[90] Last Day of May

After the recent finale of American Idol Season 9, I became so immersed in the feeling of reunion. It was that song, THE song, which brought back so many past bittersweet memories of Form Six. Let's talk 'bout that song in a while.

Spending one and a half years in Form Six back in my school - SMJK Sam Tet - wasn't easy if not for the bonds I've made. Befriending classmates and other students from different societies and even the teachers definitely brought joyful and magnificent moments which enliven things up. I've learned a lot from those relationships, and I truthfully appreciate them, even though some of them had ended not in a way I would imagine.


As I said in my earlier post, June is a month for gatherings, the last before everyone set foot in their respective universities, be it local or overseas. Reuniting with friends and teachers, chatting about the past and predicting the future, these is what gatherings are all about - keeping ourselves updated.

Certainly, the recent USM enrollment will be a hot topic to talk about in gatherings. It was an upset for many, even I felt the disappointment myself. Many discussions were made and a lot expressed their concern on the quality of higher education here in Malaysia. Anyway, congratulations to my friends which were offered the course of their choice. For those who didn't don't be too concerned as we have a great future ahead of us. Trust me, I know we do!! We are the STARZ, right??? No darkness will be to great for our brightness to break.


Let's go back to THE SONG. If you've watched the finale, OR if you have followed my previous long posts, OR you are one of my friends in Facebook (I'm offering options here.), I think there's is no way you could get this one wrong. Delta Goodrem's "Together We Are One" is the song which I played continuously - on my computer and on the phone as well. *There are time when I sang it out loud, but I definitely need to work on my voice box.*


The title of the song is already attractive enough for me, and when I listened to it, WOW!!! The vocals were superb and flawless!!! If that was not enough, wait till you scan through the lyrics. The lyrics was heartfelt and it reminded me of all the hard times which I got through, and all the help and support I got from my friends and family. It also reminded me not to let loose on myself and keep striving hard in the future. Sounds amazing, right? And stuffs like this should be shared, right? Here you got, mates!!

 

Official Music Video

Live Performance

Here we are
Sharing our lives
We made it through
The good and bad times
And still we stand
With hope in our hearts
No matter what
We will play our part
And now we've come so far
One chance to touch a star
Go higher and higher

Find your guiding inspiration
In a place where dreams are made
With a lifetime's preparation
There's no time to be afraid
Put our differences behind us
While we shine like the sun
See what we've all become
Together we are one

Deep inside your heart and soul
You've worked so hard to reach your goal
With every step, with every breath
You gave it all till there was nothing left
Seek out the strength to win
No thoughts of giving in
Go higher and higher

Find your guiding inspiration
In a place where dreams are made
With a lifetime's preparation
There's no time to be afraid
Put our differences behind us
While we shine like the sun
See what we've all become
Together we are one

Deep inside your heart and soul
You work so hard
To reach your goal
With every step
With out regret
You gave it all
Till there was nothing left
Seek out the strength to win
No thoughts of giving in
Go higher and higher

Find your guiding inspiration
In a place where dreams are made
With a lifetime's preparation
There's no time to be afraid
Put our differences behind us
While we shine like a star
See what we've all become
Together we are one

Find your guiding inspiration
In a place where dreams are made
With a lifetime's preparation
It’s no time to be afraid
Put our differences behind us
While we shine like a star
See what we've all become
Together we are one

See what we've all become
Together we are one

I was right, was I? For your information, this song was written, produced and performed live for the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. How inspiring, right? Now you have another great thing to share with all your friends!!!

[88] REJECTED!!!

I have a crucial announcement to make.

I was REJECTED 

by Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Yup, it's as simple as this. It is simply ironic, since I was accepted into the Pharmacy course of National University of Singapore, which is a great honour and a chance of a lifetime. I do admit that I was shocked and stunned, and I thought with me being out of the picture, many of my friends would have better chances of getting in. But no... Only one got a place in Pharmacy.

Let's do some self re-evaluation: What is the main reason that I got rejected?

Possibility No. 1: I am too good for them.

They think that I have unlimited potential to expand my capabilities in better universities. If they were to accept me, it would be like trapping a lion in a cage. Call me cocky. Call me a show off. Call me sour grapes. Call me anything. I'm full of myself!!

Possibility No. 2: I failed in my interview.

I never had interview-luck before. Whenever there's an interview, I'll fail miserably. So far, I haven succeeded in any, and i do mean ANY, interviews yet!! With exception of being informally interviewed for my job, I had no chance at all against interviews.

Well, personally, I think Possibility No. 2 suits me better. I like to be humble and considerate. You see, being the TOP student, somehow, limits my chances to give advices. However, if you give me lame and destructive excuse, like some did, you'll get Possibility No. 1 from me. On your face, fellas!!!

Anyway, since I got the offer from NUS, there was no second thoughts on my head. "Just go for it!!!" I was lucky enough to get that offer others always dream about, and I wasn't going to waste it. Yup, LUCKY me!!! Why? I actually limited my application to NUS and local government universities for Pharmacy only. A lot of people was like "What? With your results you could easily get offers from local private and Hong Kong universities and colleges. You could even get into the Ivy League!!" 

