The Young & Restless

Wow, can’t wait to cheer for Jac at PWTC tomorrow. Definitely gonna be a blast as astonishingly, 50 of the fan seats are all taken up. Will be aired live at 8.30pm on ntv7 so Jac fans out there, be sure to catch it! With the ultimate 7 nominations in her hands; Best New Artist, Best Female Vocal in An Album, Best Pop Album, Best Song for Gemilang, Best Engineered Album, Best Musical Arrangement in A Song ; it’ll be the record of the nation if she can defeat Siti Nurhaliza’s 5 awards. If that happens, this calls for the grandest celebration ever for Jacsville fan club =D.

Meanwhile, Project Superstar’s final John & Des are battling all out tomorrow as well live from Stadium Malawati on 8TV. Honestly, I haven’t been keeping up-to-date with this show but from the hears of people, Des seemed to be the better one. Then again, John’s a big competitor as well. Anyway, wish them all the luck. Both are winners in their own leagues.

Got up at 6am to accompany Mel to her UiTM inteview. Light congestion on the highway before turning into Pyramid. Traffic smooth along the way. Arrived just about on time..roughly 5-10 minutes before 8.30. Good thing I brought my mp3 player along to listen for not I’ll be bored to death waiting hours and hours around the parking lot. The interview session lasted till 11 plus. When I saw her walking out of the office, there was an expression…I expected a smiley one but it turned out the opposite. Said her interview period was way too short compared to the other candidates. Lasted merely 10 minutes, unlike 30 minutes from the rest. Well, what to do. You did your best already..no use crying over spilt milk. Pray hard that USM offers you a place cos we both seriously agreed the environment in UiTM wasn’t suitable for you.

Went to 1U to shop. Brought Mel to have lunch at Kenny Rogers since she hasn’t tried before. Tried to look for the bag she wanted here but couldn’t find any that she liked. She had already laid her eyes on the bag she saw at MidValley yesterday so no choice but to drive her there to get it LOL. Have to be at Pudu bus station by 5pm as her bus was leaving at 6.30pm. Got home about 4.30pm, she started packing her stuffs as mum sent us down to the LRT station.

Waited by the railing seats till the bus arrived. As I watched her and the bus leave, seconds rewinded she couldn’t hide her teary eyes. Aww…it’s a touching sight indeed. There’s indeed no end to the gratitude I could express to her…coming all the way from Sitiawan just to meet and support me, she has done so much for me. Truly will be my bestest friend forever ;-D.

Friday nite felt dead tired after the Zouk event. Had Mel welcomed into the house. She’ll be sleeping over at an empty room as she’ll be attending to an interview from UiTM in Shah Alam on her offer to study Mass Comm. Began unpacking her stuffs while I rested for a while before taking my bath. As each other settled down, I started unloading all the goodies hitz.fm & STAR World presented each of us earlier on. There’s a school bag with hitz.fm logo, a toiletry bag courtesy of Eccentric-Events (part of the organisers), hitz.fm frisbee, a wristband, a XS Zouk t-shirt, STAR World CD casing and a stack of disposable coasters. I gave most of the stuff to Mel, keeping for myself were both the bags and the CD casing. We chatted for hours in the room, planning what to do tomorrow. Watch movie; we argued over the fact what to go for Milla’s Ultraviolet or a horror show - When A Stranger Calls. Well, had to let the gal win hehe.

Both of us slept till afternoon when mum woke me up about 1pm (yeah, how early was that LOL). We’re supposed to find out where UiTM is located in Shah Alam for Mel’s interview on Mon. Took brunch and mum took the wheel. After passing Shah Alam’s toll, we started looking out signboards leading us UiTM. We missed the first turning..which I’m pretty sure was also the way to Sri Pentas therefore we waited for the next exit to UiTM. In fact, the second exit seemed even closer to UiTM. Managed to find the place easily. Inside the uni, we’re on the lookout for Mass Comm’s office. The uni was so huge it’s not suprising if first comers are definitely prominent to get lost. Asked the guard back the entrance and although he deliberately explained the simplest form there is, we eventually found the faculty for Mass Comm. With just an A4 paper stuck to slanted signboard by the side, I doubt all who were looking noticed it…sheesh. Went to the office and facing right in front of the door were the entire name list of students slated to be interviewed the following few days. Checked for her name, yup found it, Monday 8.30am.

