The Star 2
Friday night I went to a video taping of the show "The Star 2" (intro clip to all the finalists - but a little overly weepy) at a studio. Although I don't watch American Idol or any of its countless spin-offs, I decided to go with my friend Art to check it out and to see her friend Nong (finalist #6) perform at this show (they were in the Thammasat University Band together).
I've sat in several TV show tapings before (including several live-to-air tapings of Counterspin at CBC - read this entry), but never before in a TV audience with a show completely in a language I don't know (well, at least).
Anyhow, Nong is among the 8 finalists. For her solo piece, she sang an older song from Silly Fools (a popular rock band - and my favorite Thai band). The other contestants sang ballads, rock songs, and even a popular luk tung song (Thai country music)
The judges, a producer, a popular actor/actress (he is a katoei), and a voice coach/choreographer, gave a bunch of comments and even were arguing when they had to give their comments. I guess the producer guy (who seems to wear a cap all the time) was the only guy like Simon. There was little drama except until after the taping wrapped. Friends, family, a multitude of TV cameras descended on the stage and the finalists. Until I egged them on, Art and her friend Top stayed away from the stage because they didn't really want to be in any footage! Funny thing is that Art works for GMM Grammy (the Thai media giant - sponsoring the show, incidentally) and sings part-time at lounges/hang-out spots on Sundays and Tuesdays - but was still trying to dodge cameras during the taping. Speaking of getting on Thai TV - you can see me several times, when the judges make their comments (I'm in the top right corner), and when one of Nong's friends is asked something by the MC's. Hopefully I was trying not to look lost (or look like I was getting Art to translate for me).
That taping of The Star 2 is on at 9pm GST+8 this Saturday on MCOT's Channel 9. So tune in! Get your live streams here:
56 kbps (Windows Media)
256 kbps (Windows Media)
And if you're in Thailand, you can help vote:
1. via SMS - type the contestant's number and send it to 89500
2. call 1900-1900-43 and press the contestant's number
Update:
Archived streams of the show are available now.
56 kbps (Windows Media)
256 kbps (Windows Media)
Additional update:
Corrected information about the contestants and how to vote.
Photos (description will pop up when you put your mouse over the thumbnails. Click thumbnail for full image.)