To be honest, my family could barely afford to fund me to Singapore, let alone to Hong Kong and England. Given my circumstances, the best that I could hope for will be NUS, the only university in Singapore which offers Pharmacy. That's why I said, I was LUCKY. 

Limiting my options has always worked for me. In a way, it made me more focused and determined to anticipate upcoming challenges from the route that I've chosen. Mdm. Chee, my Form 6 Mathematics teacher, even complimented me for being so. 

Negatively speaking, you may say that I'm obstinate and I'm taking a risk which I could not bare with the repercussions. I try not to think of it in that way though. Negative thoughts always corrupts opportunities. 

Hopefully, it'll continue to bring me good prospects in the future.

[88] The End

American Idol Season 9 officially came to a close with the a great result show night. It was like the typical result show for the past eight years - top 12 performance, top 12 girls performance, top 12 guys performance, top 2 duet, plenty of guest artists and heaps of jokes. However, Simon's departure from the show made his last show on American Idol slightly interesting. Here's are some of the highlights of the Simon-tribute-reunion American Idol Season 9 "closing ceremony':

1) Let's start with the guest artists. Most of them were unknown to me, and their song didn't attracted much of my attention. But, those that were famous simply was a crowd pleaser. Bee Gees was awesome, singing one of the greatest hits ever "How Deep Is Your Love". Christina Aguilera's entry to the show made the show slightly dramatic, but indeed a great performance. Then came Crystal's duet with Alanis Morrisette, with two of Alanis' best songs, the performance was supreme. Lee performed Chicago's medley with Chicago themselves, and they rocked the stage!! Janet Jackson, well, let's say she was not one of my favourite artist. Though her versatile outfit did stand out!!

2) Past Idols returned to the stage where they were once crowned and triumphed upon their victory. Kris Allen's performed "The Truth", one of his best song from his self-titled debut album, and believe me, he deserved that win last season. Carrie Underwood was undoubtedly spectacular, as she always is. It's not the soft-gentle-side of Carrie, but she definitely did made an impression.

3) As Randy predicted, "Pants On The Ground" became a viral hit in the states. Performing live on the show was Larry Platt and an unexpected appearance from William Hung. *We all remember him, don't we?* The hip-hop song made the crowd stand on their feet, but not with their pants on the ground, although the dancers did make a bold move, showing their yellow stripped boxers.

4) Simon Cowell was what this show is all about, and it was shown clearly in his last night in American Idol. Throughout the show, there were slots for tribute to this self-proclaimed head judge, as he leaves the show to expand his own singing competition - X Factor - to America. Video clips showing Randy, Paula, Kara, Paula and not forgetting Simon's best friend on the show, Ryan's thoughts of Simon was hilarious in a way, but they were heartfelt. Dane Cook's "Simon Said" said it all!!! He was accompanied by the All American-Idol Rejects. Yup, those that were struck by the harsh words of THE Simon Cowell. The unforeseen appearance of "the-little one" Paula Abdul, with a short speech in tribute to Simon, made the jaws of all present drop. Who would have thought to see her back in a rose-pink dress.

The best part of the tribute, and of the night, was definitely the farewell song "Together We Are One" performed by past Idols, with the exception of David Cook. Joined by other Idol alumni Matt Giraud (Season 8), David Archuleta, Jason Castro (Season 7), Blake Lewis (Season 6), Ace Young and Elliott Yamin (Season 5) just to name a few, the song showcased how dreams were achieved and lives were changed throughout the pass 8 years, and now 9, of American Idol history. It was the right song at the right moment, the perfect choice.

5) Finally, the main point of the finale, the coronation of the new American Idol. The results for the pass few years, since season 5, had always been on the side of the dark horses - Taylor Hicks instead of Katherine McPhee, Jordin Sparks instead of Blake Lewis, David Cook instead of David Archuleta, Kris Allen instead of Adam Lambert - and it was no exception this year. Lee Dewyze is now the new reigning American Idol!!! Yeah!! Crystal's 2% defeat doesn't mean that she does not deserve the title, it's just mean that the road in front of her just got a little tougher. Both singers will be great addition to the music industry.

Lee is Dewyze choice!!!

Yikes, another long post!!! I can't control myself when it comes to American Idol. Anyway, the show's over for now, but it'll sure be back for next year. *I wonder who will be replacing Simon then.* I really hope to watch it next year in Singapore, despite having to cope for the strenuous studies there.

[87] CrystaLee Finale

Disclaimer: All contents are solely based on personal perception. There is ABSOLUTELY no intention to provoke anyone.

Everyone knows I'm a BIG American Idol fan. And coming to the end of the season, I guess that I am pretty delighted to see two of my foresaw top three battle it out for the title. Didi's early exit from the show seemed to be worthy after all, as it made way for a more competitive final performance.


