestNet. "Their success is indeed our passion -- and we have fulfilled our role in creating a community of enterprising individuals who collectively have contributed to QuestNet's strong global presence. But we will not stop here. We have gone through a decade of success and we are committed to another promising decade."

QuestNet has earmarked 2008 as the year of service distinction and excellence in the network marketing industry. The company plans to continue motivating and inspiring those who believe in making a significant change in their lives.

QuestNet, in conjunction with its first decade anniversary, announced the launch of QShoppe, an online retail business concept that allows QuestNet entrepreneurs to tap into unexplored markets, build a wider customer base, and discover fresh business opportunities.

"QuestNet has planned a series of celebratory events in various locations worldwide from now till December 2008 as our tribute to those who have been with us all these years. We have chosen Malaysia as our first destination because the country is beautiful, the people are friendly and we want to contribute to Malaysian tourism. We will definitely come back to host future events in Malaysia", JR Mayer added.

Guests who attended the anniversary event enjoyed a night of fireworks and energetic live performances by Malaysian pop icons Ning Baizura, Reshmonu, and Jaclyn Victor.

Group raps Kedah’s restrictions on women artistes

Kuala Lumpur: The Joint-Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) has strongly condemned the Kedah government’s recent ruling to impose restrictions on women artistes.

The new ruling violated Article 8 of the Federal Constitution which prohibits gender discrimination and Malaysia’s commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, it said. Under the new ruling, women can perform in front of an all-woman audience but restrictions apply for performances in open spaces, a Malay newspaper reported.

JAG said the new ruling contradicted the Pakatan Rakyat manifesto which promised a more democratic and inclusive society.

JAG added it violated women’s right to work and express themselves, denied the significant contributions of women in the arts and entertainment spheres, and attempted to silence women’s voices in the public space.

“The involvement of women in the entertainment profession is not alien to Malaysian culture,” it said.

“Singers such as Saloma, Sharifah Aini, Anita Sarawak, Sheila Majid, Siti Nurhaliza, Ella, Fish Leong, Suki, Ning Baizura, Jaclyn Victor and many others have long been accepted by Malaysian society and are part of our Malaysian cultural landscape.

“Some of them have also made us proud in the international arena.

“The Sultan of Selangor recently defended the performances of Ella and Mas Idayu, contradicting PAS’ extreme demand for the banning of the concert.”

JAG expressed hoped that political parties would share the wisdom of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah who saw the arts as a beneficial platform to foster unity.

It also expressed its concern that the restrictions would also remove women artistes from traditional performances, cultural activities and theatre performances.

“It is not clear whether the ruling would extend to women on radio, television and films in the state.

“Are we embarking on a journey headed towards a point in time where women will not only be told what to wear but when to be seen and when to be heard?”

JAG - which comprises the Women’s Centre for Change, Penang; Women’s Aid Organisation; Sisters in Islam; Empower and the All Women’s Action Society - strongly urged the state government to retract the restrictions with immediate effect.

“No one – male or female, should be deprived of their right to a livelihood and participation in any sphere of Malaysian life.”

Prestigious reward

Success, for some, would be crossing continents, or owning a big organisation, or building a skyscraper. Others would consider bringing up children while juggling jobs as more of an achievement. Whatever the case may be, success stories are always worth telling. With this in mind, society magazine Prestige Malaysia, and CIMB Bank, through its priority banking service CIMB Club, collaborated to honour those who have excelled in their respective fields in their Prestige Malaysia Top 40 Under 40 project.

Recently, 40 individuals aged 40 and below gathered at the Grand Milennium Hotel, hoping to win the project’s The Most Promising Individual title. This is the first time the title has been introduced since the project started in 2005. All 40 candidates were profiled in a special booklet of the magazine’s issue this month. The individuals work in sectors such as communications, home and property, fashion, retail, food and beverage, technology and entertainment.

