Where are our talents?

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ETHNIC TOUCH: Saufi Aiman, a contestant, brings a taste of ethnic Sarawak into his instrumental performance.

KUCHING: Potential performers have come with what they have to offer and the judges’ verdict was unanimous – where are the Sarawak talents that everyone knows are out there?

‘WorldStars – Road to Hollywood’ kicked off yesterday with seven contestants in the categories of vocal, instrumental, modelling and dance.

However, only five made it to the next round, which will be held at Hock Lee Centre today.

MATME (Malaysian Alliance of Talents, Models and Entertainers) Sdn Bhd managing director Romli Bidin is holding out hope for more dancers to audition for the nationwide search for members of Team Malaysia, who will represent the country at World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).

“We’ve seen some good performers today (Saturday) but I hope to see more of what Sarawak has to offer, especially dancers,” he told thesundaypost during yesterday’s audition.

The first day of the Sarawak-level audition saw one contestant in the music category, two in dance and modelling, and seven for vocals.

Some of the contestants auditioned in more than one category.

The panel of judges were made up of past WCOPA Malaysian winners, including singer Yusrizan Usop or Bob (2009), model Wilson Tan (2009) and dancer Mohd Hanafi (2010).

Bob commented that yesterday’s line up was not nearly up to the huge task ahead.

“Not good enough for me. I believe Sarawak has more talent. I hope more talent will come to audition,” he said.

Hanafi commented that some of the performers were not very confident in themselves.

“It will be hard to find someone who can make it to Hollywood because the competition will be very tough,” he said.

Tan, who was fresh from winning the Mercedes-Benz STYLO Model of the Year 2012 Friday night, said that the best contestants so far were in the vocal category.

“I’m very strict because I’ve been there before and I know the judging process is super tough. Hanafi just commented that we are so ‘kejam’ (mean) but in LA, they don’t waste any time. If you cannot prove yourself the first two or three seconds, you’re out.”

The auditions continue today at Hock Lee Centre. Registration begins at 10am.

Registration fees are RM90 per person. Groups must not exceed eight people. Contestants may enter as many categories as they like with no additional fees. The age groups are broken down into Junior (10-15 years) and Senior (16-29 years).

Those entering the vocal category must bring their own CDs, preferably minus-1. They must prepare at least two songs, in any language of their choice.

Those entering the dance category must come in costume, prepare at least two routines and bring their own music.

Musicians entering the instrumental category must bring all their own equipment, including amplifiers, as only microphones will be provided.

Models must have a minimum height requirement of 5’8” for females and 6’ for males. They must bring their own clothing (casual and formal) and do their own make-up.

For the acting category, actors must prepare their own one-minute monologue.

The results will be announced at around 7pm, after the final round.