A gargler, an impressionist, a juggler, a musician. You be the judge of these four talents.
In the quartet of judges for Asia’s Got Talent, David Foster is a “musician magician”, Van Ness Wu can toss balls in the air, several at one go, Anggun can “do an impression of a snail”, and Mel C can gargle a tune on request.
Their hidden talents, when I asked. AXN’s Asia’s Got Talent judges were at Marina Bay Sands Singapore to announce the premiere of one of the world’s most watched TV series. Post-it on your set: 12 Mar 2015, AXN, 8.05pm. Asia’s Got Talent. A. Whole. Lot.
Watch the biggest talent competition in the world, the performers – from 15 countries – will rock your hall (or wherever you watch it). Media, sponsors, partners, fans, all got a thrill from cheering on a few of the acts on stage. An impressive teaser it was too. (With a surprise albeit furtive appearance from the CATs cast, still showing at MBS till 1 Feb.)
The 500-strong audience got to meet-n-greet the many-Grammy-ed producer David Foster, the sweet-n-smart mouth Van Ness Wu, still hot after marriage (“No comment”), Indonesian singing superstar Anggun, and Sporty Spice Mel C.
With hot beverages and cookies and sandwiches and pies. And a door gift. A Big Cola, Jetstar ang pow packets, Pantene products, and of course an AXN AGT buzzer! AGT has got its own ‘plane! Now that’s a coup! (Nyah-nyah, take that, USA & UK!) Yes, Asia’s Got Talent has a Jetstar ‘plane for its TV series!
Question is, how will the judges deal with the cultural differences that make up the rojak pot that is Asia? Balinese Lion Dance? Keronchong with drums? Anggun may be familiar with the such, but ultimately, talent, you’ve either got it, or go home.
Mel C said she did notice that “Asians are more gracious about criticism, not argumentative like in the west.” Van Ness is a sweetie, he figures, “If I can help, by being less harsh, and letting them through…”
David has regretted “two times” when he simply told it as it is. “If this is your interpretation of your culture, you have done your country a disservice!” He is looking for the next Rihanna. “When she walks into a room, it’s like electricity. Even other stars turn to look. That’s charisma, the X-factor.”
And she could come right out of our own backyard, peeps! Good luck! In 15 languages!
About the writer:
Sylvia Toh Paik Choo is author, broadcaster, columnist, debater (like to argue), elegant, fashionable, gourmet, hilarious, and we're out of alphabets (well there is i for idiot...)
