'Asia’s Got Talent' kicks off with high expectations
SINGAPORE -- Thursday, March 12, is a red-letter day for lovers of great perfomances. It's the day "Asia's Got Talent," the most successful reality TV format in history, premieres on AXN.
Unlike single-country franchise holders "Britain’s Got Talent," "America’s Got Talent," "Indonesia’s Got Talent," "Thailand’s Got Talent," and our very own "Pilipinas Got Talent," the omnibus show features the best of the region.
Judges and hosts reflect the show’s pan-regional format -- hosts Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez are Philippine-based; judges Van Ness Wu, formerly of F4 is from Taiwan; Anggun is from Indonesia; composer David Foster from Canada and former Spice Girl Melanie C is from the UK.
Diverse talents
All were introduced in a showcase held last Tuesday, January 27 at Mastercard theatre of the Marina Bay Sands.
The cast of CATS gave us a glimpse of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's smash hit, the musical adaptation of TS Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.
Singapore’s The Sam Willows band, the cutest kids of Dance Thrilogy with their “Candyman” song and dance number, and the breathtaking, gravity-defying aerial stunt of Thailand’s Got Talent 2012 winner Rajanikara Leng Kaewdee, further spiced up the event .
The four judges had fun witnessing performances from Asia's diverse talents.
Van Ness described it as very exciting and fun.
Anggun said, " I can’t say more but there are some very memorable moments, superbly insanely funny."
Melanie, who has seen these kind of shows all over the world, relates that seeing it in Asia for the first time is proof of "a lot of incredible acts, wonderful skill, great talent."
David describes the experience in glowing terms as well.
Amazing talent
"I've been coming to Asia for 25 years. Asia has fortunately for me embraced my kind of music and it’s given me a great career here as a performer and just what I'm doing now with Asia’s Got Talent, is just a natural extension…..and the talent has been amazing!"
The competition features talents from Singapore , Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The program will run for 10 episodes, with 5 auditions, 3 semi finals, a finale and results show.
The semifinals and finale will be held in Marina Bay Sands.
Up for grabs are prizes worth up to US$100,000, along with the chance to return and perform in Marina Bay Sands, Asia’s prime entertainment destination.
"Asia’s Got Talent" airs Thursdays, 8:05 pm on AXN.
