Culturally Preconditioned

I have to say that I am truly intrigued by the notion that you can actually vote someone OUT of the competition. Is it the first of its kind? This is the the actual REAL Vote For The Worst dealio, people!!! But as tempting as the idea sounds, I told myself I’m not gonna waste a single cent on any reality shows this year (although admittedly, I had actually sent in a single vote for Zai to get in the show two weeks ago). And their concept of voting people to keep IN the competition actually works the same as the exemption from The Apprentice (the new one starts on Malaysian TV this Sunday, and as much as I loved the drama in Apprentice 5 I’m not gonna rewatch the season and will be tuning to HBO’s Entourage instead) whereby the contestant with the highest IN votes this week, wins immunity next week and cannot be voted out.

The first actual performances starts off this week. The contestants are told to sing a choice of song that they would want as their first commercial single. Contestants are also asked what they would do if they won the money. And as our guest judge, Ahmad Izham, mentioned this is actually the first local singing reality show to ever give a CASH prize money of 1 million ringgit. (The only other show that I could think of was More’s Jutaria and we all knew the hell that broke loose when that guy won the money). Anyway, all my comments were written during the performances (as it always have been) so I’m a little surprised as to how some of my comments were echoed by the judges).

And just for the record (again), I would like to say that I am currently living with the most racist and homophobic asshole on the planet who can’t shut his yap when the show is on. What I wouldn’t give to shove something not very nice is his mouth. Goddamn, I just can’t wait to move to my own place next year. That just won’t come soon enough.

Alif ~ Pria Terhebat

Wants to win the million dollars to go to Berkeley and study music (GREAT!) and open a music academy for the disabled (how freakin pseudo noble and naive).. I was totally unimpressed with his performance and I thought he sounded way much better in his previous performances. It was actually really bad and could be due to the jitters from being the first one to perform. A 3.5 out of 10

Zai ~ Killing Me Softly

Wants to win the million dollars so that she can hire a personal trainer and lose weight (she lost some R.E.S.P.E.C.T points from me for that, don’t ask me why.. basically says how she is not all that okay with the current image that she’s portraying despite what she’s trying to fool us into believing how she’s all comfortable and couldn’t care less and all that crap. If you’re big boned, you’re big boned. I mean, she’s out to prove that Malaysians shouldn’t be so shallow when it comes to appearances, and what she wants when she wins the money? A total image makeover. I just don’t get the contradiction. Unless of course, if it’s because of some real health issues. Oh who cares.) and get quality songwriters to work on her album. Undoubtedly one of the best singers in the competition. Her intro was a bit out of tempo but R&B is definitely her genre. It was kinda awesome. A 7.5 out of 10.

Azfar ~ Salsabilla

Wants to win the million dollars so that he can use it for his album, promotions and have a tv show (wtf?). Seriously, is this guy somehow related to Azalina Osman? His voice is pretty good although I’m not too fond of this song at all. He is probably just a bit better than Saiful from the first Malaysian Idol (and much less campy) but look where he is now. A 6 out of 10.

Anny ~ Biarlah Rahsia

Wants the million to work on her album, send her parents for Haj and savings for the future (pretty wise). There’s a reason why Sairah was not included in the competition. We do not need anotehr Siti in the industry. Sure her voice is good and she carries the Siti song well but there’s just nothing about the performance (or even herself, mind you) that really stands out. A 5 out of 10.

Suki ~ Underneath Your Clothes

Wants the million to work on an outstanding album, turn that into a hit and multiply her money and possibly open up an institute (pretty smart about multiplying her money). Okay, I’ll say this. She’s good but overrated. She IS good but far from perfect and I’m still not seeing what special quality that Paul sees in her. I loved her choice of song, by the way. A 7 out of 10.

Farah ~ Baby One More Time

I missed her intro so I don’t really know (nor do I care) what she plans to do with the money. It was also most definitely the worst Farah performance I’ve ever seen. She’s trying so hard to shed that bubble gum princess image of hers and it just doesn’t work. Bad move. And I was actually secretly rooting for her before this. And just FYI, this stupid fucking Baby One More Time rendition is getting so old. Hello. Travis did it six goddamn years ago and it’s really nothing new. A 2 out of 10

Mimi ~ Fantasia Bulan Madu

Wants the million to help her family, work on her career as a singer by coming up with quality songs by overseas composers (apparently there’s something wrong with local talent). Judges, if you want to see reinterpretation, this was it. I wasn’t a fan of hers especially after her choice of a fucking Ashlee Simpson some weeks ago, but I thought she did pretty good. And as for this being her first single, I could totally see a collaboration between herself and the band Search that would generate buzz. A 7 out of 10.

Faizal ~ I Don’t Wanna Be

Wants to use the million to study music and gives something back to the music industry. He didn’t really leave much of an impression on me earlier but dude, that was awesome. (The song also reminds me of Elliot.. goddamn you Taylor Hicks) I’m sorry but there is nothing I don’t like about that performance. Well except maybe for the lesbian hair. An 8.5 out of 10.

Dayang ~ Aku Cinta Padamu

Wants the money for her album and somehow spread her wings internationally. This was actually a performance that had me rolling my eyes for real. As good as it was, it felt more clubbish than anything. I’ve decided to exclude her from my ratings and rankings. It just doesn’t feel right to put her up against the other amateurs.

Aliya ~ Menghitung Hari

Wants the million to create her dream album, get local and regional composers, get a professional image and send her parents for Haj. It was actually pretty pleasant and I didn’t think she fucked it up that much. I thought it was a nice song choice that suits her style and personality. A 5.5 out of 10

Ameen ~ More Than Words

Wants the million, turn that into 10 million, get professional help for local and international market, and sing a duet with Usher. But I hate this fucking song. Fuck this shit of a song that have been bludgeoned to death by so many singers destroying its original beauty, and this guy is no exclusion. I cannot forgive him for this and he will suffer for picking this song. And bitch please, perlu ke tayang dada takde bulu tu. Aiyerr.. A 2 out of 10.

Lokman ~ Kau Bukan Kekasih

Didn’t get what he was gonna use the million ringgit for. Despite his anak ikan factor, I truly like the tone of his voice. Luv luv luv. Very nice and truly pleasant for the ears. Not sure how to describe it. His voice is laidback and doesn’t really WOW you, know what I mean? But I love it. I can actually see myself enjoying listening to his song on the radio. And the fact that he’s from JB just makes me want to love him more. A 7.5 out of 10.