Project Super Star

Months ago, Kelvin Tan Wei Lian was just an ordinary man leading an ordinary life. But now, he is someone who has made a difference not just to himself but also those around him by daring to live his dream. He is now pursuing a difficult yet enriching career in the entertainment scene. What he is today didn't come forth overnight. It was a journey that the man himself would never have imagined walking in the beginning. Regardless of the outcome, it will be a once in a lifetime experience for him and this experience will stay in his heart and his fans' memories for the rest of their lives.

It all began when the start of a nationwide mandarin singing competition arose in early 2005. Named Project Superstar, organised by Singapore's MediaCorp TV, Channel U, the competition attracted over 4,000 hopefuls with a passion to sing, aged between 15 and 35. The aim of this project was to search for the right soul who would face countless rounds of competitions and eliminations, where only the very best will be crowned the first Superstar in Singapore. Owing to the large Chinese population in Singapore and this competition being the first of its kind in the country (where the viewers' votes accounted for 70% of the contestants� scores), Project Superstar has become one of the most successful singing competitions in Singapore to date.

When Wei Lian heard about this competition, he didn't seem very enthusiastic. It was only when he heard from some of his visually-handicapped friends that they were intending to give it a try that he thought maybe he should just reconsider and join them too. Having received favourable feedback as a street busker and also after receiving lots of encouragements from his close friends, Wei Lian finally decided to take the plunge. Coincidentally, he later learnt from his younger sister that she wanted to try it out too. With a little hesitation, some curiosity and mixed feelings, he took his first step and went for his very first audition.

When he introduced himself and start to give his rendition of Panda Xiong Tian Ping's Huo Chai Tian Tang, his performance wowed the judges! One of the hosts of the competition, Jeff Wang Jian Fu, was pretty much stunned by his vocals. After receiving lots of good comments, Wei Lian got through the next round.

(Click here to view Wei Lian's first audition)

What about Wei Lian's visually handicap friend's performance, you may ask?

(Click here to view a video of their first audition)

The second round of audition was held in IMM, a shopping centre located in the West of Singapore. 600 participants had to brave themselves on the center stage to present their item and impress the panel of judges and large crowd of audiences. Wei Lian, with his guitar, once again captured the crowd with his rendition of I Believe by Fan Yi Chen.

(Click here to view Wei Lian's second audition)

Out of the visually-handicapped participants who took part in the competition, Wei Lian was the only one who got through audition round 2.

The final audition was held at indoor studios at the studios of Media Corp TV. A total of 100 participants, 50 males and 50 females were to battle and to emerge as the top 24. With a huge panel of professional judges and stricter grading criteria, Wei Lian knew keener competition awaited him. Initially, due to the short notice after the 2nd round of audition, Wei Lian who himself was quite unexpected of his success of audition round 2, was quite unprepared on what song to sing for this round. It was only after a karaoke session with his younger sister and some of his close friends that he finally chosen Chen Xiao Dong's Gu Dan De Ye Li Wo Bu Gu Dan. Once again, his performance captured the hearts of the judges and brought him to the official status as one of the top twenty four contestants.

(Click here to view Wei Lian's final audition)

To be in a nation wide competition meant a lot of pressure on Wei Lian. For him, he got to go through a lot more than other contestants. Despite this, his blindness never stops him from accomplishing his goals. He went through the same intensive trainings and public appearances, among many others. Due to the fact that this was the very first time a totally blind individual managed to get into such a large-scale singing competition, there were also many reports, critics and discussions on him.

(Click here to view Wei Lian's first PSS news segment)

Despite going through many rounds of auditions and being acknowledged by professionals, some just could not accept why a totally blind person was allowed on this big stage. They concluded that it was the media who wanted to create some hype so as to boost the show�s viewership. Some even made predictions that it would not be long before Wei Lian will be out of the competition. Of course, there were others who gave him encouragement and believed that he would create a difference in the music industry. On the other hand, it was a relatively new experience for the other contestants to have to adapt to a totally blind contestant. Fortunately, Wei Lian's positive, happy-go-lucky and optimistic character allowed him to mingle well with them.

(Click here to watch the mtv of PSS theme song)

The real battle begins. 24 of them had to go through all form of obstacles and challenges. Each week, for a period of 3 months or so, contestants have to be confronted by 5 judges who would rate them based on their performance which made up 30 percent of the total votes and 70 percent by home viewers who would cast their votes at a given timing by calling in to the polling hotlines. Each week, the weakest contestants will be eliminated, leaving the rest to continue their journeys.