The finale started off with the Contestant's Choice from past performances. *Oh ya, the CONTESTANTS!!* I bet all of you already know who they are, but it doesn't hurt to mention them once again. Both are 24 years of age and auditioned in Chicago, where Shania Twain guest-judged. One is a paint shop clerk and self-produced two albums prior to the show, and the other, a musician and a mom for a lucky baby. *Imagine yourself telling your friends, "My mom was on AMERICAN IDOL!!"* I guess they need no further introduction, here you are, the top 2 finalists.

Crytal Bowersox & Lee Dewyze

Let's go back to the Round 1: the Contestant's Choice:

Lee went first, and sang "The Boxer", in which he performed in the Top 7 show - inspirational song. I remembered clearly how the song was even before he opened his mouth. Who could ever forget that la-la-la-la-chorus which sounds like a lost-in-the-lyrics moment. But, Lee manage to start the show with a BANG!!

Then came Crystal with "Me and Bobby McGee", one of the Billboard number 1 hits (Top 11 show). The song didn't hang out long in my memories, but her mike stand did. That antique mike stand, apparently, made a few appearances before the finale. *How could I miss out on that?*

Round 1 goes to .......................................... Lee Dewyze.

Reason: The song was GLUE!!! I still can't get it out my head!!!

Round 2 was the executive producer Simon Fuller's time to choose songs for the to-be-American Idols:

Lee rocked the stage with "Everybody Hurts", which was like the perfect choice of song for his coarse-rocky voice. Although not as energetic as the first song, it showed Lee's maximum potential as a rock star.

Followed closely was Crystal with a dramatic "Black Velvet", which reminded of Siobhan Magnus' performances. The dark outfit, the high heels, the loud music and the high pitched voice. Yea, definitely Siobhan!! Anyway, Crystal did a pretty fantastic job with the song.

Round 2 goes to ................................Crystal Bowersox.

Reason: Simple!!! It was better than Lee's in every way!!

Last but not least, the long awaited, looked forward Coronation Song, written by.... Wait, Kara DioGuardi didn't lend a hand this time??? *Disappointed* Such a major setback to the show, as last year's coronation song "No Boundaries" was so heartfelt.

"Beautiful Day" provided Lee with a great chance of winning it all. The song was catchy, so catchy that I almost danced along with it. My body swayed along with the sort of electronic intro and when it went to the chorus, I was energized!!! Lee had a great time too with the on-stage band, walking to the audience in his bright red sneakers before finishing it with the mike stand at the center of the stage.

But, it was Crystal which owned the night with an emotional "Up To The Mountains". She didn't do much with her body, but her vocals pierced through the hearts of all that was listening. It did sounded a little soporific, but if you listen close to the lyrics, they are magnificent!!!

The tie-breaker goes to  

.......................................................Crystal Bowersox.

Reason: She's authentic!! She's real!!

Ok, so you had it from me. Satisfied? Crystal definitely had her night of glory, but Lee wasn't bad at all!! Both will be great addition to the music industry, but I'm still rooting for Lee. *I'm a Lee-fan.* Here are both the studio version for the coronation song.

This post is already way too long!!! Next up, the review on Simon's last American Idol appearance as a judge. You won't wanna miss it.

[86] Blogging Once Again

I thought of resuming blogging on June instead of now, but I guess now would be the perfect time to do so. I've changed the template, if you haven't noticed, to a new, fresh, mysterious kind of look. Like it?? Hate it?? Just leave me a comment.

I've been quite busy for some time now. Busy working - both as a teacher and a driver. Busy going places - Penang, Penang again, then to Singapore - for interviews. Busy worrying about university entrance. However, all of those have finally passed: quitting my job in June, done with the interviews. Now, I'm a free man. 

Actually, I'm not that free after all!!! I have my own agenda for June. My top priority will be to enhance my English proficiency: grammar, vocabulary and communication. There will be zero doubt that I'll be leaving for Singapore soon, and it would be crucial for me to have a good foundation in English.

Sunset view from Penang Bridge

Sunset view from Butterworth Bus Station

Then, there would be the aim of losing some pounds and some inches. One thing that I realised from the trip to Singapore, is that people there are so FIT!!! You really can't see any overweight Singaporean guys there. The other reason that I wanna lose some weight is that I won't have much time to work out there, which means that I'll be back to my original size in no time. I just wanna look good and feel great.

Sunset view from Singapore

Preparing for a final class gathering will be the last of my agenda. Being gathered for one last time as a class before every individual leaves separately to pursue their dream course, will definitely be the perfect addition to our flawless memories as U6B1 '09. Time flies, and now it's time for the STARZ to shine - brightly and light up the dark. Here's a teaser for those who wanna know what's installed for our last gathering.

Can you guess what this is?

I guess that's enough for now, but be sure to come back for more. The next post will be a tribute to the finale of American Idol Season 9. Yup!! I'll be commenting a lot and recommending some of the best songs sang along the season. I just can't wait for the latest coronation song.

I think the scenes look really nice despite being captured using a phone. 

That's why I'm sharing them. hope you'll all like them.