American Idol Season 6 was just aired in America a couple or hours ago. Since being in Australia, the only way I was able to catch the episodes was through youtube.
And what a great season it was. With over 40 million viewers following just this season alone, there is no doubt that it was a great show.
This being the first season I’ve followed from the start ‘til the end, am truly grateful for the endless entertainment, performances and amazing singing!
Congratulations to Jordin Sparks for winning and being the 6th American Idol.
If you’ve followed my blogs, you would’ve known I’m a Blake fan, and even though he didn’t win the title, I’m sure he’ll have a wonderful career ahead of him!
With that out with, it reminded me of an experience I once had not so long ago. In fact, it was actually just a little bit before my birthday (28th January, for those who didn’t know *wink*)
I’m sure everybody has watched at least one episode of American Idol, whether that be a final performance or just one of those excruciatingly funny audition processes. Don’t get me wrong, those audition processes are one of the best parts of the show!
Well, talking about the audition processes, I had gone through the same embarrassing journey of experiencing this. No, I was not on American Idol. No, it was also not Malaysian Idol.
In fact, it’s a locally (by locally, I mean Malaysian) produced reality TV show, similar to the Idol series. For those from Malaysia, I’m sure you must’ve heard about it before.
Akademi Fantasia – or more commonly known as AF.
Yes, that’s the name of the TV show that has thousands of Malaysians raving on about. Stars like Vince Chong and Mawi are products of this great Malaysian quest for an artist. (Even if you don’t know who they are, there are posters and banners of these celebrities everywhere in Malaysia)
Instead of the popular auditioning processes and performances as aired on the Idol series, this show involves a more arduous process as it requires the selected few to undertake special classes such as vocal, English (yes, I said English), dancing and acting trained by professionals in their fields.
It is a grueling but yet inspiring journey for each contestant.
This is where I come in.
Early this year, AF went and undertook its 5th season auditioning process, which involves a tour of the show in different states and areas of Malaysia. From Kuala Lumpur to Johor, and Kuching to Kota Kinabalu.
Yes, Kota Kinabalu, my hometown!
Upon hearing this, Syafiq immediately sent me a text message saying “Eh! AF coming to KK la! Come we join?!”
I must admit, I was excited! Excited and nervous. I’ve barely had any experience singing in front of others, let alone a panel of judges and cameramen!
But I still wanted to have the experience. As embarrassing as it may be, I still had to make the effort to try.
On the day itself, Syafiq and I got up early in the morning, had breakfast, and made our way to the audition venue designated. To our surprise, it wasn’t as packed as we expected.
We filled in the forms and we received our contestant numbers. Syafiq was contestant number 119 and I was number 120.
We then made our way upstairs and into the waiting hall. We waited and watched as the waiting hall started filling up. Before we knew it, there were contestant numbers up to 400. This was in a time span of 30 minutes.
I guess it was a good choice to come a little earlier.
As we waited for our turn, contestants were asked to gather together and walk into the audition room in groups of 20s.
Groups of 20s… I thought to myself “Damn! These people after me will be watching my auditioning process! Oh no……!”
And sure enough, when it was our turn, we walked into the auditioning room joined with our other fellow contestants each deeply engrossed at the sight of the next contestant performing on the platform. Nobody cared who walked in, it was who was up next that mattered.
Sitting in the corner were the two judges.
Sweat poured down everybody’s temples. Eyes were bulging, knees were quivering. I didn’t feel different from anybody else.
About half way through the 20 people inside the auditorium, the judges decided to take a 15 minute break.
Relief.
Which didn’t last very long. Soon enough, it was Syafiq’s turn up front. I whispered good luck on my undertone while he walked onto the platform. He sang. A glass was hit as an indicator to stop. A red card was flashed. He didn’t make it.
Sigh. My turn. My heart was pounding like I had just completed a marathon. I couldn’t think straight. I was very nervous. Those 3 minutes on stage before I was flashed the red card seemed to go by in a snap. Before I knew it, I was on the elevator down to the ground floor, laughing about the experience with Syafiq.
Despite my ‘talent’, I wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere with it. Don’t get me wrong, it would’ve been awesome if I could’ve made the next round (which would’ve been an interview process with the judges), but I knew I wasn’t good enough.
I did it for the experience. I had fun. I would do it again!
AF6 will hopefully be out again next year! Syafiq and I are thinking of going again. If anyone in KK is interested to just tag along for the fun of it, just let me know!
As they say it, the more the merrier!