Quarter Finals, round 1 and 2...

There were 2 segments in these 2 rounds. Contestants had to present 2 items, a duet and an individual number. Judges will judge mainly based on their individual item.

(Click here to view Wei Lian and Guo Qiang's duet in quarter finals round 1)
(Click here to view Wei Lian's individual item in quarter finals round 1)
(Click here to view Wei Lian and Wei Qiang's duet in quarter finals round 2)
(Click here to view Wei Lian's individual item in quarter finals round 2)

(Click here to hear after Quarter Final PSS 98.7 FM interview)
(Click here to hear after Quarter Final PSS Yes 933 interview)

After 4 quarter final rounds, left 10 of them standing on stage. Contestants have to go through even more challenges to outshine the rest. Each week, there will be a given theme. Contestants have to base on the requirements to perform their items to impress the judges and viewers.

Semi-finals round 1...

Requirement was to sing 2 songs, a slow and fast number. Fast song should accompany with dance movements

When Wei Lian got to know about the criteria, he was quite puzzled. Dancing? My goodness! How could I possibly do that, he wondered. Also, as Wei Lian wasn't very exposed to fast numbers, it was even more challenging for him. Going for dancing classes wasn't exactly fun. But, his never die spirit attitude did won him great comments and outcome.

(Click here to view Wei Lian's item in semi-finals round 1)

(Click here to hear after Semi Finals round 1 PSS Yes 933 interview)

Semi-finals round 2...

The requirement was for the contestants to present a Chinese oldie but giving a new life to it at the same time.

This might sound like an easy feat, but in actual fact, this round nearly caused Wei Lian to bid goodbye to this competition. On the whole, his performance was not well-received by the judges. He was bombarded by many viewers on the Channel U forum for portraying the song in too old a manner. Despite there were strong disagreement to his style, there too exist a good number of viewers who can really enjoy his performance. With a lot of luck and support from his now fairly large fan based, this lucky man managed to get through his toughest time in this competition.

(Click here to view Wei Lian's semi-finals round 2 performance)

(Click here to hear after Semi Finals round 2 PSS 98.7 FM interview)
(Click here to hear after Semi Finals round 2 PSS Yes 933 interview)

Semi-finals round 3...

The requirement was for the contestants to present 2 songs, one from a Singapore drama and the other, a Singapore composition by Singapore artiste.

Seeking to express his gratitude to those who had voted for him in the previous round, Wei Lian presented a wonderful performance and achieved a good score. His performance was well-received by the judges and viewers. His rendition of the song, Zou Chu Hei An De Shi Jie Ba Peng You, "Walk Out Of Darkness", originated by Kit Chan, Chen Jie Yi, wetted many viewers' eyes.

(Click here to view Wei Lian's semi-finals round 3 Item 1)
(Click here to view Wei Lian's semi-finals round 3 Item 2)

(Click here to hear after Semi Finals round 3 PSS 98.7 FM interview)
(Click here to hear after Semi Finals round 3 PSS Yes 933 interview)

By this time, as the competition got tougher, more critique and negative remarks arose. A handful of viewers just could not reckon a blind man standing on the entertainment stage. There were words of curses of him falling down the stage, ridiculously scolding him with very harsh words, blaming him for causing their loved contestants to be eliminated. Some even came up with arguments that his votes were mostly make up of sympathy votes. Wei Lian's stress grew by the day from all this criticism. He was on the verge of giving up, but was being pulled back by encouragement from close friends, fans, his family and host Quan Yi Feng to strive on.

Semi finals round 4...

Requirement was for contestants to present 3 songs of different genres with a live band

He has almost reached the final laps! Now left standing were 2 males and 2 females. Wei Lian, being 1 of them was very nervous and tensed. Never had he thought he would be 1 of the last 2 standing up there then. Despite being ill that night from a very bad flu and fever, his performance was well-commented.

(Click here to view Wei Lian's semi-finals round 4, item 1)

His rendition of Heaven Knows by Rick Price won him a standing ovation from almost all in the auditorium including the past super star contestants. That is what we call super support!

