Singapore Idol: Worth Watching?
This is in answer to the comment from A STUDENT in the 29 May posting. It is a BIG question.
First, everything I am going to say is my opinion. You are free to disagree.
Answer from me then: That depends on why you are watching.
If you don't want to miss the birth of a new star, don't skip a round. If you want to be involved in every conversation that pops up among your mates, make sure you are keeping scores.
But all this is mighty old news. Any use at all in watching Singapore Idol?
1 Only if you pick out new social traits that qualify you as Singaporean - such as readliy crying over Gurmit and Dan's shoulders. It must be in the host contracts to hug every heart-broken and whiny contestant that does not make it. One of the most compelling truths you get from watching American Idol's early auditions is how most people lack self-knowledge.
2 If the judges talk more and loosen up to reveal exactly what they think, that would not only be great TV but even more challenging to figure them out. Dick Lee is winging it wonderfully with his Peranakan wit. Florence is very complete - like she is summarising it all for a subordinate for an end-of-year appraisal. You can tell from Jacintha's eyes that she can see and hear sharp distinctions but so far she ain't telling. Maybe she is mindful of how cutting it can sound. Ken Lim? He sounds like he will only wake up when the real singing starts. Until then, don't waste his time.
3 If you are interested in Mass Communications, Singapore Idol easily presents itself as an exercise in milking the marketing and publicity factory. Pay attention to how some people manage to get more media attention just by being different. Some employ sympathy, some thrust their personalities in front of the camera.
4 When it gets to the last 12, it is quite interesting to see what catches on with the viewing and listening public. Why the discussion even took on socio-political tones when it came down to Taufik Batisah and Sylvester Sim. People were wondering if voting would go down racial lines! Singaporeans turned out to be cooler about race then the politics of this country would suggest.
5 Finally, if you are a teacher like I am (currently setting up a English Language and Literature website), you must watch Singapore Idol. I recall a really motivated GP colleague in Victoria Junior College who declared she had to go to a Disco cos that was a necessary part of her job as a form teacher. Well you don't have to leave your home to do this but I bet some less than attentive pupils will wake up if you mention the show in class.
If you are a student, and if your inclinations to support one particular contestants makes you venture into the forums and fan clubs, at least pick the right community. I hope it does not sound odd to say you should find a discriminating fan club. Without pointing out the obvious irony here, compare the rabid Soul Patrol with the Yaminions. Of course moi here is a Yaminion. Some fan communities are peopled by very thoughtful support.
In addition, never follow anyone who endorses slimming pills even though they start off reed thin and anorexic-ready. For that I have always said only Olinda Cho's endorsement counts.
On a personal note, now when I sit down on the couch with the in-laws and kids and domestic help Ruby, I realise Singapore Idol and its voting system is democracy at its best. Most accurate predictor of the results of the first Singapore Idol was the only foreigner in my household. It took a Filipina to pick out the Singapore Idol.
Thanks for the question, A STUDENT!
First, everything I am going to say is my opinion. You are free to disagree.
Answer from me then: That depends on why you are watching.
If you don't want to miss the birth of a new star, don't skip a round. If you want to be involved in every conversation that pops up among your mates, make sure you are keeping scores.
But all this is mighty old news. Any use at all in watching Singapore Idol?
1 Only if you pick out new social traits that qualify you as Singaporean - such as readliy crying over Gurmit and Dan's shoulders. It must be in the host contracts to hug every heart-broken and whiny contestant that does not make it. One of the most compelling truths you get from watching American Idol's early auditions is how most people lack self-knowledge.
2 If the judges talk more and loosen up to reveal exactly what they think, that would not only be great TV but even more challenging to figure them out. Dick Lee is winging it wonderfully with his Peranakan wit. Florence is very complete - like she is summarising it all for a subordinate for an end-of-year appraisal. You can tell from Jacintha's eyes that she can see and hear sharp distinctions but so far she ain't telling. Maybe she is mindful of how cutting it can sound. Ken Lim? He sounds like he will only wake up when the real singing starts. Until then, don't waste his time.
3 If you are interested in Mass Communications, Singapore Idol easily presents itself as an exercise in milking the marketing and publicity factory. Pay attention to how some people manage to get more media attention just by being different. Some employ sympathy, some thrust their personalities in front of the camera.
4 When it gets to the last 12, it is quite interesting to see what catches on with the viewing and listening public. Why the discussion even took on socio-political tones when it came down to Taufik Batisah and Sylvester Sim. People were wondering if voting would go down racial lines! Singaporeans turned out to be cooler about race then the politics of this country would suggest.
5 Finally, if you are a teacher like I am (currently setting up a English Language and Literature website), you must watch Singapore Idol. I recall a really motivated GP colleague in Victoria Junior College who declared she had to go to a Disco cos that was a necessary part of her job as a form teacher. Well you don't have to leave your home to do this but I bet some less than attentive pupils will wake up if you mention the show in class.
If you are a student, and if your inclinations to support one particular contestants makes you venture into the forums and fan clubs, at least pick the right community. I hope it does not sound odd to say you should find a discriminating fan club. Without pointing out the obvious irony here, compare the rabid Soul Patrol with the Yaminions. Of course moi here is a Yaminion. Some fan communities are peopled by very thoughtful support.
In addition, never follow anyone who endorses slimming pills even though they start off reed thin and anorexic-ready. For that I have always said only Olinda Cho's endorsement counts.
On a personal note, now when I sit down on the couch with the in-laws and kids and domestic help Ruby, I realise Singapore Idol and its voting system is democracy at its best. Most accurate predictor of the results of the first Singapore Idol was the only foreigner in my household. It took a Filipina to pick out the Singapore Idol.
Thanks for the question, A STUDENT!
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