Post by Inside Australian Idol on May 13, 2004 1:08:52 GMT 10
Buzz: Entertainment: How to be a Malaysian Idol
Joe Lee
TOP of the pops or flops of the top? Will the Malaysian Idol meet the ugly fate of short-lived talent search programme ‘Popstars' or will it have the worldwide success of the ‘Idols' franchise? The first pop idol to be born from the Malaysian programme will have a shot at joining the ranks of graduates from the show like Kelly Clarkson, Will Young, Gareth Gates and Guy Sebastian who have achieved international success.
While we're sure to have our own share of circus acts and freak shows auditioning for the Idols, we want to ensure that the eventual Malaysian Idol will be one that will knock the socks off 'em come the World Idols.
That's when representatives of all countries involved in the programme (Indonesia and Singapore too have just joined the fray) come together to look for the ultimate champ.
And the secret of success? Sad to say, no one can offer a surefire formula to produce a dazzling superstar.
For those who are simply clueless, or are just interested in a check list to prepare themselves, here are several pointers for those auditioning for the first leg today, or over the next three days in Penang, or in the near future, with a little help from Australian Idol winner, Guy Sebastian..
We call it, ‘The Buzz Way To Be The Malaysian Idol'. Remember to write in and thank us if these tips help you.
1First of all, the impression you're going to make from the moment you walk in, will be what your wardrobe says of you. Dress to impress, but don't overdo it.
As Sebastian says, "Make sure you look as good as you sound." While we recommend choosing a trendy look which suits you, Sebastian recommends that you're togged up in something you're comfortable in. After all, the last thing you want is itch from that new pair of pants or stumble in discomfort from the new pair of shoes you haven't broken into, right? And remember, it's worth investing in a decent haircut. Not all of you may have Sebastian's luck! 2 From the first moment you open your mouth before the judges, make sure it's for something worth their time. You are, after all, one of thousands they'll be seeing, and you definitely don't want them to show you the door before you've begun singing.
Sebastian reckons you show your interest, though. "You'd better watch yourself and make sure you don't merely gush in incomprehensible fervour." 3 Allay your fears, especially if you think that the problem may not come from your end.
"Everything will be conducted to specifications set by the Idols' stringent international standards," Sebastian offers comfortingly.
"Don't worry about what key the songs are going to be in as it will be adjusted to suit you. It's not an amateur talent show, so that's one thing you don't have to worry about.'' 4 Don't waste time dwelling on your fears. "Put the time to good use instead and focus on what you're going to do onstage," said Guy. "That way, not only you don't waste time torturing yourself, you end up being more prepared and ready to do the best you can." 5 Which brings us to to the fact that you have to picture yourself as the first Malaysian Idol! Ditch your fears, act like one. Allow a balance where your voice enhances your personality, because some people will see your personality more than they will hear your voice. "Remain confident and calm at all times – the pressure is only what you allow it to be," says Sebastian.
6Pick the right song for your voice. This cannot be stressed enough as many try to take on more than what they can handle.
If you're not a diva, don't sing a diva's song. Sing a ballad to be safe. Search for songs that suit your voice.
Sebastian advises staying away from the Top 40, unless you're really confident of making that song your own.
"Try and find a unique song with commercial appeal that also allows you to demonstrate your vocal range, your ability to sustain notes and show that you have a sense of rhythm. Their idea is to stand out from the others.'' Sebastian advises: "You get to pick your own songs until you make the top 30, so pick something you can do well, not something that you love but might be beyond your ability.
"Being yourself is important. Try picking something unique as opposed to the usual fare. Show your direction and individuality in your choice of songs." 7 Don't try to sing beyond your reach.
"Keep within your range and don't try and outdo yourself by trying too much with all sorts of vocal frills," says Guy.
"Stick to what you do best. If you want to do all sorts of vocal acrobatics, don't overdo it. Offer a glimpse into what you're capable of, and unleash it only as a climax as opposed to the whole song becoming monotonous through over-elaboration." 8 Show some emotion! If it's an upbeat song you're singing, look happy, have some energy. If you're crooning a love ballad, do it with feeling so you embody the words coming out of your mouth. Remember everyone in your audience came to enjoy themselves and your audience is only as responsive as you are.
Your aim for your audition should be to create a ‘moment' for the judges. How? By being creative with the song. Body language is EXTREMELY important.
Connect with the song and it will reach out to the listeners.
Be yourself, let your personality shine through.
9 With the loads of pointers you have to keep in mind, there is only one way out – rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Auditions are important and you must take them seriously.