Voted by 400 guests at the event (the Who’s Who in the chosen industries), five candidates were shortlisted: YTL Group director of Investment Ruth Yeoh, Priority Communications executive director Elaine Chuah, chief executive officer of the Delicious chain of restaurants Benjamin Yong, award-winning artist and founder of Kartel Records Joe Flizzow and executive director of Crave Capital, Gerard Teoh.

Yeoh won the title, receiving a trophy from CR Media, a leather valet from Gold Sponsor CIMB Club, a ring worth RM10,000 from luxury watch brand Roger Dubuis, a shopping voucher worth RM3,000 from Melium Groups’ M Store, a hamper of beauty products from Laura Mercier, a limited edition coffee table book and VIP Service by Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd.

“I feel blessed and my first reaction upon winning was to thank God, my family and loved ones, as well as my friends. I believe confidence has nothing to do with how many awards one receives. It should be based on one’s capacity to keep working hard,” she said.

The 25-year-old is an environmentalist, leading her company’s environmental division. She also co-authored a book entitled Cut Carbon, Grow Profits: Business Strategies for Managing Climate Change and Sustainability with Dr Kenny Tang.  Also present at the event was Catcha Group chief executive officer Patrick Grove. “Yeoh was picked by her peers present. As achievers themselves, they were able to evaluate candidates on the attributes needed to win the award,” said Grove.

Other nominees for the award included Malaysia’s first astronaut, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, actress and Sinclair Falak Sdn Bhd managing director Sazzy Falak, Naza Group vice-president Sheikh Mohd Faisal, entrepreneur and extreme sports lover Maznah Zolkifly, singer Jaclyn Victor and Melissa Indot.

Famous trio to help promote peace and harmony

Malaysia’s first Angkasawan, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Malaysian Idols Jaclyn Victor and Daniel Lee have been appointed ambassadors for the upcoming Global Peace Festival 2008.

The three-day festival is to promote a vision of world peace and through service to others, inter-religious harmony and healthy families.

The pop stars will present the theme song of the festival entitled Where Peace Begins at the main celebration while Sheikh Muszaphar will share his experience in space through a talk entitled “Standing in the Eye of the World” at the Global Family Carnival of the festival.

Sheikh Muszaphar said the appointment is an honour to him as he has always been interested in making a change in the world.

“Ever since I came back from space, I found myself uninterested in small, petty things, so when the opportunity came for me to get involved in the Global Peace Festival, I was delighted,” he said at a press conference at The Gardens Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

For Jaclyn, what is important is the awareness that star presence, like herself, generate in such campaigns.

“We take little things for granted, like love and respect for each other.

“That’s why I think this is an important movement, to instill love and respect thus creating peace,” she said.

Festival chairman Tan Sri Zaleha Ismail said that the festival was “not a one-time event” but a continuous effort to promote peace and harmony in the world.

“The ambassadors are examples to society (with their achievements and merits). With them as the face of the festival and our hard work, this is our chance to help the society to become one Malaysian family or even one global family,” she said.

Later, a project of the festival - “Power of 10 Sen’’ - organised by Universal Peace Federation and United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) was launched in conjunction with the International Day for The Eradication of Poverty on Oct 17.

The project aims to collect funds from school children and corporate bodies to be channelled to Unicef, International Friendship Foundation and Yayasan Amal Malaysia.

The event also saw the launch of the festival logo by the ambassadors.

Festival patron Tan Sri Dr Saleha Mohd Ali, festival director Dr Teh Su Thye, Department of National Unity and National Integration of the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry director Datuk Azman Hassan and Unicef representative Youssouf Oomar were also present.

More than 20,000 people are expected to gather at the Bukit Jalil Stadium from Oct 17 to 19.

The festival is jointly organised by the Universal Peace Federation Malaysia, the United Nation Association of Malaysia and Pure Love & True Family Malaysia for World Peace in collaboration with the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.

Idol Daniel and Jacklyn thinks photography is good enough to sing about

Petaling Jaya: Malaysian Idol 2005 Daniel Lee loves to take pictures, a hobby he credits his photographer father.

