One In A Million Season 3

Second chance for 'top stars' on reality talent show
NST Online » Local News
2008/12/22


KUALA LUMPUR: Four established singers have been chosen to compete with eight other contestants for RM1 million on 8TV's reality talent show, One In A Million 3.



One of the four is Norafizah Mohamed Yasin or Pija, the champion of TV3's talent show, Mentor Season 1.

The others are Akademi Fantasia 3 first runner-up Amylea Azizan, and vocalists of two popular local rock bands -- Shah Indrawan Ismail or Tomok of Newboyz and Zulqarnain Jaafar or Nine of Coco.




The 10-week programme begins in February.

"I want to be a millionaire," said Pija, explaining why she was taking part. "Yes, I was the winner of Mentor but, unfortunately, my career did not take off."
In fact, her career stalled after the win in 2005. She did not even have an album.

"This is my second chance to prove my worth. My advantage is that I've been through a similar competition and know what to expect."

However, Pija said that she was feeling the pressure.

"My fear is that I may get kicked out in the first few weeks... and I am trying to prepare myself for that."

Amylea was also feeling the pressure. Like Pija, her singing career ended with Akademi Fantasia 2.

"I don't want to be known as 'the big-haired girl' who competed with Mawi in AF any more."

She said that she was upset when she did not get any attention after AF3.

"I need to get noticed again and that's why I tried out for OIAM3."

Surprised that she was chosen for the show, Amylea promised to give her best.

"I have to prove to myself and my fans that I can do it and I am willing to sacrifice everything for this second chance at stardom."

As for Tomok, the opportunity would be used to improve himself.

"I've been in the industry for 10 years and I am still learning. This is the platform for me to learn."

The frontman for Newboyz said his colleagues supported his decision to take part in the show.

"In a way, this will help get Newboyz in the spotlight again."

Tomok also hoped that his fans would support him to get into the final.

More than 30 singers and celebrities auditioned together with more than 3,000 other hopefuls to be in the programme last month.

The top 12 were selected on Dec 15 and their names will only be announced by 8TV next month.

OIAM is the only talent show that allows established singers to compete with "newbies".

In the first season two years ago, Dayang Nurfaizah competed but did not make it into the final three. The winner was Suki Low.

Last year, three singers made to the Top 12 -- Intan Sarafina, Shahila and Siti Sarah Raisuddin.

Shahila and Siti Sarah made it into the top three but lost to Nor Ayu Damit.

The weekly concert is hosted by Awal Ashari and Marion Caunter, with Paul Moss and Shafinaz Selamat as the judges.

Every week, one contestant with the lowest SMS votes from the public will be eliminated. -- By Meor Shariman