The ONE search for NY’s Singing Talent

NYConneXions infiltrates the semi-finals to get a sneak peek of what the whole school is going to see on 4th Feb, the finals of The One.

You have heard about this competition through posters around the campus and the constant announcements during morning assembly. You may know someone who has taken part in this competition. Maybe you have taken part in it. But what exactly is The One about?

Getting engrossed and captivated by the contestants...

We interview Guo Hao, chairperson of The One and Event Manager of the College Image and Bonding Committee, to find out more.

NYX: Besides giving an opportunity to NYJCians to showcase their singing talent, what aim does The One serve?
Guo Hao: It aims to liven up the mood in Nanyang. We want to prove that NYJC is not just an ordinary college which focuses on academics only. The competition aims to build confidence in students, for them to take up the challenge and perform to their best abilities.

NYX: The timing of The One fell during the PAE period both this year and last year. Is this an attempt to show how fun NYJC is and to encourage J1 students to stay?
GH: I believe that there are many other activities in the school, besides The One, to showcase Nanyang as an exciting Junior College. We take into consideration the schedule of our J2 students as well. This is the best time, as it livens up the mood during the PAE period and J2s get a chance to participate before settling down for their upcoming tests and exams.

NYX: There has been much hype about the $2 entrance fee for the Finals of The One. Any comments?
GH: The price of the ticket was fixed after much discussion and considerations and thus it is definitely reasonable.

NYX: In your opinion, what qualities should the winner of The One possess?
GH: The winner of The One should display confidence, good stage presence, creativity and good vocal techniques.

NYX: Any last words?
GH: We would like to thank all participants of The One for their enthusiasm, audiences for their warm response, the Judges, Mr Joel Loo, Miss Eunice Ng, Miss Melissa Kwok, Miss Lynette Poh and Mr Ng How Wee and Teachers in-charge of college image and bonding committee, Mr Wayne Sequeira and Miss Belinda Loh for their guidance. Last but not least, our wonderful AVA!

Hey! Stop pushing the mic to me! YOU are supposed to sing this line!

Contestants on the Semi-finals...

The semi-final was a low-key affair held at 5.30pm on the evening of 25th January. In the midst of the flurry of activity, we managed to grab a rushed interview with the judges and some of the contestants.

J1, Ting Hui Hui sang “Part of Your World” a Disney track and surprised the audience with her thick and soulful voice. Despite her choice of song, she was surprisingly tomboyish. She was perky and talkative.

NYX: So how well do you think you performed?
Hui Hui: Erm, bad, because I was really nervous on stage. You know, I arrived late to this competition because I was stuck in this traffic jam on my way back from accompanying my friend to MOE. And so, I was already freaked out ‘cause I was late and I think my nervousness affected my performance...

NYX: No worries, you were totally amazing on stage. Serious! I love your singing of that Disney song! Anyway, why did you enter this competition?
HH: Because I like singing! Don't be fooled by my feminine outlook, I am actually a tomboy. Skirts are so uncomfortable! I wore this to get into the groove of the song.

J2, Lee Soo Fun sang “Lydia” by FIR. A challenging song that required a wide vocal range. She did not disappoint her supporters with her fantastic rendition. Plus, she was a sight for sore eyes with her pink cocktail dress. She pleasantly agreed to a short interview with this reporter.

NYX: Why did you enter this competition and what do you think of your performance?
Soo Fun: I entered “The One” because I enjoy singing. I feel that my performance wasn’t my best and so I am a little disappointed.

NYX: “Lydia” is a great song but it is really difficult to sing due to the high notes. So why did you choose that song?
SF: I like to challenge myself and try to hit the high notes perfectly. Besides, it is one of my favorite songs.

NYX: Ok, last question. Do you have confidence in winning?
SF: Yes!

Beware: Aishah is powerful, underneath all that sweetness.

Judges' Verdict
The childhood chant "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me" is a lie. Words hurt. They leave a mark. It is not on the surface where one can see it, it is on the soul. While some of the contestants got thrashed by comments on their performance, reporter Alice intercepted the judges, Ms Lynette Poh, Miss Melissa Kwok and Mr Joel Loo, before they could disappear into the crowd during the semi-final round. Despite their tight schedule, evident from their haste to leave LT4, they kept up with her incessant probing...

“The One should possess great vocals, spunk and stage presence,” -Miss Kwok, on the judging criteria.

“Being able to capture the audience’s attention and having their own identity is also of utmost importance. It’s preferable if they are creative in their presentation of the song and they MUST have a star presence.” –Miss Lynette Poh

“Confidence!” -Mr Joel Loo

We are THE ONE band who wore red ties.

By Chia Ling Xian and Alice Zhao