Practise your song, get some coaching and tips and ask friends with some knowledge of music to listen to you bawl and howl for some honest feedback.
Those who have heard you sing before can probably offer some suggestions as well on the choice of songs, given the fact that they would be able to have at least an iota of an idea of your talent.
10 Forget trying to suck up to the judges. Act as naturally as you can. If you're trying to go out of your way to appeal to the judges, you're probably going to fail.
11Your attitude can either win over the respect of the judges or send you packing before you can even sing a note. Again, many people fail not so much for lack of talent, but rather because they have more fear of failure than hope of success. You have to be confident. Act confident, even if you don't feel it. However, beware of being over-confident! 12 Look for a motivation to be there.
Sebastian says to think of whatever that will drive you to do your best.
"You have to want it. You could be soaked in sweat but you have to show them what you're able to offer.
"If you go onstage, and you're not confident, it'll show, and you can't expect people to be confident in your performance. Don't ever be intimidated for whatever reason." 13 The producers are there to make good television. Hence, it really does come down to the x-factor. The ones who get the limelight simply get it because their personality demands it. Find out what makes a pop star tick and try brushing up on how to be a spotlight magnet.
14 Your best-selling point has to be something in you. And if you try too hard it will always work against you. You want to be yourself, but at the same time, you want to have something that distinguishes you from someone else. Be yourself. "That's the most important thing," says Guy.
BEST SHOT To all those beginning the first of the nationwide auditions today in Penang, break a leg. And if all else fails you have one or two things to keep in mind, to serve as minor consolation.
First of all, at least you were brave enough to have chased your dream, and if you were on camera, you earned your five seconds of fame (even if you didn't deserve it and made a total ass of yourself on national TV – on two major stations no less).
And for those bona-fide Idol material who may have slipped through the cracks, remember to keep trying. Even if the judges or professional jury don't lavish praises on you, you might have learnt a thing or two to improve yourself.
And for those with auditions coming up in the next few weeks, remember to study this guide religiously and practise, practise and practise.
After all, this is just the first step of many on the long journey to becoming an Idol.
Even the winners continue to face the ultimate jury, even more dreaded than Simon Cowell (or is it Roslan Aziz here?) – the buying public.
www.emedia.com.my/Current_News/MM/Wednesday/Entertainment/20040512115139
Joe Lee
TOP of the pops or flops of the top? Will the Malaysian Idol meet the ugly fate of short-lived talent search programme ‘Popstars' or will it have the worldwide success of the ‘Idols' franchise? The first pop idol to be born from the Malaysian programme will have a shot at joining the ranks of graduates from the show like Kelly Clarkson, Will Young, Gareth Gates and Guy Sebastian who have achieved international success.
While we're sure to have our own share of circus acts and freak shows auditioning for the Idols, we want to ensure that the eventual Malaysian Idol will be one that will knock the socks off 'em come the World Idols.
That's when representatives of all countries involved in the programme (Indonesia and Singapore too have just joined the fray) come together to look for the ultimate champ.
And the secret of success? Sad to say, no one can offer a surefire formula to produce a dazzling superstar.
For those who are simply clueless, or are just interested in a check list to prepare themselves, here are several pointers for those auditioning for the first leg today, or over the next three days in Penang, or in the near future, with a little help from Australian Idol winner, Guy Sebastian..
We call it, ‘The Buzz Way To Be The Malaysian Idol'. Remember to write in and thank us if these tips help you.
1First of all, the impression you're going to make from the moment you walk in, will be what your wardrobe says of you. Dress to impress, but don't overdo it.
As Sebastian says, "Make sure you look as good as you sound." While we recommend choosing a trendy look which suits you, Sebastian recommends that you're togged up in something you're comfortable in. After all, the last thing you want is itch from that new pair of pants or stumble in discomfort from the new pair of shoes you haven't broken into, right? And remember, it's worth investing in a decent haircut. Not all of you may have Sebastian's luck! 2 From the first moment you open your mouth before the judges, make sure it's for something worth their time. You are, after all, one of thousands they'll be seeing, and you definitely don't want them to show you the door before you've begun singing.
Sebastian reckons you show your interest, though. "You'd better watch yourself and make sure you don't merely gush in incomprehensible fervour." 3 Allay your fears, especially if you think that the problem may not come from your end.
"Everything will be conducted to specifications set by the Idols' stringent international standards," Sebastian offers comfortingly.