His father owns a photo studio in his hometown Changlun near Alor Star in Kedah.

Daniel will never fail to snap away at any images that capture his attention. He usually takes along a camera wherever he goes.

“I love taking natural and colourful pictures. Landscape is my favourite subject. I was brought up in a rural area where the padi fields were my beautiful playground.

“I also like taking close-ups of objects and people,” said Daniel while viewing some of the pictures at The Star’s Changing Malaysia photo exhibition at 1-Utama shopping mall.

Daniel commended The Star for initiating the exhibition as it promotes love for the environment and nature.

“It also shows how we live in a peaceful multi-ethnic and culturally-rich country,” he added.

Jaclyn Victor, the 2004 Malaysian Idol, concurred with Daniel saying the photographs had captured the beauty in everyday situations.

“They turn out to be so wonderful when captured on lens,” she said, referring to the picture of KL Tower, majestic under a cloud with the backdrop of old buildings.

Jointly organised with Petronas in conjunction with the 51st National Day celebration, the exhibition will end today.

Jaclyn Victor on Songs of hope for Sichuan quake victims

Artistes from Malaysia, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan come together to raise funds for Sichuan earthquake victims.

In response to the crisis unfolding in the wake of the Sichuan earthquake, the biggest to hit China in more than 30 years, a group of like-minded people have set up a charitable body called i-Trust to provide aid to the 15 million displaced and 5.47 million made homeless by the disaster.

Hong Kong actress Ewong Yung Hung started the ball rolling as founder of i-Trust when she made a call to her Malaysian partner Alan Chan, who became the chairman of i-Trust, working tirelessly behind the scenes. Miss Malaysia/Universe 2007 Deborah Henry came on board as i-Trust ambassador.

The celebrities who were at the press conference in Kuala Lumpur with Yung and Deborah included Datin Maylene Yong, who is active in charity work, veteran Hong Kong actor Tao Ping, singer Athena Beh, Project Superstar season one male and female champions John Wee and Desiree Tan and the newly-formed local pop duo MJH (Man Jiang Hong) of Frankie and Heng.

Beijing-born Yung also sang the theme song she had recorded for the Sichuan relief concert music video titled Tian Si De Wei Xiao (Smile of an Angel).

“It took three attempts before I could get the song properly recorded as I couldn’t help but break down each time the visuals of the child victims came on,” said Yung, 39, who has a 10-month-old daughter.

She expressed excitement at her own child’s development, in particular, standing up and walking for the very first time.

“My heart went out to the children who were affected by the Sichuan earthquake. They are like angels who have lost their smiles. I felt that I had to do something for them.

“Charity work makes me very happy. It has been a journey of self-discovery. When we help others, they help us back. People want to know why we are only now starting our charity efforts. But, I believe charity only has a beginning but no ending.

“We shall endeavour to gather our collective efforts to organise a charity event like this every year,” she said, adding that they would concentrate their efforts on providing relief to children and the elderly.

“Apart from child care centres, we’d like to make available daycare centres for seniors to help keep old folk safe,” said Yung.

The board of trustees of i-Trust hope to raise funds together with charity partners such as Tzu Chi Foundation via a gala dinner followed by a charity concert in October. Both promise to be star-studded events with the celebrity support of more than 20 artistes from Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

From Hong Kong are Andy Hui Chi On, Dicky Cheung Wai Kin, Lee Heung Kam, Tam Peng Mun and Tao Ping. From Taiwan are artistes Van Fan Yi Chen and JJ Jen-Show Jen.

Malaysian artistes include Ah Niu (Tan Kheng Siong), Ning Baizura, Jaclyn Victor, Juwita Suwito, Andrew Tan, John Wee, Christy Tan, Desiree Tan, Athena Beh and MJH.

Organised by i-Trust, both events are endorsed by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia with radio support from local Chinese radio station 988 FM, which is operated by The Star.

