MI2: 1st Spectaculars

Today's article in The Star:
Life after Malaysian Idol
By RUBIN KHOO

As things heat up in the quest for the second Malaysian Idol, there is much speculation whether the reality TV show is truly a platform for creating pop stars. Well, let’s take a look at how well last year’s Idols are doing. Of the 12, seven, including Jaclyn Victor, have landed record deals.

Dina
The runner-up in last year’s competition is expected to release her album soon. The first single, Cinta Datang Lagi, has already been receiving airplay. The album to be released by Nature Records features some of the top names in the industry – Johan Nawawi, Audi Mok, Cat of Ruffedge, Aidit Alfian, Almeer and Azlan Abu Hassan – who are the producers of the album.

It has been a hectic time for Dina. Apart from recording, she has also performed throughout the country while pursuing her degree in Performing Arts at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).

Saiful
He made it through to the final five and clinched a deal with SonyBMG, the same recording company that signed Jaclyn. Saiful’s album, which was released last week, features award-winning composers and lyricists such as Azlan Abu Hassan, Yassin, Zul Mahat, Sharon Paul, Edrie Hashim, Pacai and Mohariz Yaakup.

Sufiah
She landed an album with InterGlobal Music and is in the middle of compiling songs. Sufiah is happy to take her time. The pop/jazz album, produced by 8TV’s chief operating officer Ahmad Izham Omar, is going to be a niche album. “It’s a new concept,” said Sufiah. “It’s going to be pop with jazz influence.”

The last couple of months have been busy for Sufiah who recently completed a road tour with the other Idols and has performed at various corporate shows. Sufiah was one of the first two to be eliminated at last year’s Malaysian Idol. To the first two who will have to leave the competition this week, Sufiah has this to offer: “If you have faith and are a true musician, you will last long. But if you are in it for fun, then you have to start focusing.”

To the final 11, Sufiah advised: “Do your best but enjoy yourself because I didn’t. I was so stressed.”

Rydee
Rydee had a tumultuous journey during last year’s competition. She was a last minute addition at several stages during the competition. But she made an early exit after two spectacular performances.

That disappointment, however, is behind her. She has a record deal with NSR and is now getting songs for her album. “If you are eliminated early, don’t give up,” she said. “Just sing your heart out and believe in yourself. You deserve to be where you are.”

Her album, which features all original songs, will be an R&B album but the concept is not going to be “too urban”. It will include ballads, jazz and blues.

Vick
Vick who was one of the final three landed a role in the independent Chinese film, Nephesh Seed, early this year. Shooting for the horror flick is expected to begin in October. “I play the brother of the leading actress,” he said. “It is a character that is very much like me, so it’s like playing myself.”

The film, directed by Michael Chuah, tells the story of a single mother who watches fearfully as her young son starts communicating with a shadowy figure in their new home. Acting aside, Vick will also be signing up with NSR soon. ”I am currently writing all the songs. It’s going to be a Chinese album.” He is also writing the theme song for the movie, which is likely to be featured in the album as well.

Nikki
No official word from Ning and Associates, whom Nikki is signed with, but she has been seen with Ning Baizura on numerous occasions, pointing to the fact that she is likely being groomed by the diva.