And the fever has begun in full mode! We now know whos in the final 12. The results might not be favourable to some but I guess the jury knows best.
Ok before I go on with my own review of the Konsert Prelude, let me just state some things about this review. I did not watch the Konsert, me and my friends were in Miri clubbin. The hotel we stayed in didnt have Astro Ria too. So right after driving back from Miri, I head to the shops and got myself a dvd copy of the event! Amazing huh? I guess everyone here in Brunei knows how fast we can get stuff like that on dvd here. It even came with the AF3 Trek Selebriti.
Anyway, I was glad I didnt know of the results by the time I pop-in the dvd into the player. So to me it was like watching it on a slightly delay time. As I watch each contestants perform, I was jotting down the points (esehh! prasan nak jadi jury!). I'm glad I didnt know the outcome, otherwise my ratings would have been slightly influnced. Ok without furthur ado, here goes....
First and foremost I'd like the say the opening montage is a bit dull, less energetic and little comotion on the graphic animation side. Anyway, Aznil makes his presence and introduces the selected 20. Everyone looked presentable which I'm sure is priority with Astro. Gotta groom everyone as image takes quite a big factor in reality shows like this. Then Aznil sent everyone back and introduces the judges. Everyone was asked a specific question about this season and I guess its no suprise to see whos back on the jury duty again for the 3rd time running. Yes, none other than Kudsia Kahar. After thats all done, its on with the show!
1. ISA - Aku Cinta Padamu.
Not quite a catchy number but luckily Isa has a good voice and a clear tone. Being the first, he is obviously nervous which I guess account for his lack of 'feel' in his performance. He is pitchy at times and the whole his performance was ok.
My rating: 3/5.
2. EKIN - Dialah Di Hati
Bruneian Malay. I assure you she'd be getting a lot of the Bruneian votes if she is selected as I'm sure lots of us here are still quite pissed that the audition for AF3 wasnt allowed here. As for her performance, she has potentials to grow. Another clear and crispy vocal range. I think she'd do well doing rnb Indon numbers actually.
My rating: 3.5/5.
3. AIDIL - Kau Lupa Pada Janji
He should've picked a different song. His vocal is not so dymnamic so I dont see him doing really high pitch songs. Ask him do Cinta Seorang Teman and he would struggle. He was all over the stage with his rather awkward dance routine which was played upon by Aznil after his performance. If Aidil is selected, I'm sure it'd be mostly for his looks. I know that sounds harsh but the show HAS to have someone catchy and irresistable to the young female segment and probably someone not good enough to be elimated in the early stages. I actually watched about 30 secs of his performance and then fast-forward it.
My rating: 1.5/5.
4. AMYLEA - If I Aint Got You.
Amy has good English but needs to be clear of her pronounciations. She's controlling her voice too much, she should have let it all out. I'm sure she'd do well in the rnb or jazz genre. Not truly unique vocals but it has potentials to grow. She has quite a catchy look, that big hair is gonna be unforgettable this season.
My rating: 3/5.
5. YAZER - Rela Ku Pujuk.
Bo? Hehe... Wouldnt that be nice huh? Well anyway, Yazer sounds so 'ngam' carrying this song. Its like its written for him to suit his vocals. But I wonder if the same vocals could help him doing a Marcell song. Honestly saying though, in my opinion Yazer performed the song even better than the original singer. I predict this guy is gonna be fun to watch.
My rating: 4.5/5.
6. SHIHA - Gonna Get You Good
A rather dull performance despite her good vocals. She should've picked a different song really. But then again, its as if her voice is suited for country pop songs. So you'll never know, some producer might just grab her and do a country pop album with Shiha. Now that would be interesting huh? A malay album of country pop genre!
My rating: 2.5/5.
7. AZLIF - Isabella.
I wonder why was he choosen for the final 20. His voice is not really dynamic and would be probably limited to all those hard rock songs. And singing Isabella was a bad call, his performance was like an impersonation of Amy Search. A lil bit over stage antics too for my liking and I feel he is trying too hard.
My rating: 2/5.
8. AMY - Saving All My Love For You.
Pronounciation & diction is crispy, all due to the Irish blood I'm sure. She has excellent vocals to carry this type of high pitch numbers and I'm sure we'll see her progressing to the next stage. I think she'll benefit well being in the Akademi.
My rating: 3.75/5.
9. REZA - Ku Harap Cinta.
Rich deep vocals. He could go far with the right choice of songs. I see him getting in the final 12 just by hearing his first verse. He also has that catchy look and will easily be a favourite for some.
My rating: 3.5/5.
10. DIANA - Aku Sayang Padamu.
Now this girl has a voice I cant quite place. Its either unique or could be just annoying for some. Its clear and crispy alright but somehow it does have a tiny bit of annoying factor too. On the looks department, I must say she's hot and gave me a flashback of Azza (AF1). Very confident and good play with the camera but I dont think she'll have a sure path yet.
3.75/5.
