[More photos from Sunsilk Academy Fantasia weekly Concert #2 below!]
The survivors of the Games are down to 12! Kenneth has left in the second round and so far there isn't any surprises in the eliminations if you were there at the weekly concert, or have watched their performance on Starhub Channel 110. You could tell that it's pretty much expected.. At least from what we've seen..
Some may be surprised that #10 Kenneth was kicked out in the second round because he's one of the 'more good looking' male finalists with the addition of height advantage. Also, he seems to be like a 'big brother' in the Academy, taking care of the other finalists, probably except for #11 Phil?
Their dislike for one another came from many areas - say character, attitude, misunderstandings, language - and had created some kind of real-life drama for the Sunsilk Academy Fantasia viewers. It kind of intensified when Phil blamed Kenneth for inciting Fiona to change her choice of song, just the day before the first weekly concert, which unfortunately could be the main cause Fiona had to leave the Academy. Both of them were unable to get along and had arguments which left the two unhappy and stressed up in the televised program.
Kenneth had the thought of giving up at one point. He broke down when he received a letter from his family. It was a difficult week for Kenneth, leading up to the boys' elimination
round. So, he attracted quite a bit of attention for himself and it's probably this build-up of drama, he's somehow acting strange when he appeared on stage next to host Joe Tsui.
Either too tall or shy about his rockstar outlook, Kenneth had been looking down nearly all the time even when responding to questions! It didn't look well on his confidence level on stage (so not like a star-to-be) despite claiming to have gotten over the incident. Not sure if he had any idea that all eyes, including the judges, were on him all that time..
(Photo - #10 Kenneth, before and after)
"Contestants must bear in mind that they are meant to be scrutinised when they stand on stage!" InCinemas recalled these very words DJ Peifen had said to Kenneth during the second media conference. Back then, Peifen was praising his well-built body and muscles and Kenneth shied away, giving the audience a cheery and smart impression. All of that were missing when he stood on that very stage last Saturday afternoon..
Truth to be told, I actually thought #9 Zhang Chi performed 情非得已 badly and he could be one of the risky contestants to go out until... Until the producers actually brought his parents to Singapore as a surprise for him onstage and after Kenneth had performed next.
Kenneth's choice of song, 萧敬腾's 王妃 proved to be too much for a first performance in the competition. It was his first time to don the rocker image and Kenneth hoped to show the audience the other side of him. Good effort! But wrong strategy we say!
--
The boys who had left an impression (Good, bad or average?) in the weekly concert #2.
Irwin, despite not feeling well, managed to impressed the judges (and the crowd) with his performance of JJ Lin's 不潮不用花钱 on stage. The judges advised him to focus on vocal if his body cannot take the dance moves which he tried to implement into his performance.
(Photo - From Left: #12 Irwin, #14 ET)
ET touched the audience with his performance of Karen Mok's 如果没有你 and one of the judges, 潘盈, was particularly impressed by his performance when she revealed her thoughts on the best performing Male finalists.
Minus Points - For Phil. Because it appears that the judges are lowering their standards for the Caucasian in this competition as Phil isn't really apt in his Mandarin language. He claimed that every part of him is Chinese except for his appearance when speaking to Host Joe.
Well, there's one more - His accent. He would have to double his efforts if he wishes to stay in the competition. Besides, we would love to see how things would go between him and #5 Zhilin. Both of them had been receiving special attention from the production crew like when Phil was performing 小小虫, there was a camera on stand-by to film Zhilin's expression. Recently, Phil made a very brave move to confess his love for Zhilin in the televised competition. He failed.. But he could try again if he survived this week's concert yeah?
(Photo - From Left: #11 Phil, #9 Zhang Chi)
Minus Points - For Zhang Chi. This cool guy doesn't seem to care about how the others would think of him. He openly admitted to 'Laziness' as one of his three characteristic when speaking to Host Joe on stage. Well, his straightforward and 'cool' attitude may appeal to some but ultimately, we don't want an artiste who is lazy right? To me, it's a suicide move and he needs to learn a lot more from ET, who's been giving good answers and response, in order to go further!
Oh, Zhilin's pretty good with her answering of questions and getting the audience to like her too! Afterall, she's more of the 'desirable' female contestants in the Games, thanks to Phil.. Her direct competitor is probably #1 Vee, who has a pretty good exposure on Starhub's Facebook page with her frequent appearance among the photos uploaded! Look, she appeared in nearly every photo in this Nikon album! She's doing it right when she includes photos of herself into her blog posts as they'll be included in another album dedicated to blogs. The rest of the contestants should follow suit!
You can view the contestants' blog updates of their experience by visiting Sunsilk Academy Fantasia site and select each of the contestants' profile to read more.
Coming back, Zhang Chi wasted his golden (I mean GOLDEN) opportunity when the producers had kindly arranged for his parents' surprise appearance on stage without his knowledge. Yes, he did appear slightly happier, with a little more energy and motivation in the presence of his parents BUT he failed to do the necessary to gain positive impression and support from the viewers.
Apparently, everyone, including the host, was thinking if the 'cool guy' would tear up or at least showed that he was touched to see his parents, whom had flown over to Singapore from China. But neither happened. Instead, when his mother said 'I Love You', he wriggled as though the words were repulsive without even appreciating or looking at his mother.
He could have shown basic courtesy by facing his mother and give a loving hug thereafter. I think he totally messed up for not 'performing' to what was expected of him. Minus more points.. This Chinese student failed to make use of the favour showered generously by the producers. If it were to be other contestants, say #2 Hui Xian, #6 Chloe, #7 Jessie or #14 ET, you would likely to have a scene filled with love and kinship.
Oh, and I have yet to mention about #8 JunYang and #13 Guang Li. But after JunYang's performance of 林宇中's 工体倍, I think he's in a pretty safe zone for now. But never let your guards down! Afterall, it's the likings of the judges and audience that will bring you to the finals! Same goes for Guang Li, who had sung JJ Lin's 背对背拥抱 during the compeition.
This week, 2 of the contestants will be eliminated. And if you would like to stand to watch their performance LIVE at Dragonfly Bar, be sure to participate in our Exclusive Promo for Sunsilk Academy Fantasia weekly concert #3!
The Top 10 finalists will be appearing at Central Mall @ Clarke Quay for a Meet-and-Greet session on Sunday, 29 July from 1:00pm - 2:30pm!
Tune in to Sunsilk Academy Fantasia - Starhub Channel 110 and follow @AcademySG for more updates!
Moses Chan 陈豪 and Selena Li 李诗韵 made a special appearance at Dragonfly Bar to motivate the contestants. Both of them also made a visit to the elusive Academy last Friday. Check out this short clip and view more photos taken at Concert #2 below!
(Photo: #8 Jun Yang)
(Photo: #9 Zhang Chi)
(Photo: #10 Kenneth)
(Photo: #11 Phil)
(Photo -From Left: Selena Li 李诗韵, Moses Chan 陈豪)
(Photo: #12 Irwin)
(Photo: #14 ET)