Culturally Preconditioned

I am beginning to have lots of respect for the Akademi Fantasia producers. They are introducing lots of twists, turns and kezutans to add spice to the show. The twists, in my opinion, are almost Survivor-worthy. This was the penultimate show before the concert finale next week. Perhaps they are spicing things up because the Malaysian Idol final will be starting next week. But personally, I don’t think AF have to worry the slightest bit. On to the show!

Ensemble - Main Shahir To Nahin (Bobbi Soundtrack)
I am not a big fan of Bollywood. No, let me rephrase that, I am NOT a fan of Bollywood. But I was actually able to tolerate the group performance, the song itself was not bad (it’s been around since forever) and i am thankful they did not simultaneously break into frantic dance moves and start chasing each other across the stage, and hiding behind trees and stuff like that.

Zahid - Cik Mek Molek (M Daud Kilau)
Whoa.. Gypsy King. Can Zahid be more cheekier than he already is? But I think so far, he has managed to check his cheekiness within control and not come across as cocky and annoying. His performance was rather comical but very enjoyable. I’m not even going to comment on his vocal cabailities. He is da bomb. The special appearance by the original Raja Gelek was a nice surprise to him and the audience, and it was probably outshone by Misha’s appearance as one of the judges. Well done, Akademi Fantasia.

Farah - Mengapa (Nicky Astria)
From the ashes of Linda and Zarina, rises the Phoenix Farah. Personally I didn’t think this was her best performance. For most part, it seemed as if she was shouting the song instead of singing it. But it was very good nonetheless. She still could improve on her low register though.

Kaer - Fantasia (Hazami)
He was outstanding last week but this week, well it’s back to Square One. I mean, the cutesy momma’s boy routine can only get so far, ya know? I think his voice is so plainly ’sepesen’. Sorry. And I totally don’t see the connection between him and Craig David. Kudsia should apologize to Craig David for that remark.

Bob - Laguku Untukmu (Hasnol)
Bob continues to impress me with his performance this week. He has yet again proven to the audience that he is such a versatile singer. I totally admire that. But again, he does come across as incredibly cocky some times. But I hope that’s just me. Good job.

Adam - Bila Larut Malam (Saloma)
Again.. what is up with all the crying? God, I wish I could just bitchslap this guy senseless. First he cried when the doctor was about to get his blood sample. This week, he cried when he’s given an old sixties song to sing. Have some pride, man, you are on national fucking tv. Sheesh. *composes self* His performance was not half bad at all, so I didn’t see what all the fuss was about. I was not that excited to see this backup singer advance to the finals, but it could’ve been worse.

Mas and the love of her life

Mas - Aku Cinta Padamu (Sheila Majid)
I have a soft spot for Sheila Majid songs. Perhaps it’s because I was so extremely pissed at Roslan Aziz’s racists remarks a few weeks bad. But anyway, finally the teachers have found it in their hearts to give a song to Mas that she can actually sing. Although it wasn’t a terribly good performance overall, I did feel that she shone in certain parts of the song, which means… yes ladies and gentleman, Mas can actually sing. It was a good and rather a poignant performance, especially after seeing Fauziah Nawi’s and Misha Omar’s reactions to it.

Ensemble - The Greatest Love Of All (Whitney)
I didn’t think many people listend to Aznil when he said we should try to feel the song. “Learning to love yourself, it is the greatest love of all”.. hmm subtle hints to a Mas demise? Perhaps. The group performance was good. Farah took centrestage. Was the producers blatantly whoring her out to get more votes? Who knows. But she sounded good and didn’t hit any bad notes. Overall, it was a pleasant performance.

Aznil made a really big deal about how the audiences wanted Mas to leave and it wasn’t her fault that she’s still there. Okay okay we get it. Quit yapping already. It was kinda sad to finally see her leave. It was her turn to go. But not before Ramli MS announced that one of the 7 students voted out will get the chance to be in the Final Concert next week.. which means there will be 6 students instead of the usual 5 competing in the Final Round. Yay! So who will it be? Linda? Zarina? Mas? As of now, Linda is leading with 52% of the votes and Zarina at second place with 24%. Don’t be too confident, Linda lovers. Her tally was 53% less than half an hour ago, and we don’t want history to repeat itself now, would we? So get cracking and send in your votes. AFMASUK LINDA to 32999. If there is justice in this world, Linda would get the chance to sing the Spanish song she was supposed to sing in this concert, next week in the Finals. Viva La Linda!