Jaclyn Victor in Talentime

Renowned film-maker Yasmin Ahmad is back in her directing shoes for her new feature film called Talentime. Currently shooting in Ipoh, the movie is about a inter-school talent competition among schoolchildren.

"But more importantly, the movie concentrates on human behaviour and emotions," said Yasmin in an interview. "The idea behind my movie is that as humans, we have to go through a lot of pain and some measure of suffering before we can reach greater heights. "But more accurately, the idea really comes from my own observations that some of the best moments in my life were those moments where you failed and how that shapes you as an individual.

"So here is a simple story about the struggles the kids go through for this competition and with it is a love story about a Malay-Eurasian girl called Melor played by Pamela Chong, falling for a deaf and dumb Indian guy played by newcomer Mahesh Jugal Kishore."

Other stars include Mohd Syafie Naswip, who made his debut performance in Mukhsin, Jaclyn Victor, Ida Nerina, Adibah Noor, Harith Iskandar and Azean Irdawaty.

Talentime will feature a lovely soundtrack O Re Piya, from Bollywood's acclaimed love story last year, Aaja Nachle.

Jacklyn Victor on Merdeka Eve Celebrations

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - A smaller allocation this year by the government for the 51st Merdeka Day (Independence Day) celebrations and a drizzle did not dampen the patriotic spirit of Malaysians to come out and celebrate the eve of the occasion at several locations in the federal capital Saturday night.

Gracing the celebration at Dataran Merdeka was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah who arrived at 11.45pm and were welcomed by Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and his wife Datin Seri Shuryani Shuaib. Mohd Shafie is the chairman of the Merdeka Day celebrations committee.

Also present were Cabinet ministers, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Abdul Hakim Borhan and foreign missions' representatives. The highlight of the celebration to mark Malaysia's independence day on August 31 were the seven shouts of 'Merdeka' by Abdullah followed by the raising of the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) by National Service trainees to the strains of the national anthem sung by the 30,000-odd crowd present. This was followed by a 10-minute fireworks show that lit up the skies of the city as those present sang this year's theme song "Unity The Pillar of Success".

The celebrations began at 8pm with a stage show of the arts and culture of the various races and included entertainment by artistes like Datuk M Daud Kilau, Dayang Nurfaezah, Raihan and Meet Uncle Hussein. Besides at Dataran Merdeka, various other programmes also took place around the city including at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and Jalan Bukit Bintang. At KLCC more than 10,000 people started gathering at 8pm to wait till midnight, a tradition there now. The event at KLCC saw the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

There was entertainment by popular singers Faizal Tahir, Aisyah, Sheila Majid, Reshmonu, Jacklyn Victor and the Rabbani and Butterfingers groups.

At Jalan Bukit Bintang, the celebrations saw the presence of many foreign visitors who swelled the crowd at the popular tourist spot.

Reactions on Asian Idol Results

Hady Mirza's win came as a surprise, as at least three of the judges predicted that the winner would either be Marcelo, Mohede, or Victor.

There were claims that Hady may have gotten the crucial second vote outside of his home country, wherein it is claimed that votes for strong candidates were paired with weak ones like Hady and Sawant who were trailing in Asian Idol's online survey. This voting tactic was said to avoid viewers' home Idols be beaten by their closest rivals.

In Singapore, the victory stirred hopes of a revival of the country's golden age of music during the 1960's and 70's. Taufik Batisah, first season winner of Singapore Idol, said that the win is something their country should be proud of and hopefully this would "open the eyes and ears" of listeners. However, there were viewers in Singapore who still doubt Hady's singing ability, claiming that his performance in Asian Idol was not as strong as other competitors and it was a matter of "luck over talent". Singapore Idol judge Ken Lim reiterated that "looks and voice" had won the title for Hady.

Meanwhile, Hady shrugged off speculations that he won because he was a "non-threat", but considered himself an underdog and that he did "pretty well" in terms of sincerity and connecting with the audience.