Done that, mum drove back home first before I took over to head to MidValley. She wanted to do some shopping, as usual LOL. It was already 4pm so we decided to catch the movie first before proceeding to the shopping. When A Stranger Calls was more of a B- horror flick. It wasn’t the gory that kept you in suspense. This high school gal was hired to babysit for a couple who owned a magnificent villa. Well you guessed it lah..villa..where you think it’s located? Then you have the obvious high tech stuffs all over the house, with lots of annoying rooms and spooky corridors. Then the tourment began with numerous mysterious phone calls bugging the hell out of ya, knowing every step you take alone…with the kids asleep upstairs.  Shouldn’t reveal anymore, can only say it’s as good as a one-timer watch.

After the show, shopping spree began. Mel wanted to get a tee for her boyfriend so we scanned a through a couple clothing outlets and managed to find one from a sports brand. Then she wanted to get a new watch herself so we checked in Swatch and Watchshoppe but the pricing were totally off her budget. For dinner, we’ve had cravings for Japanese food. She wanted to try out sushi so we settled in at Kiku Zakura. Turned out she didn’t quite like it but doesn’t matter as she’s finally had her first taste of Japanese food. Walked passed a couple of shops until she suddenly decided of getting the bag she had her eyes on earlier at Tropicana Life. It’s already 10pm and when we got back to the shop, the shutters are three quarter down. Maybe we could return here again the next day if she really wanted it.

Left MidValley and I wanted to drop by Paramount’s pasar malam to see if the stalls are still open. Wanna get Guang Liang’s latest album. Ever since they advertised the album on tv, I’m beginning to like the songs. Too late, most of the stalls have already packed up and left. Tough luck, went straight back home then.

On the night of Fri, I could barely sleep a wink after being over tension with my presentation of Kevin in Zouk the next day. After all, it’s my first time being on stage and you just couldn’t believe the pressure and nervousness I was feeling every second till the event starts. Woke up about 10.30am, check on priest to find out if he’s passed the OIAM audition. Still not his turn yet. Got dressed, check of everything I needed for the impersonation before I left to Times Square. Reached Level 6 of Times Square, went into the room, Uptowndragon was busy taking pictures and reports for the news section in his newly created One In A Million/Rentak Juara forum. Just as that, I saw priest preparing to go into the audition room with a couple of others in the same batch. He’s attempting to wow the pre-aud judges by doing Seether featuring Amy Lee’s Broken. As it was his turn to sing and walked into the room, we spotted Paul Moss across the other side of the level and called him out. Had a little chat with him regarding some familiar faces who auditioned for OIAM. This included last years Top 11 finalists Atilia who had a big voice but was eliminated way too early in the comp. A couple of Top 33 finalists also tried their luck but only 1 or 2 made it so far. Dad called soon after that, saying he’ll be waiting across at the taxi stand. Left Times Square and waited at the taxi stand as he asked. Mel has reached Pudu station and dad & I are going there to pick her up. Since he needed to purchase a ticket back to Ulu Bernam to claim the car from the workshop, it’s also a coincident to pick up Mel’s luggage rather than carrying it along to Zouk.

Peggy called to ask on my location. Told her and priest to wait for us at Sg. Wang’s entrance. Pretty jam on the way out to the road to Sg. Wang. To avoid being late, asked dad to stop at the corner at the BB plaza and we’d make it on foot. Faster in a way. Then again, Mel’s right toe is still hurting after which she recently took out her cast for a broken toe. You ah…leg belum sempat cured wanna come down and exert on it sumore ;P. She had to limp a little while walking on lower pavements. Met them at the entrance, decided to have McDs for lunch. After that, Peggy drove us to Zouk. Arrived just on time for the briefing. Noticed a number of contestants with so many types of impersonation. There’s Kellie, Mandisa, Kevin (yes, my other competitor), Paris supposedly and of course Taylor Hicks. Gosh, to me all looked pretty convincing with their skimpy outfits. Felt intimidated alright. Jinee, who was in charge of the briefing and our attendance handed us each a number which we will be on stage performing accordingly to the number given. I got no. 11, okay in a sense that I wasn’t the first or too last person to perform. Nervousness is really slowly building up now. Jinee told us to be ready in the contestants’ section and the family and friends would follow in later. We were asked to walk up the stage as we were being introduced by the emcees of the event, hitz.fms Rudy & JJ.

