Strepsils: The Right Note Finals

Singapore’s got talent

You would agree if you were present at Bugis Junction fountain area on Saturday afternoon.

We were there for the finals of the Strepsils: The Right Note singing competition.

Yes, as media! I have sat at tables labelled ‘bloggers’ but media?! The label invoked in me an added seriousness to do a press-like cover for the event.

So I was there with my assistant video/photographer a.k.a the missus. Indeed the assistant was very proactive at going around taking photos/ selfies with celebrities. Guess I should state the job scope more precisely the next time.

‘The Right Note’ was launched by Strepsils as part of this year’s World Voice Day. Never knew there was such a day? Well, now you know. World Voice Day falls on 16th April and was set to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of one’s voice and throat health.

So that was the D-Day for the 5 budding singers to take the stage to vie for $5000 and more importantly, the chance to record an original single composed and produced by famous composer Lee Wei Song! Who knows it could be the next 我要的幸福!

With a star-studded guest list which includes campaign ambassador Olivia Ong (我的偶像~!), judge Lee Wei Song and mediacorp artistes Xu Bin and Ian Fang, the venue was quickly filled up with supporters. In fact, we were flanked by the fan clubs of the two artistes. Rather intimidating!

The ever lovely Olivia sang first with a lively number, 同化, which is in her last album 等等. She even gave a sneak peek into her musical talents, whipping out the melodica and playing the notes of the interlude.

Next, the contestants took to the stage.

First up was Andrew Teo with Robin Thicke - Good Girl (I Know You Want It). Kudos to his courage to attempt the unconventional with a daring song choice. Not much of a rap person so can't really comment.

Video Entry: Jason Mraz - Geek in the Pink

Boon Hui Lu was next with 孫燕姿 - 克卜勒. If you find her familiar, that’s probably because you have seen her on television! She was the child star in the Mediacorp drama 蓝色仙人掌. Slight nerves aside, her mature vocal technique was apparent. And may I say her voice is as sweet as her looks.

Video Entry: 梁文福 - 细水长流

Claire Marie Lim was sensational with her rendition of Taylor Swift - Red. Her energetic and groovy display got the audience ‘bobbing’ to her rhythm. In fact, I still ‘bob’ whenever I look at the video of her performance. You go gal!

Video Entry: Zedd - Stay The Night

Next was Sarah Wong with Adele - Skyfall. Not the easiest song to sing but she did a remarkable job at portraying the song. No wonder the hosts (The Muttons) thought that they saw James Bond lurking in Starbucks!

Video Entry: 张惠妹- 听你听我

Before the last contestant went on stage, the hosts quipped if they were saving the best for the last. Well, I certainly thought so. At least, one of the best. Zulkanain Bin Mohamed Kamal was a tad nervous during the interview but the moment he started crooning John Legend - All of Me, the audience were smitten by his serenade. His ballad-y voice and charisma reminds me of Jason Mraz. Wheet!