11. FUAD - She's A Lady.
Too eager and too confident which I think distracts him from controlling his vocals. Full marks on trying to get the crowd going. He sure has a personality that would be interesting to watch on Diari so I'm guessing he is surely a favourite with Astro assosciated juries.
My rating: 3/5.
12. MARSHA (No performance)
A lil drama already even before the actual AF3 kicks off. Its so unfortunate that she was suddenly struck by a sore throat. She would have been an obvious choice, she has the right package and granted that, she would have been bigger than Linda (AF2). I mean just by looking at her audition clip, she sounded excellent! I think they should have just taken that clip as her performance. But then again that wouldnt have been fair to all. Oh well, get well soon Marsha and hopefully see you in AF4?
13.MAWI - Intifada.
He can sing. Good vocals and surely he can 'alun' a note superbly being a trained Quran reader. But he really didnt stand out doing this song. If I was to hear this song on the radio, I would have thought its the original singers. Mawi will surely be snapped-up by some record producer soon to do a nasyid album if he is not selected.
My rating: 3/5.
14. ELIZA - Mengapa.
I must say I'm very impressed. Eliza is so daring to take on this song as in the minds of all AF fans, this is Farahs' song and most of us believe that Farah did it better than the original singer and that no one can top Farahs' version. But I think Eliza has just done that (sorry Farah, your vocals will always be my favourite tho) and gave her own personal twist to this song. She is very confident and comfy with her performance and I dare say we'll see her in the final 5 or 6.
My rating: 4.75/5.
15. KEFLI - Dir.
He looks like Fitri! Such a suprising vocal coming out of him. He just needs some vocals coaching to get rid of those low end pitching. Definately he will be good making an album of those whiny pop rock ballads. I dont know why but he reminds me of Salim, or is that Saleem?
My rating: 3.75/5.
16. AKMA - I Will Always Love You.
Another bold choice of song. She is obviously confident of her vocals capability. Nothing truly unique but well impressive for a new comer. She obviously has the right package and I'm sure she'll be selected for the final 12.
My rating: 4.25/5.
17. HAIDER - Its My Life
First I'd like to say the musical direction for this song is lame. It doesnt do justice to the original version which is energetic and lively. This version was all too clunky with keyboard sounds dominating. This all made Haiders' performance as if 'lembab'. I wish he had choosen another song though, Bon Jovi aint easy to do and most people would think you'll be just impersonating him. Giving his own twist to this song is not easy despite his good vocals. Sorry to say but I dont think he will be in the final 12.
My rating: 3/5.
18. RINA - Mama Ku Ingin Pulang.
Even at low key, her voice sounds so 'lemak'. I'd say its sounded like a well trained and mature Mas (AF2) voice. But I dont quite see her moving on if image is still an important package to AF. She is big bone and does look a bit chubby. So I guess it worries the AF team that she might not be able to cope with the testing Linda Jasmine dance routines. But then again, belum cuba belum tahu....
My rating: 4/5.
19. FELIX - Cinta Seorang Teman.
Simply excellent. Another daring choice of a song especially knowing the original singer and composer of the song is in the audience. Felix didnt even break a sweat singing the song really as Aznil joked about it at the end. Bob (AF2) also I think approves of his performance and so did Adnan Abu Hassan and we even see a lil smile from the sifu aka The Principal AF3, M.Nasir. We are so used to this song performed by Bob that we dont think anyone could have match him. But Felix I'm sure suprised a lot of people with that performance.
My rating: 4.75/5.
20. IDAYU - I Have Nothing.
Another Whitney song! I guess her songs are a true test for showcasing your vocals. Idayu made a good choice singing this song. Now let me just say this is definately my favourite Whitney song and I'm very wary when other people performed it. Some just dont do justice to it. The latest best version was by Vonzell in American Idol and I think she sang it a note higher! Idayu's version is pleasing and if she can handle this song, I'm pretty sure she'd have no problem singing other songs. I predict her to the next round.
My rating: 4.5/5.
And with that, we went into a break while waiting for the results. I must, overall it was an entertaining performance by all and not so easy to predict whos gonna leave or stay. Then we are back with the contestants all on stage and Aznil is grilling and teasing them while waiting for the results being compiled. Not long the Principal went up to deliver the results to Aznil. First Marsha was called out as it was clear shes out because she didnt perform.
Aznil calls the contestants in groups, and then annoucing the results ala American Idol. I'm sure now everyone knows whos in or out. The final 12 are;
Girls: EKIN, AMYLEA, ELLIZA, IDAYU, AMY & AKMA.
Guys: FELIX, FUAD, KEFLI, REZA, YAZER & AIDIL.
I can see the logic in all except for AIDIL. He really shouldnt be there, his performance vocally was way below average. MAWI would have been a better choice. So there you go, the fever is back in session. As for my reporting for this season, again I would concentrate mostly on the main concerts and upto the final one. I wont be doing the Diari comments, probably some if theres like an interesting issue to talk about.
Ok I hope thats an interesting read and would love to hear feedbacks from all. Cya!
Pics credit: Alienaet Blog