While the crowds were beginnig to fill in the atmosphere, I started mingling with the other contestants; 2 other guys and the 14 gals. Oh yes, 3 fortunately pulled out which makes the ratio of winning more..a little LOL. The guy who’s impersonating Kevin which I was doing, happened to audition on MI 2 last year before. He got throught the 1st round but don’t remember how far he made it. Problem was, I had no memories of ever watching him on tv before. The other guy surprisingly happened to be one of the BlueHyppo forum members. Noticed Kai Ma Kai Yeh & family, Jo & Uptowndragon have all arrived. Seat at the front portion facing towards the stage have been all taken up. They had to settle with the seats located at the right side of the stage. Not a bad view actually.

Show commenced with opening act by local band Disagree. Sang a 2 unfamiliar songs and ended up with Crumbs. Then it was Rudy & JJ who took the stage and started entertaining the crowd. And I can honestly speak that they’re really good entertainers alright. Started introducing the 1st contestant which she’s impersonating Taylor. Really a good start, though technically there was a slight mishap while she grooved to the likes of Taylor himself, her wig came off LOL. Rudy & JJ immediately got hold of the situation controlled and starting enlightening the crowd. 2nd contestant took on Kellie which she sang her audition song, Since U Been Gone. Not too bad vocal. By this time I was getting very very nervous. All of them sang more than a minute and I’m only doing like 3 liners of When I Fall In Love!!! Gone case there, I had to sing longer…but I didn’t memorise the lyrics of When I Fall In Love!!! Thank god Edmund (who was also imitating Kevin) knew the lyrics and I started practising on it.

After 10 contestants had displayed the best of the best of their respective capabilities, there was a short break of games for the crowd. I’m totally at the state of quitting cos I just can’t seem to get my lyrics right even after a number of repetitions from Edmund. Adding to the suspense was seeing how good the 10 other contestants did as compared my upcoming rojak version… :’(

Breaks over, back to the stage. Well…here it goes, they handed me the mic and with trembling hands, made my way to the stage and greeted the crowd. Priest, Peggy & Mel have been cheering like mad. Deep inside I was really laughing at priest with his wild cheering antics like always do LOL. I was a getting very shaken up being in front of 3 judges (which Paula Malai Ali happened to be one of them!) I wanted to sit on the edge of the stage like what Kevin did when he sang When I Fall In Love but the hitz.fm banner covered up the entire space, so I had to kneel on the stage and sing. Ah..what da ya noe..as I cut to the part after ‘In a restless world, like this is’ I screwed up ‘Love is ended when it’s only begun’…OMG..what an embarassment. Till I finally ended the last verse, the 3 judges gave their comments. The first lady judge by the name of Agnes said I lacked the charisma potrayed by Kevin. Said I should move more and have more expressions on my face. Paula surprisingly gave good comments on my attire section which I made her noticed the first sight she knew who I was doing, but like Agnes, I lacked the charisma. Third judge, if I’m not mistaken, one of the hitz.fm’s director, Sarjan said my lacked of actions and I forgotten my lyrics made me lost some points. I truely agreed with everything they said. Phew, how relieved I was when the process was finally done. Can sit down and watch the remaining 6 do theirs LOL.

Results time, well doesn’t concern me actually cos I knew very well I wouldn’t pass anyway. Out of the 17 of us, only 7 advances to the next round. Rudy & JJ group us into 3 sections. Left and right categories consisted 7 each while the middle one where I was had 3 of us. Sort of like the bottom 3 style of AI LOL. Our group of 3 was the first to cut, followed by the group of 7 on the right. I remember in this group consisted of the first contestant who did Taylor, one who did Paris and another woman who was so good at impersonating Kellie (she did a somehow strip show from a bunny costume to the red tops Kellie wore one of the nights LOL) and another rather short Indian gal who did Eliott Yamin. Edmund also succeeded to the next round.

