EF Idol

Although I thought the phenomenon was just in Japan, apparently China too is crazy about singing karaoke. Dotted around this city are hundreds of small (or large) parlors called KTVs (Karaoke Television). On Friday and Saturday night, Chinese people don't go to bars, they go here to sing. My Chinese roommate Andrew had a birthday a few weeks ago and what do you think he did? Yup, rent out a KTV for a giant singing party.

So last night, when my office hosted the Shanghai Regional Finals of EF Idol, the place was going nuts. EF Idol is just like American Idol, but with our students singing English songs and being judged not just on style and singing ability, but on English pronunciation as well. About three representatives from each school in Shanghai were there, vying for a shot in the nationwide finals in Beijing. Those lucky enough to advance to the finals get an all expenses paid trip to Beijing and a chance to win the grand prize, a trip to somewhere or something.

They built a giant stage and had the seats were packed full with people spilling out the sides in all directions. The girls got all dolled up (and so did the boys) and strut out to sing their favorite love ballad - there naturally was a fight over who could sing the Titanic theme, which is so popular many Chinese medalists considered using at the Olympics instead of the national anthem. Everyone competing is a current student, as were the filler acts which consisted of a comedy routine and belly dancing! Hiring professional lighters and stylists for this televised event, our school took on the vibe of a caberet theatre.

We even had mean judges. Each of the three judges was supposed to focus on a specific area; musical talent, showmanship and English skills. The English judge was a fellow teacher from my school and she was relentless, having declared herself Simon Cowell's second coming the afternoon before the show. The music judge was even harsher, speaking only in Chinese the competitors would be visible crushed after he opened his mouth, so whatever he said it was rarely good. There were some better acts who did however merit praise and were rightfully lauded and sent on their way to Beijing.

On the whole, I'm impressed that EF actually pulled of an honest to goodness, professional-looking, talent competition, even if it was a bit intense - it came with all the screaming, crying and harsh judges comments that the real American Idol has. If only China hadn't already chosen ping-pong for a national sport because competitive singing seems right up their alley.