"Don't worry about what key the songs are going to be in as it will be adjusted to suit you. It's not an amateur talent show, so that's one thing you don't have to worry about.'' 4 Don't waste time dwelling on your fears. "Put the time to good use instead and focus on what you're going to do onstage," said Guy. "That way, not only you don't waste time torturing yourself, you end up being more prepared and ready to do the best you can." 5 Which brings us to to the fact that you have to picture yourself as the first Malaysian Idol! Ditch your fears, act like one. Allow a balance where your voice enhances your personality, because some people will see your personality more than they will hear your voice. "Remain confident and calm at all times – the pressure is only what you allow it to be," says Sebastian.
6Pick the right song for your voice. This cannot be stressed enough as many try to take on more than what they can handle.
If you're not a diva, don't sing a diva's song. Sing a ballad to be safe. Search for songs that suit your voice.
Sebastian advises staying away from the Top 40, unless you're really confident of making that song your own.
"Try and find a unique song with commercial appeal that also allows you to demonstrate your vocal range, your ability to sustain notes and show that you have a sense of rhythm. Their idea is to stand out from the others.'' Sebastian advises: "You get to pick your own songs until you make the top 30, so pick something you can do well, not something that you love but might be beyond your ability.
"Being yourself is important. Try picking something unique as opposed to the usual fare. Show your direction and individuality in your choice of songs." 7 Don't try to sing beyond your reach.
"Keep within your range and don't try and outdo yourself by trying too much with all sorts of vocal frills," says Guy.
"Stick to what you do best. If you want to do all sorts of vocal acrobatics, don't overdo it. Offer a glimpse into what you're capable of, and unleash it only as a climax as opposed to the whole song becoming monotonous through over-elaboration." 8 Show some emotion! If it's an upbeat song you're singing, look happy, have some energy. If you're crooning a love ballad, do it with feeling so you embody the words coming out of your mouth. Remember everyone in your audience came to enjoy themselves and your audience is only as responsive as you are.
Your aim for your audition should be to create a ‘moment' for the judges. How? By being creative with the song. Body language is EXTREMELY important.
Connect with the song and it will reach out to the listeners.
Be yourself, let your personality shine through.
9 With the loads of pointers you have to keep in mind, there is only one way out – rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Auditions are important and you must take them seriously.
Practise your song, get some coaching and tips and ask friends with some knowledge of music to listen to you bawl and howl for some honest feedback.
Those who have heard you sing before can probably offer some suggestions as well on the choice of songs, given the fact that they would be able to have at least an iota of an idea of your talent.
10 Forget trying to suck up to the judges. Act as naturally as you can. If you're trying to go out of your way to appeal to the judges, you're probably going to fail.
11Your attitude can either win over the respect of the judges or send you packing before you can even sing a note. Again, many people fail not so much for lack of talent, but rather because they have more fear of failure than hope of success. You have to be confident. Act confident, even if you don't feel it. However, beware of being over-confident! 12 Look for a motivation to be there.
Sebastian says to think of whatever that will drive you to do your best.
"You have to want it. You could be soaked in sweat but you have to show them what you're able to offer.
"If you go onstage, and you're not confident, it'll show, and you can't expect people to be confident in your performance. Don't ever be intimidated for whatever reason." 13 The producers are there to make good television. Hence, it really does come down to the x-factor. The ones who get the limelight simply get it because their personality demands it. Find out what makes a pop star tick and try brushing up on how to be a spotlight magnet.
14 Your best-selling point has to be something in you. And if you try too hard it will always work against you. You want to be yourself, but at the same time, you want to have something that distinguishes you from someone else. Be yourself. "That's the most important thing," says Guy.
BEST SHOT To all those beginning the first of the nationwide auditions today in Penang, break a leg. And if all else fails you have one or two things to keep in mind, to serve as minor consolation.
First of all, at least you were brave enough to have chased your dream, and if you were on camera, you earned your five seconds of fame (even if you didn't deserve it and made a total ass of yourself on national TV – on two major stations no less).
And for those bona-fide Idol material who may have slipped through the cracks, remember to keep trying. Even if the judges or professional jury don't lavish praises on you, you might have learnt a thing or two to improve yourself.
And for those with auditions coming up in the next few weeks, remember to study this guide religiously and practise, practise and practise.
After all, this is just the first step of many on the long journey to becoming an Idol.
Even the winners continue to face the ultimate jury, even more dreaded than Simon Cowell (or is it Roslan Aziz here?) – the buying public.
www.emedia.com.my/Current_News/MM/Wednesday/Entertainment/20040512115139
