Another Fame Quest Begins
Ahmad Izham says OIAM3 will begin at the year’s end.
Expect more drama when the latest season of popular reality talent show One in a Million (Season 3) begins its nationwide auditions soon. DENNIS CHUA writes.
Ayu Damit’s album will be out soon.
Marion (right) and Awal remain OIAM hosts.
8TV’S star attraction One In A Million (OIAM) is set to find a new star in the mould of Suki Low and Ayu Damit at the year’s end.
The popular reality talent show which began in 2006 will open its doors to nationwide auditions on Nov 15 in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, before moving to Johor Baru and George Town on Nov 22 and Kuala Lumpur on Nov 29.
The Short Messaging Service-based (SMS) contest, which found its first winner in Seremban lass Suki, and its second in Kota Kinabalu-born Ayu, is out to find yet another talent worthy of its RM1 million reward.
OIAM Season 3 or OIAM3 introduces a brand new tagline “Find Your Own Voice”, a revamped logo in shining silver and gold, and a more personal view of the participants behind the scenes, complete with occasional “drama” and “breaking news”.
The television station’s chief executive officer, Ahmad Izham Omar, said: “While OIAM3 stays true to the basic formula that made OIAM1 and OIAM2 a great success, viewers should be prepared for more drama, conflicts and a whole lot of great singing this time round.
“And as in previous seasons, fans will be introduced to brand new talents. On top of that, viewers may expect to see some renowned artistes sharing the stage with all the other contestants.”
Sarawakian pop princess Dayang Nurfaizah Awang Dowty made it to the Top 5 in OIAM1 while newly-wed Intan Sarafina, award-winning Siti Sarah Raisuddin and Shila Amir Amzah were among the final 12 in OIAM2.
Ahmad Izham said: “Over the last two seasons, the innovative show has managed to captivate the attention of viewers and critics alike with its attractive yet original concept.
“It is the only show where one can vote for or oust a contestant.”
Producer, songwriter and arranger Paul Moss and classical and pop singer-cum-music educationist Syafinaz Selamat will once again be the show’s resident judges.
Television personalities Awal Ashaari of Impak Maksima and Diva fame and Marion Caunter of 8TV Quickie fame return as co-hosts.
Moss said: “There will be tougher judging and higher expectations in the new season. We seek new talents who are passionate about making it to the top.”
He said what was important was for the new contestants to have “musical intelligence” and “the extra something” that fans love.
“Our production crew will be at every audition session to ensure that only those who meet the competition’s requirements qualify for the main session in Kuala Lumpur, where the judges will determine the lucky Top 80,” said Ahmad Izham.
“We are not just looking for a winner but the next big star in Malaysian music.”
The age limit for contestants is now from 16 to 32. The last two sessions were from 19 to 30.
Auditions will take place from 9am to 3pm at the Imperial International Hotel, Kota Kinabalu and Merdeka Palace Hotel, Kuching on Nov 15, followed by The Puteri Pacific Hotel, Johor Baru and Sunway Hotel, George Town on Nov 22.
Kuala Lumpur’s Berjaya Times Square will host the auditions on Nov 29 and 30, when the main judging takes place. Established artistes will audition on Dec 1 at the same venue.
8TV will have several roadshows to coincide with the new season of OIAM. They will be held at City Square in Johor Baru on Nov 8, Prangin Mall in George Town on Nov 9 and Berjaya Times Square on Nov 15.
Previous season contestants such as Ayu, Suki, Mark Lorin, Alif Satar, Tengku Tiara Yasmin Sofia Tengku Hassan and Ezuan Sulaini will entertain the crowd.
Ahmad Izham said: “We are likely to know the Top 12 after the new year. The OIAM3 Diary will be screened thrice a week.”
On the previous season’s artistes, he said Ayu is in the midst of recording her debut album while Suki has already come up with one and is currently riding high with the hit single Siapa Aku (This Is Me) for the film Camp Rock’s Asian edition soundtrack.
OIAM1 runner-up Faizal Tahir bagged three awards in Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) 2008 and has also hosted two seasons of pan-Asean talent search Gang Starz, while OIAM2 runner-up Shila won the Penang Shanghai World Star Quest regional singing contest.
The contest’s results are purely determined by viewers who vote by sending text messages (SMS). Viewers can either “vote in” or “vote out” the contestants of their choice.
The contestant with the highest number of “vote ins” for the week will be immune to elimination.
“OIAM has not just proven to be a signature programme for 8TV but also one that has captured the talent and imagination of mainstream audience with its bold, creative format and talented participants,” Ahmad Izham said.
New Straits Times