2nd round was all about answering 5 questions related to the current AI season. Channel [V]’s Joey G hosted this time by asking all 7 of them the 5 questions, one at a time. The remaining 6 are equipped with audio headsets in order not to be heard of the questions. Edmund answered with the most confident. In fact, I think he was the only one who gotten all 5 questions correct. In the end, he, the Kellie, Paris & Elliott impersonator all got through the Final 5.

In the 3rd round, something similar to the 2nd, contestants are also required to answer questions. However, whichever 3 answers the question given correctly will be the final 3. Edmund, Kellie & Elliott impersonator got through finals.

Now for the final round, all 3 of them had to convince the 3 judges in front of them..in 2 minutes, why does either 3 of them deserve to be the one getting the all expense paid trip to LA. Winner is based on the shouts and screams of the crowd. Started off with Edmund showing off his paper clippings on AI. Elliott did a rap song which made the entire crowd grew cheery. Kellie rhymed a poem which I thought was very creative, earned as much cheers from the crowd as well. But alas, the short Indian gal who rapped got the most screams and thus she won the expense paid trip to LA.

After the prize giving session, all 17 of us had to take group pictures by everywhere. It’s weird in a sense that it feels as though we’re the stars getting snapped and flashes everywhere LOL. Well, had that fame of 1 minute on stage. It’s definitely my first and last experience ever.

Had dinner at Jln Loke Yew’s chicken rice shop with Kai Yeh, Kai Ma, Jo, Kenny, Mel & priest who strutted pantingly running all the way from Petaling Street LOL. Then Kai Yeh gave Kenny, Mel, priest & I a ride to the nearest monorail station where all 3 of us took the LRT back whereas priest took the KTM.

Long hair gals favourite Ace Young says goodbye.

It’s about time anyway. His fanbase of gals couldn’t save him for another week. No doubt he did fairly well with ‘That’s All’, after last week’s disastrous rendition of ‘We Will Rock You’, Americans are having enough thoughts of keeping him any longer. Good looks alone doesn’t apply there. One of the most shocking surprise for that night was Chris being in the bottom not 3 but 2 somemore. Can’t believe after what he gave was a heartfelt song of ‘What A Wonderful World’ but the audience obviously weren’t convinced that he should do a slow ballad instead of the usual rock which he does best. Having a record of a bottom 2 could possibly jeorpadises his chances of making to the finals.

Spotted this at the last page of StarTwo today;

Can’t get enough of American Idol? 

Come one, come all to Zouk in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday at 3pm to watch 20 self-confessed ardent fans of American Idol battle it out to win the title of being Star World’s American Idol’s Biggest Fan in Malaysia. 

The true blue fan of this event will win a lifetime opportunity to fly to Los Angeles together with a partner to watch the American Idol Finale live at the Kodak Theater. 

These 20 contestants were selected by the Morning Crew of Hitz.fm over a five-week radio contest which ran from March 13 till April 13, where listeners were grilled on how much they really knew about the American Idol show.   

With local rock band Disagree kicking off the event, see how far these contestants will go to impress the judges with their stage antics and performances. 

Also have fun with the Hitz.fm Morning Crew, Rudy and JJ and Channel [V] VJ Joey G as they go all out to test these contestants about their knowledge on their favourite show. This event is open to the public. 

Children aged seven and above need to pay a cover charge of RM10 which comes with one soft drink.

Dang.. the more I thought of it, the more I’m getting nervous. There’s remaining one day for me to get prepared. What’s worst is for the 1st round, I’d have to impersonate one of the Top 12 finalists this year! Nightmare I tell ya..you just dunno terrible are my acting skills LOL. Initially I was going for spunky weirdo moves Taylor Hicks as with his pretty obvious trademarks such as the overgrown white hair and that..I dunno what’d you call but I call it retarded move LOL. Then I’ve heard a number of people are attempting him so I’d have to improvise and make it practically very much interesting if I were to impersonate him. I find that seriously impossible now so I decided to divert my choices and focus on Kevin Covais @ Chicken Little. With his ever cool looks, geeky glasses and a plain outfit, I think I can be him better (Not that I’m saying I’m a nerd or anywhere near it LOL). I’ve heard one more contestant is doing him, which is still a big competition for me. And out of the 20 people chosen, only 3 of us are guys. Scary as it seemed, I was rather shocked seeing gals tend to me bore outgoing when performing on stage. Sigh, I’m sort of sensing now that my chances are pretty much slim to get to the 2nd round (which they’d only pick 7 to proceed) if I don’t come up with something creative. Well, just hope I had already stuffed in all my efforts to win the pair of tickets to Kodak Theatre.