Filipino TV and movie critic Nestor U. Torre mentioned that he was not surprised about Hady's win, even lauding him for his "impressively cool yet dynamic" performances. He also appreciated Victor and Phuong Vy's performances. While Torre was also equally impressed by Marcelo and Mohede's voices, he also said that their girth worked to their disadvantage. On Sawant, Torre noted that his "balladeer" projection was "less dynamic" with his country's large voting population failing him. Despite the surprises and disappointments in the competition, Torre regarded Asian Idol a success as it produced relatively new talents in the Asian and international music scene.

Asian Idol Participation

The first season was hosted by Amelia "Ata" Natasha and Daniel Mananta, both from Indonesian Idol, and Malaysian Idol's Soo Kui Jien.

Each participating country had its own system of determining its representative.

As a kickoff to Asian Idol, all six contestants were introduced through a special presentation called Road to Asian Idol on December 8, 2007. Meanwhile, fans of each contestant will be able to choose the song they want their Idol to perform before the Asian Idol performance show. The Idols performed two songs each—one in English and another in their native language.

In addition to the coverage of Asian Idol, RCTI ran a series of features called Asian Idol Extra between late November to mid-December 2007.

Every competing country sent a judge to serve as the contestants' critics, but comments from only three judges on each performer were shown due to time constraints.

Special guests in the Results Show included American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian, Indian Idol judge Alisha Chinai, and Vietnam Idol judge Siu Black. It also featured performances by Rivermaya, Peterpan, and Agnes Monica.

The production of Asian Idol was put up with the help of the production crew from Australian Idol.

Participation details

The table below lists the contenders in Asian Idol and the songs that each performed. It also lists the representative judges and the TV networks that participated in the show. Kazakhstan's franchise is also listed below because it was originally in the line-up of countries for the show. Gold background indicates the winner of the competition and the songs performed.

Asian Idol Franchise - Representative Idol - English song:

Indian Idol - Abhijeet Sawant - (Everything I Do) I Do It For You
Indonesian Idol - Mike Mohede - I Believe I Can Fly
Malaysian Idol - Jaclyn Victor - For Once in My Life
Philippine Idol - Mau Marcelo - Reach
Singapore Idol - Hady Mirza - Beautiful Day
Vietnam Idol - Phuong Vy - River Deep - Mountain High

Jac to rock at ’Asian Idol’ contest

MALAYSIAN Idol winner and recording artiste Jaclyn Victor, 29, carries the hopes of the country when she participates in the first-ever Asian Idol next week.

Jaclyn said: “The Asian Idol is a good chance to show the world that Asia has talent. Perhaps Freemantle (the organiser) would want to turn more towards Asia.”

The Asian Idol also features winners from Indonesia, India, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The show will be broadcast live to the six countries on Saturday at 9pm (10pm Kuala Lumpur time).

Viewers will vote for the winner. The number to call will be announced later.

Jaclyn said she was excited to be among the top talents in Asia.

“The people here are talented. I am happy to be with them and I know I will learn from them. I am not going to rate my chances in the competition because it could go in any way.”

She said was nervous about the big day.

“I am going to control my nerves and turn it into positive energy in my performance next week.”

Dressed in jeans and sequinned print blouse, she looked trendy and poised when she took to the stage with the other contestants for a press preview yesterday.

She sang George Benson’s Masquerade. The reporters broke into applause.

Vietnam Idol Phuong Vy, 20, stunned the room as her voice was strong yet expressive.

Indonesian Idol Mike, 24, lost 8kg for the competition.

“I lost the weight in two months. I now weigh 112kg.

“This helps me to sing better in terms of breathing and projecting my voice.”

But Mike’s love for food is mirrored in his hospitality; he plans to take his Idol friends to taste the food here.

He said: “I want to take them to try traditional food, Sundanese food and bakso (meatballs) noodles.”

Singapore is represented by Hady Miza while the Philippines sent Mau Marcelo.

India is represented by Abhijeet, a singer with Bollywood looks.

