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With stars in their eyes

Contestants of `Super Star' reach out to the audience to remain in the show, reports LIZA GEORGE

BASKING IN THE LIMELIGHT The 15 participants who reached the final of `Super Star' pose for a picture

If you can carry a tune, have a glam quality and attitude, it's the right time to show it all off. Talent hunts are now a staple of all television channels. Celebrity judges, offers to sing for films, attractive cash prizes... the freebies are many. Then there are the adoring fans, fabulous (often free) clothes, fast cars, photo shoots and more. Who wouldn't want to be a superstar?

Reaching for the stars

Offering budding singers a chance to reach for the stars and become one too are the local versions of talent hunts, which are inspired copies of reality shows on MTV, Zee and Sony. The biggest of all the shows now being aired is Amrita TV's hunt for the `Super Star.' The winner walks away with prizes worth Rs. 5 lakhs and a year's contract with the channel. From 3,500 participants who battled for a place in the top 15, one will finally be crowned `Superstar.'

On the lines of the popular U.S. show, `American Idol,' the format is almost the same; viewers will vote for their star through sms. Each week one finalist gets knocked out.

Says the show's producer Satish Kumar, "As the finalists perform week after week, they become characters in your life. You don't only judge them, but also like or dislike them. So creating a good impression/likeability factor is important."

In a country where for years solemn-looking singers with noses buried in song sheets have held listeners spellbound with just their talent, a wannabe performer can no longer get away with just a great voice.

"People no longer want just a singer. We are looking for a 75 per cent singer and 25 per cent performer," says music director Deepak Dev, one of the judges of the show. Balabhasker and Alphons Joseph are the two other judges in a panel of four judges. One is a celebrity judge.

The judges also double up as guides and mentors to help contestants overcome their drawbacks. Voice training is by Alphons.

JOB KURIEN:OFFSTAGE, WE ARE FRIENDS, FAMILY

According to Alphons, the contestants are taught how to pick the right pitch for a song, breathing exercises and how to bring out the emotion in a song among others.

Grooming of the participants is also a special feature of the show. Presentation, posture, body language and etiquette are taught by Raj Kumar Shivan, model-cum-actor John Abraham's personal trainer.

"The right way to stand, how not to fiddle with the hem of your dupatta, how to be at ease with the audience... These tips are also useful in our daily life," says Lakshmi B, a contestant from Kochi.

MITHU MANOJ:EACH OF US HAS UNIQUE STYLE

Emotionally, it has to be tough on the contestants as they have to battle with each other to win a spot. One mistake can put an end to your dream run.

Recognising the importance of a flawless performance, the participants pay heed to the comments of the judges, even when they appear to be sharp.

"Their suggestions have helped us become better singers," affirms Athira Raj from Kannur.

Upbeat mood

As the talent hunt approaches its grand finale, the finalists are upbeat though the tension is palpable. But they aver their friendship is above everything.

Says Job Kurien, from the city, "They will give me tough competition and onstage we are competitors. Offstage, we are friends, family, giving advice and support. I am confident. But being confident isn't enough. I need audience support too." The finalists will get a taste of fame when promo events and tours start.

ATHIRA RAJ:THE JUDGES' SUGGESTIONS HAVE HELPED US BECOME BETTER SINGERS

Ajay Sathyan, a finalist from Mumbai, however, had a feel of it when he went shopping. "A stranger walked up to me and asked if I was part of `Super star' and said how my performance was improving. It felt great."

So, who has a chance of winning the crown? Having trained them, Alphons says most of them show signs of promise but he refuses to make any guesses.

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