UP TO 5,000 VIEWS, 20 CHATS, COMMENTS
From youtube video: Idols Global. Nearly 5 million views. Thank you.
Don't laugh because it's been happening here in Singapore too during Karaoke sessions and at our own Talentime in the 1960's. Here are the stories:
Karaoke 2017:
A friend explained what happened when she attended a karaoke session at a private club one evening.
So hilarious. Some years back we were at a country club in the East at a Karaoke lounge after dinner. My cousin and I had just finished a duet where we sang, 'The Moon Represents My Heart' in Chinese.
A towkay (rich businessman) took the microphone and wanted to sing but didn't know how to work the amplifier system to select the song. So he asked me, "You find song?" in his best English.
"What's the name?" I asked.
"Ah Chen My Loti," he replied confidently. Literally, it means, 'Ah Chen Buys Bread'.
So I asked him, "What language?"
"English," he answered, getting impatient.
I told him I have never heard the song, so I signalled the captain for help. They seemed to understand each other perfectly because the song was played and Mr Rich Businessman was belting out, 'Unchained Melody.'
It was his horrific adulteration of the lyrics. For crying out loud, he didn't stop. His announced his next number proudly, "Now I singing, 'Four Line'.
It turned out to be Bobby Helms, 'Fraulein.'
In the 60's Singapore had its share of singing competitions known as Talentime. During auditions, participants had to go up to the pianist and give the song title and sometimes the original singer's name, before facing the microphone.
This Chinese guy came on stage and wanted to sing, 'Boh Sway Chew' (literally means No Wash Hands). The pianist was flabbergasted and held his laughter.
"Never heard of this song. Who's the singer?" the pianist asked.
"Hay bee!" replied the singer. Hay bee (literal: pounded dry shelled-shrimp).
The pianist stood his ground, "HAY BEE? Who's Hay Bee?"
The pianist couldn't contain himself when someone shouted, "ELVIS! 'BLUE SUEDE SHOES'!"
The Gong Show (Written by Horace Wee):
The precursor to the Talentime show was the Gong Show produced for radio by Steven Lee. Held at Victoria Theatre, participants would be knocked out by the gong depending on how good they were.
Some hardcore ones who had entered many times would get knocked out after they uttered their first note. You should see the incredulous looks and the protests. Sometimes the audience participated as well.
Gif: Google.
Read on Talentime Comments below.
This lady from Tamil Naidu was a hit more than two years ago and surprised that it appeared again. Andy, I just cannot understand why there are people trying to ridicule another just for a good laugh? She herself probably did not realise that her singing is terrible with her very deep accent. OMG.
ReplyDeleteNo, it was not in bad taste but everyone would have a good laugh hearing her sing. That was the intended purpose.
ReplyDeleteI've seen both previously. KEN LEE probably sounds better than Singlish? Don't see anything offensive there.
ReplyDeleteThe pianist was in charge during Talentime auditions. During an especially bad singer, persons in charge would be in the booth prolonging the agony by not pressing the buzzer/cut off. The pianist would be making wild gestures/expressions to stop his agony. We were rolling the floor at times. Boy did he curse us out later.
Ha, ha, ha.
Ridicule???? This was carried on later in AMERICAN IDOL, years later. I suppose in proper behaviour we shouldn't laugh at others. But he'll lighten up people.
ReplyDeleteHell, lighten up!! It's OK la.
It's all in the mind of the viewer. Nothing wrong to send.
ReplyDeleteJust schadenfreude, which means "laughing at someone's pain. Or malicious joy.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry... all those prank videos are about that. The word is German but has been used in English.
Personally, I don't like karaoke. It's like allowing a person with a gun to assault the public. In this case the ears. Some things are best done in private. Eg. Bathroom singing.
ReplyDeleteHowever, anyone who decides to do anything such as singing publicly has to expect to be a subject of ridicule. For others to laugh at you - well you made that decision to go public.
ha..ha..ha.... Good one.
ReplyDeleteWe should get some like-minded folks and hit the karaoke.
Sometimes, we don't know what they're really singing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Andy, for the blog, I remember someone sending me about Ken Lee.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite embarrassing when singers are not so good in those days. I met a chap in
a shop in Carpmael Road in East coast Called "British Hainan" selling beef noodles.
He has a lovely voice and claimed he has been a music teacher once.
Best personal regards
Hi Andy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for those funny karaoke clips and that Indian women singing we will rock you in a strong Indian accent. Love that Boh Sway Chew becoming an Elvis hit.
Okay Andy, take care
Thanks
Andy Young
ReplyDeleteWatch the videos. And listen carefully... to 3 singers with: Jackson's BEAT IT, Queen's: WE WILL ROCK YOU
Manny Said
Andy, no matter where I go with this. I must admit…Ken Lee has my vote. Tho mind you the other two videos were out there on the mark. I’m totally entertained. You’re the man! 😊
Thank you for sharing 😎
ReplyDeleteManny Said thanks, they tried their best. And should be taken seriously.
Thanks Stephen for being so early to check this post, like Manny Said did.
ReplyDeleteI find this post real entertaining , bravo and thumbs up to these 2 ladies in the videos, so brave to come up to sing those rock songs, so amusing , loved it hahaha 😂🤣
Andy Young
Freda Hanum thanks for checking in. Yes, they were brave enough. We Will Lock You. 🙂
Andy Young
ReplyDeleteThanks SOMKID for checking in. You're quick on the draw.
And thanks for the karaoke singers for their hits.
Just wondering how one producer can make some with a lady singer.
Does she know the truth?
Applause for their courage and trying their best.
ReplyDelete