Technorati Tags: Jaclyn Victor,Malaysian Idol,Asian Idol

The New Straits Times Online......

Meet the Asian Idol Contestants

After Indonesia has chosen their idol who is Mike Mohede last November 24, the roster of Idol competitors for the upcoming Asian Idol is now complete. The remaining five are Indian Idol Abhijeet Sawant, Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor, Philippine Idol Mau Marcelo, Vietnam Idol Phuong Vy and Singaporean Idol Hady Mirza.

On December 15, the Finals Performance Show will be aired (locally on ABC 5), the public will be given 24 hours to vote two Idols they want to be the first Asian Idol, and on December 16, the first Asian Idol will be proclaimed!

Asian Idol will be hosted by Indonesian Idol hosts Amelia Natasha and Daniel Mananta. Guy Sebastian, the first Australian Idol will be a guest in the said Finals.

Jac gets second chance

Malaysia’s first Idol is gearing up for her second crack at a regional title. She talks to HIZREEN KAMAL about her feelings.

JACLYN VICTOR is all a-flutter in anticipation of the big inaugural Asian Idol contest in Jakarta next month, when she will represent Malaysia.

Jaclyn said she was “going through all sorts of feelings and emotions, from being excited to being nervous and then from being happy to being scared”.

“I feel very lucky and blessed to have been the one chosen to compete,” she said.

“I am also constantly thinking about what it is going to be like there,” Jaclyn said. “However, all I really want is to do my best.”
Jaclyn, the first Malaysian Idol champion, will have a second opportunity at a regional title, after losing out in the Ikon 2007 competition in June.

The Asian Idol competition, on Dec 15-16, offers the champion a round-the-world trip.

Jaclyn, 28, has been practising her vocals since she was told of her entry. “I sing a lot on my own and push my vocals as much as I can so that it will be at its peak when the time comes.

“Proper rehearsals will take place once I am in Jakarta.”

Jac says she needs to improve her overall performance. This she is trying to do by watching live concerts and seeing how other singers perform.

Jac has had a tight schedule lately. She performed at the tennis exhibition match between Pete Sampras and Roger Federer last week, and will perform at Live & Loud 2007 on Saturday — the night Whitney Houston, Elliott Yamin, Shaggy, Project Pop, the James Taylor Quartet, Joe Flizzow, Dina, Hannah Tan, Anuar Zain, Camelia, Azan (Ruffedge), Noryn Aziz, Lah (VE), Nikki and Mode, will be on stage.

On Dec 7, Jac will be in Jakarta for promotional activities by Asian Idol organisers. She says she hopes her fans will continue to support her. “My fans have been my greatest asset. Without every single one of them, I would definitely not be where I am today,” she says.

On her chances, Jac says she has watched videos of those who have confirmed their participation to the Asian Idol.

“Each of them is gifted and special in his or her own way. I know everyone is going to ’bring it on’ and certainly I will, too. So, I think everyone has a fair chance at being the first Asian Idol.”

The Asian Idol contest is for singing “idols” from Malaysia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Other singers in the competition are Singapore’s Hady Mirza, the Philippines’ Mau Marcelo, India’s Abhijeet Sawant and Vietnam’s Phuong Vy.

Indonesia has yet to select its representative from the four former Indonesian Idol winners: Delon Thamrin, Mike Mohede, Ihsan Tarore and Rini Wulandari.

In Asian Idol, each performer will sing two songs, one in English and one in their native language, and face a panel of six invited Asean judges, including Malaysia’s Paul Moss.

The show will be broadcast to all six countries. Viewers in Malaysia can watch it on 8TV.

The station said viewers will get to vote by text message (SMS), though for two contestants, instead of one, to ensure contestants receive votes from a country other than their own.

“Voters must always choose two idols to make one valid vote but they can still vote as many times as they like,” an 8TV spokesman said. “Taking into consideration the different populations of each of the countries represented, votes will be tabulated by percentage rather than numbers.”

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