Feature
I FOUGHT UNI IDOL AND UNI IDOL WON BY NEXUS’ IDOL MO-LE
A few of the Uni Idol semi finalists give us some info Junior Mac
It was with tremendous intrepidity, poise and confidence that I approached the WSU building’s entrance foyer, waiting area for others, who – like me – dared to face the music:
Describe yourself in 5 words: Some people think I’m Usher Would you enter NZ Idol? I’m too old now Why should you win Uni Idol? Because I turned up and because I can sing and because I can sing and because I had a shower.
WAIKATO UNI IDOL. Initially I wasn’t going to enter, but somehow Dawn managed to convince me into representing Nexus – “and you can write about it, it’ll be great, Mo!” – And I’m all about representing. Plus the prizes were totally sweet. Eh, what did I have to lose? (Perhaps my soul, but I’m sure I could find another one on Trademe).
Iput
Describe yourself in 5 words: Bubbly, smiley, shorty, dancer, jazzy. Would you enter NZ Idol? Yes Why should you win Uni Idol? Cos I love singing and I love stages. I’ve performed quite a bit so I won’t only show you what singing is like but also how it could be.
I filled out the entry form the day before – “Describe yourself in 10 words.” OK. Awesome, Amazing, Cool, Talented,… awesome? Short, Asian, Mrs, Paul, McCartney (he’s always been my favourite). I don’t know, “About Me” sections are always hard, both for myspace and uni idol entry forms. Anyway, back to the waiting room. I made small talk with the other contestants, some who recognized me from past contests of a similar ilk. Oh, my dirty, dirty past. As a seasoned talent quest veteran, I led the others in brief breathing and warmup exercises – “breathe IN, then SHHHHHHH!” – whilst we all waited our turns.
Mario Mo
Describe yourself in 5 words: Cool, amazing, awesome, short, SUPERCHARGED. Would you enter NZ Idol? NAHHH! Why should you win Uni Idol? Because…I dunno really. Good question. Why should you indeed?
My plan of attack: power ballads. All morning I’d been refining my rendition of Mariah Carey’s Hero (other contenders were various Whitney Houston tunes and Total Eclipse of the Heart but Mariah was a winner at the end of the day). As my turn drew nearer, however, I found myself getting more and more nervous. I could totally empathise with those that freeze up on NZ Idol – you don’t know what it’s like to be judged until, well, you’re subjected to it, really. Panic eventually set in and I gave up my power ballads plan and settled for a safe jazz number that I sing way more in the shower than Hero – You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To, Ella Fitzgerald styles. My turn finally came and I actually don’t remember much of how it went. I think I swayed my hips from side to side and clicked my fingers and stuff. They must have liked it, cos the next day I got an email saying I got through to the semifinals. Then I had my photo taken for Nexus, then I had a friend telling me he saw me on Maori TV – which surely means all is going well in this battle. And my soul remains intact. Goodie. So yes. To the other semi-finalists – congrats! Remember to take care of your voices (and souls) in this cold weather. See you on the 23rd, I’m looking forward to all the talent.
William Sipu
Describe yourself in 5 words: Shy, funny, charming, caring, friendly. Would you enter NZ Idol? (no comment. Dark horse.) Why should you win Uni Idol? Why not?!
Come and see these four and the other 12 semi-finalists performing outside the Academy of Performing Arts at 3pm on Tuesday 23rd May. There is free admission to the live semis but you’ll need tickets for the big Uni Idol Final (26th at 7pm at the Academy) and these are available through the Academy itself.
Issue 11 22 May 2006
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