Couldn't Sleep Again!

Have been having trouble falling asleep for the past 2 nights.

Nope, this time, it's not because of little Sam.

It's because I've been watching the taiwanese music talent variety program before bed, and got so excited by it, I couldn't calm myself enough to sleep at 1am!

Must introduce this to anyone reading this who hasn't watched the show, 超级星光大道.

This is the American Idol equivalent in Taiwan, in terms of its popularity.
However, the contestants are not voted in by the masses; they are awarded points by 5 judges.
The viewers have no say at all, except to create a BIG hoo-hah on their internet forums!

What makes this program so popular???

After all, it's not the 1st or only music talent show in Taiwan right now.
However, the contestants from the 1st season got so popular, most of the finalists received recording contracts after the end of the season. One of the challengers even became as popular as the winner!

1 reason of the show's popularity is of course the judges, at least 1 of whom would be a guest judge.

A lot of the credit also goes to the compere, 陶晶莹.
I've never really thought she was a great compere when I 1st started following the program.
It was only after sitting through 15 torturous minutes of a malaysian Superstar finals (another music talent show) that I realise how good she is in creating suspense, engaging the audience, judges & contestants in small talk, & generally making the intervals between the singing interesting.

But I think the main reason why I got hooked is because of the contestants in the 1st season.

It's quite obvious they really love singing, and enjoy doing so on stage.
This passion really makes their songs very 'touching', very engaging to watch.

While it's fun watching them improve week by week, it is even more interesting to realise they actually became good friends despite the competition, and the amount of tears they shed everytime one of their numbers got kicked out (by themselves!) is quite, er, amusing! ;)

Now season 2 is not so engaging, partly cos the contestants don't seem to be able to put as much emotion into their singing.

Or maybe, as my hubby says, I'm already too involved with the 1st season. How I wish the DVD collection of the show is available over here!!!

Anyway, will still continue to watch the 2nd season, since now it's down to the final 6 vs the quite impressive challengers (one of whom is a malaysian!). Very exciting!!!!

But, I still prefer the 1st season leh! :)

Must try to catch it on cable here this Sunday. Haven't been able to watch it for the past few months cos of Sam's bedtime. :(

So spent all my free time today collecting my fav clips from YouTube! Have posted it at the end of this blog, enjoy!