I realised that all the excitement involving the issues engaged over the first Asian Idol had died down. Perhaps, that is just my intention. I've been patiently waiting for the day when i can truly blog down my most objective commentary on the subject.
Hady Mirza - An artificial victory for Singapore/A fallen dream for Asia
The question that every Singaporean should be asking is, 'Did he truly make US(Singaporeans) proud on the night of 15th December by showcasing his weak vocal abilities on 'Berserah" and 'A Beautiful Day"? It obviously didn't help that 'Berserah' was originally sung by Taufik Batisah, an incredibly worthy singer, whom many thought should have been sent over to compete on the Asian stage, instead of the former. It also didn't help that 'A Beautiful Day' sung by Kurt Nilsen won him the title of World Idol, but then again he ended up not being internationally recognised or idolised for that matter. Kurt's popularity burnt out as fast as his title. Is our dearest Hady about to suffer the same sad fate?
"Upset happens...", was Anu Malek's description of Hady's (if) winning, before the results were about to be announced. What was he thinking? Perhaps if Abhijeet wins, at least the chap would be able to bring the multi-billion dollar, Bollywood industry even closer to the world. That aside, India as a country, with its rich culture, history and heritage, populated by diverse groups of inhabitants, in a half-modernised and half-agrarian society, communicating in a variety of languages/dialects would be truly unique. Indian music in itself is a totally different type of genre altogether, accompanied with sitas and other classical Indian instruments. At least if Abhijeet's English singles could never ever make it to the international billboards, people would be curious enough to take note of where the Asian Idol came from - essentially, Asia.. Brilliant and in that sense, Abhijeet would have enlightened millions from around the world of the existence of Asia and her people. In the eyes of Anu Malek, he was a notch above Hady, a bad vocalist who came from a country full of LIMITS! And I truly believe that Anu must have felt that Abhijeet's winning wouldn't be a much greater upset, as compared to Hady's. Call it a case of dramatic irony for Anu, but the greater tragedy sparked off dozens of controversial headlines in later dates.
At home ground, being a Singaporean does not mean that we do not know where to place credits where they are worth. Mike Mohede, Jac Victor and Mau Marcello were three outstanding singers and it was evident during the competition, that they were only concerned in trying to outdo one another. The other three were perceived to be amateur singers, much less a threat to their status. People were still looking forward to Abhijeet's Bollywood performance and Phoung Vy was sought after due to her good looks. That leaves Hady with nothing to be proud of and gained him the recognition of being a black sheep in the group. Singaporeans felt the worst too. Utter disgrace. Some of us felt betrayed for we felt that Hady did not do justice to the songs. Some felt that he did not work as hard for the competition as his other rivals. Others felt that he entered the competition with a plain 'bo-chap' attitude, for already having the mental picture that he would not win the competition.
Like said earlier, a case of IRONY! Hady won..Hands down. Why? Due to a tactical strategy adopted by bigger countries. Whatever..everything's over now. Asia cannot turn back her decision to give up the title to an undeserving winner. The plan has backfired, all across Asia. I remembered reading in the papers that Ken Lim was going to put Hady on a promotional tour. Fat Hope.. perhaps they should survey the true reactions and responses from the masses, to make sure of the assumed fact that Hady had garnered positive mass appeal. I am sorry.. but at the moment, to me..Hady has no commercial value. He ain't able to make use of his artificial title to up his popularity. He has to start from the bottom just like any new artiste trying to penetrate the international music scene. He has to give everyone a reason to start liking him all oer again. This meaning, not the so ever thick-skinned Singaporeans who always possess the 'die-die must win' attitude, but the population outside the small red dot. Hady should take the opportunity to gain as much experiences and lessons during his 'infamous' world tour to help him with his music. He should regard the Asian Idol status bestowed upon him as a truly humbling experience and at the end of it all, a huge responsibility.
Lastly, I will be proud of Hady if one day he gives Jac, Mike and Mau a run for their money with his singles selling fast. And I will be proud if one day, he represents us in World Idol and got a Fillipino to remark, "Hey..At least he didn't shame us so bad."
Labels: life's a bitch...
Loading...
