Stardom

Ever since Project Superstars and/or Singapore Idol, there have been a myriad of reality singing/acting contests raining upon us.

We had Star Idol, Campus Superstar, Superband, Singapore Idol 2 and not forgetting the lesser known spin-off organized by shopping centres and KTV chains.

You even have company's D&D have idol theme, giving bosses(judges) another chance to be an employee(contestant) critic.

Rea! Talk on CNA was on this topic too. Doing my best to concentrate on the views of the panelists inspite of Maia Lee's cleavage blocking most of my view, the general consensus is, well, that's life...

Personally I feel that there are really nothing wrong with these programmes. It provides many with a channel to highlight their otherwise hidden talents. Mix in hard work plus a bit of luck, you may be the next big thing.

But things may be a bit wrong when stations are rolling out similiar programmes off the mill like a factory. To meet deadlines, they just grabbed whoever they could round up within that one/two days of auditions. So audience are shortchanged of good quality contestants.

And not counting the sms, pre-final albums, t-shirts, buttons. With income like that, which producer would want to stop rolling out such programmes.

But I believe the worst part of it is it hasn't found us the next JJ Lin, A-do or Stephenie Sun. It is not improving the industry or expanding the pool of talents.

Just look at winners of all the past shows, where are they now? Could you envision anyone of them having the chance to hold their own concert?