Singapore Idol Rejects

Singapore Idol (SI) has started, and we’ll soon be hearing from the top 28. Still, how can we not salute the participants who brought life to the show, with their quirky antics and singing (or lack of it)?

UrbanWire was given the opportunity to sit down with some participants that the idol judges cruelly rejected, to find out more about these unique personalities.

UrbanWire had the chance to interview a few contestants who faced rejection from the judges to explore more about these one-of-a-kind personalities.

Mr Careless Whisper

You’d think the national humiliation and big build up would have taught him a thing or two, but Patrick Khoo, was once again rejected as the SI judges still had a hard time hearing his nearly inaudible vocals.

Just as determined to fulfill his dreams of being a singer, Patrick believes he has it in him to be the next Singapore Idol. “I always had an interest in singing, and also have the aspiration to become a singer,” said Patrick, in a surprisingly not too soft voice.

Singapore Idol

Since being rejected in the first season, Patrick has been paying frequent visits to karaoke lounges to practice singing. Singing a Modern Talking song, “Cheri, Cheri Lady”, Patrick was undeterred by the judges advice for him to never come back.

While admitting his disappointment, he is happy he has tried his best. Patrick’s relentless spirit might possibly spur him to join for the competition for the 3rd time. “If there is a chance to join the competition once more, I might decide to do it. This time I will get a vocal coach to help me,” exclaimed Patrick.

Kung Fu Rapper 

Alvin Leo Teng Seng is his real name, and he’s definitely neither a martial artist or idol material. Having dished out Kung Fu moves while rapping to a Jay Chou song, Alvin himself had to admit it was a bit of a joke watching himself on TV.

One surprising fact is that Alvin went into the auditions without preparations at all. “I was walking past [the idol auditions] and just went in, out of curiousity,” chirped Alvin, who was wearing a black T-shirt and not his martial arts scholar outfit while chatting with UrbanWire.

Getting his inspiration from Mando-pop singer, Jay Chou, Alvin has been practising Jay’s dance movements long before the Idol auditions. This explains how he dished out those moves while rapping with such ease.  “I even practise while singing karoke,” claimed Alvin. We wonder how no one was hurt in the process.

Well, if something good did come out of this experience for Alvin, it was definitely the 15 minutes of fame. Alvin excitedly said, “I work in a restaurant, and one day a customer asked me to give an autograph on his $10 note.”

You’d think the national humiliation and big build up would have taught him a thing or two, but Patrick Khoo, was once again rejected as the SI judges still had a hard time hearing his nearly inaudible vocals.

Just as determined to fulfill his dreams of being a singer, Patrick believes he has it in him to be the next Singapore Idol.

“I always had an interest in singing, and also have the aspiration to become a singer,” said Patrick, in a surprisingly not too soft voice.

Since being rejected in the first season, Patrick has been paying frequent visits to karaoke lounges to practice singing.

Singing a Modern Talking song, “Cheri, Cheri Lady”, Patrick was undeterred by the judges advice for him to never come back.

While admitting his disappointment, he is happy he has tried his best. Patrick’s relentless spirit might possibly spur him to join for the competition for the 3rd time.

“If there is a chance to join the competition once more, I might decide to do it. This time I will get a vocal coach to help me,” exclaimed Patrick.

Nong Nong Ago

There are 2 words to describe Tay Foo Wei- “Competition Junkie”. Due to his inability to grasp the enunciation of the letter ‘L’, he made the classic children song, “Long Long Ago” become, “Nong Nong Ago” earning him the infamous nickname.

Armed with the childhood dream of becoming an artise, Foo Wei has gone for various competitions to prove his worth. Joining Channel U’s Project Superstar, Star Idol, and so many others, Foo Wei will stop at nothing to achieve his dream.

So expect to see Foo Wei once more in the next season of SI. “I plan to join more competitions and as long as there are competitions, I will be there,” Foo Wei affirmed.

“It is my dream to become an artise, and I hope MediaCorp can accept me, and Jack Neo will let me join his J team…I might not have looks but I can surely act,” said Foo Wei, never passing up the chance to advertise his talents. 

Mirror Boy 

Shy and introverted were the immediate vibes from Teh Si Yuan. Always having his head down and zoning out…he deserves applause for the courage to even utter a note in front of the judges.

Joining the competition for a noble cause, Si Yuan is also a nice guy at heart. “I want to make everybody smile, and I use Michael Jackson as my inspiration,” said the shy 17-year-old.

Well, we do remember that he was known as Mirror Boy because he checked his looks in the mirror constantly. An embarrased Si Yuan doesn’t ever want to bring up the topic of the mirror again.

If anyone ever recognises him on the streets, Si Yuan is already prepared with his answer. “That is not me but my uncle’s son…” Si Yuan would say to escape from the limelight.

Back to the Top 28

After saluting to the brave souls who stood in front of the judges, it is about time we shift our view to the top 28. The first group of 7 boys will be fighting for your votes this Wednesday, 8 pm. Be sure to look out for an article by fellow reporter, Gabriel Wong, as he interviews the first group, letting you have a first impression. Watch this space.