And this I gotta say. Mel, I can’t thank you enough for really making time to come down all the way to KL even within such a short notice from me to support me. You are truly my bestest friend in the world. LOL not exaggerating ya.

Old school cowboy Bucky Covington leaves us.

Honestly, there’s nothing much I could say about him. Was never a fan of him and didn’t really understand how he made it top 12. He was bound to leave soon, not unexpected beeing eliminated anytime from 2 weeks ago. He didn’t do justice to Queen’s Fat Bottomed Girls. In fact, I’d reckon Ace was the one getting the boot as his rendition of We Will Rock You..weak and gentle (quote from Simon). Song was too big for him. Thank god for his big fan bases of gals who drool over his so-called hot look LOL. He better buck up this week for he’s definitely not staying long, only prolonging.

Last Sat, they had the upcoming One In A Million auditions roadshow at Berjaya Times Square. Seeing as I’ve got nothing to do on that day, I decided to check it out. The location of the stage situated at the corner of West Wing Ground wasn’t really strategic. Crowds seemed mild. I thought it could have been better in the centre stage. As usual, the bunch of Pinkies are visible to support you-know-who. First up to perform was Rydee with I Will Survive, Purple Rain & I’ll Be There. Then it was Farah’s turn belting Kelly’s hits Since U Been Gone & Because Of You. Her third song was a rather surprise to me..Ashlee Simpson’s La La…never have I heard her sang it before. Vick was next with Craig David’s Walking Away, Anuar Zain’s Mungkin and he’s soon to be released EP song, Hui Lai/Kembali. Like Daniel’s Mimpi/Fei, he recorded both languages of the song. Vick got off the stage to make way for Nita who sang Shakira’s Objection, Hati Ini Telah Dilukai & Big Spender. The last Idol of the day was none other Daniel, which all the Pinkies has been waiting for..as usual..LOL. He did Mimpi, You Ji & Angin Malam. Got to comment on his voice, it was rather pitchy at certain parts which is still visible after having done so many shows. Perhaps he could have conflicted throat infection resulted to straining. But it was pretty clear he didn’t sing well. Next came OAG’s Radhi & V.E. closed the performance of the day.

Hung around Times Square to attend the MTV Asia Awards happening later at 7.30pm in Zouk. Had dinner at Chicken Rice Shop with Ostro before we left to catch a cab there. Unfortunately, as we stepped out the building, it started raining cats & dogs. Took shelter at the opposite bus stand, at the same time trying to flag down a cab in the midst of a bad downpour. Managed to catch one, got there about 8pm. Then again, people are still waiting outside the entrance. As soon as they started to allow guests in, we had our passes given to them. This is my first time entering Zouk, you could say it’s an opportunity to scout the area as I will be back here again next week for the Idol competition.

This year’s MAA ‘06 was Asian Animation and big cardboards of various anime drawings displayed. Meet up with Kai M & Kai Yeh, Mr. & Mrs. Dragon arrived slightly later. There was a small booth at the corner to test your versatility as a vj. Grand prize goes home with a 32" LCD TV. Definitely a very good deal and it’s Ostro’s forte so we are all not suprised if he sailed to the finals easily. Host of event for the night was none other than VJ Denise Keller. Surprisingly VJ Utt didn’t turn up. At first I didn’t even realise that this lady with black head-length hair and striking thick lipstick was Denise..till I take a good look at her. Gosh, I don’t remember when was last time I turned into MTV and what a shocking transformation she became LOL. Wanted to snap a pic with her but was turned down by her PA as she was about to host soon. Dang.