(Click here to view Wei Lian's semi-finals round 4, item 2)
(Click here to view Wei Lian's semi-finals round 4, item 3)

After weeks and months of performance and live results show, it was a very nervous night for all his fans and also himself. Out of the four, one male and female will emerge as the winner of the category and will be in Singapore Indoor Stadium to perform live for the grand finals. Wei Lian has overcame all odds and ultimately emerged as the male champion. Yes yes! After all the hard work, with all the strong support from his fans/supporters he is finally on his way to Stadium!

(Click here to hear after Semi Finals round 4 PSS 98.7 FM interview)
(Click here to hear after Semi Finals round 4 PSS Yes 933 interview)

(Click here to view Wei Lian's second PSS news segment)

Wei Lian once joked to his friends in a conversation a couple of years back that he hoped he would one day, be able to stand on the stage of Singapore Indoor Stadium, performing for them. Indeed, this so-called dream of his finally became a reality! And not only that, he was just one step away to become this competition's overall champion.

PSS Finals

To Wei Lian, it was not an easy task for him to stand on the stage of the Indoor Stadium, a venue where many artistes had held their Singapore concerts. To be able to wow the 8000-strong audience and having to go through 5 very challenging rounds wasn�t easy at all. Wei Lian's very first CD singles with his rendition of Tong Hua by Guang Liang were in the music stores for a week before the grand finals together with fellow opponent, Kelly Poon's CD singles. The sales of the CDs would determine 30 percent of the votes, replacing the judges' scores. Due to copyright issues, we are only able to provide sample of his Tong Hua. Do support him by buying the originals! Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

(Click here to sample Wei Lian's Tong Hua)

(Click here to view Wei Lian's third PSS news segment)

The big day has finally arrived! On 1st September 2005, 8,000 anxiously waiting and excited fans marched into the Indoor Stadium to provide the loudest and most exciting cheers to those they support. Together with past participants of the competition, with the eagerly anticipated duel, Kelvin Tan Wei Lian and Kelly Poon. Ready? Let the battle begin!

Round 1 is about Vocal Power.

Requirement was for them to exhibit their vocal chords to command the attention of the 8000 live crowd in the stadium.

(Click here to view Wei Lian's finals round 1)

Round 2 is about unplugged.

Requirement was for them to pick a song and accompanied by an instrument such as guitar or piano. Objective was to test their singing pitch quality and how they could move the audience with their vocals.

(Click here to view Wei Lian's Finals round 2)

Round 3 is about Duets & Trio-Power.

Requirement was for the contestant to sing a duet with Singapore�s Lin Jun Jie. The three of them will also be singing together as a group. This segment will end with a never-seen-before male and female duet between the two contestants.

(Click here to view Wei Lian's Final round 3)

Round 4 is about Judges' Killer Songs.

Requirement was to perform a new song composed by the judges and song writers to deliberately outline their previous weakness during the competition and see if they can overcome it and made improvements.

(Click here to view Wei Lian's Finals round 4)

Round 5 is about Best Self-picked Song.

Requirement was to sing the best song the contestant can deliver!

(Click here to view Wei Lian's finals round 5 )

Though the audience and viewers were well entertained that night, they definitely weren�t relax at all! During the competition, the polling lines were open for them to vote which would contribute 70 percent to the final votes. This will add together with the 30 percent of the sales of their CD singles to determine the overall champion. After two and a half hours of intensed competition, the results were out!

(Click here to view results)

(Click here to view Wei Lian's final performance, the PSS grand finale)

Yes, Kelvin Tan Wei Lian has emerged as the very first Superstar in Singapore, garnered 64% of the 533,000 telephone votes and made history in the Singapore entertainment scene with a record of about 12,000 copies of his CD singles sold within the competition period. Big congratulations to Wei Lian, our one and only Superstar!

(Click here to view Wei Lian's final PSS news segment)

Though this Project Superstar journey has come to a final rest point, many Singaporeans will remember it. Through his determination and perseverance, he has made a difference in many people's lives. It is a journey that will stay forever for Wei Lian and those who have walked along with him. He has undoubtedly came a long way in his pursue for music. After many years of searching, struggling and venturing, a brand new chapter unfolds ahead of him as he is now a recording artiste with Play Music, a subsidiary of Music Street. At this time of writing, he is on his way in releasing his debut album.

It is a road of anxiety but yet exciting moment that awaits him. We certainly wish him the very best and may Wei Lian reach higher ground in his singing career and do Singapore and Asian music industry proud!

Written on 22nd December 2005: While writing this article in a bedroom by one of his close friends, the friend acclaimed, �What a memory! What a man!