They were performances by AF2’s Adam with Tak Tahu and Ahli Fiqir with that annoying Angguk2 Geleng2 song. Denise also introduced some of the favourite local nominees, namely Too Phat & Rufffedge but neither performed as only 1 representative of their group members were on stage. Thank god Mawi wasn’t there…LMAO. Like as though he’ll enter clubs like these. Then it was the announcement of the finalists who got into the semifinals with their skills in veejaying. Totally not surprised, Ostro got in together with 3 other gals and a guy. Their next tasks was to introduce themselves to the audience and tell them why they need the LCD TV so badly. All in all, Ostro did the best with his smooth speaking but the contents weren’t really solid. More like empty babblings towards the end. For the 3rd round, they had to choose either of these 3 actions;

i) Do 20 push-ups

ii) Belly dancing or

iii) Sing an Ahli Fiqir song.

All 5 did ii) which Ostro blew it here as he literally didn’t know how to belly dance LOL. Instead he went for breakdance hoping to impress the crowd, which unfortunately, didn’t buy it. The winner was between the final guy & gal who did it convincingly enough to hypen the crowd. And it was decided by the chairman of the sponsored LCD TV, that the winner was the boy. Recalling back now, it was hilarious at the way he shook his belly (actually more of his booty XD) ever so gracefully, total envy to other gals.

Show ended at 11pm. We left the place and went to the adjacent bar to meet up with a few Pinkies who was suppose to be inside too but arrived to late to be allowed entrance. Chatted for a while before decided to have supper at at coffeeshop at Jalan Loke Yew. Ordered Tai Lok mee and mihun. Tasted really good. One of the Pinkies, Mei Ling happened to live in Sea Park and she offered me a ride home.

Had a minor sore throat after yesterday’s karaoke session, but that didn’t deter me from catcing Ice Age 2 with Dina the next day. Picked him up as usual from his grandma’s place. Planned to visit our dear old Bukit Bintang Secondary School. However Dina was a little less thrill to meet any of our ex-teachers except Ms. Lee, our councillor, saying it wasn’t his right time yet to see them. Only managed to bump into Pn. Yong, my form 1 KH teacher. Can’t remember the last time I met her, she totally forgotten my name LOL..don’t blame her. As usual, Mr. Mah and is little grumpy look. Chatted with him a little before I left school to catch the movie at MidValley. Wanted to meet Mr. Agis who was having classes and maths teacher Pn. Tan but nowhere to be seen.

At MidValley, we thought of having our lunch at the Junction Food but was closed for renovation. Fast food was out of my mind as I’m avoiding fried stuff at the moment. In the end, we settled at a decent looking cafe..can’t remember the name..ish. Ice Age 2 was superbly hilarious. Everyone was constantly laughing the entire show. How silly Scat the Squirrel going after his one and only acorn, only to fail every attempt to grasp it. There there was the 2 mischevious possums and her she-thought-she-is-a-possum-when-she-is-a-mammoth sister. There were 2 particular acts the possum bros did that’s just memorable. I declared it better than the prequel heh.

After the movie, called Kanesh for a drink. Dropped at Lotus in Jln Gasing and while we’re inside, heavy thunderstorms can be heard. Must be a really huge pour out there. Rain subsided, we got to Dina’s car, only to notice a soaked rectangle white paper sticking under the wiper. Alamak..it’s a saman. We’re so unawared cos earlier on Dina had difficulty parking into the tight space in a tight road..took us minutes to direct him and minutes for him to adjust into the space properly, all of us totally forgotten to place the parking ticket. Lesson learned, it’s his first ever saman. Said he wants to frame it up to remind him not to get the next one LOL.

Last Tues was fellow Jacsville member Jo jie jie’s birthday. As we all knew she was the queen of karaoke in the group, she invited us all for her lunch party at Sg. Wang’s Red Box. For the next 3 hours, everyone sang their hearts out. There were words exchanged on who should join the coming One In A Million audition as well and we’ve all agreed that Kenny & arjuna were the perfect candidates. We’re going on full fledge support for them LOL. Karaoke session ended at 3pm. Everyone thought was still early to leave so we decided to have a drink at highest level’s Hot Mama. Jo’s started to open her presents and of course we all snapped tonnes of pics with her posing with the presents..which she loved doing best LOL. Dragon & Kai Yeh had came up with the idea of organising another interfanclub event which the last time they did on futsal went on successfully. This time around, it’s bowling. Gonna be a great thing to spend time together again…hopefully before I fly to UK in June. Took group pics and parted ways after that. As usual, Kenny offered me a ride home.