I’ve just returned from judging the Piano Idol Grand Finals at the Copthorne Orchid Hotel here. This was again something I looked forward to, seeing that last year’s PI generated an enthusiastic response from parents and students alike. This year there were four judges: Helen, Razif, Mr. Teoh (from Kuala Lumpur), and myself. The event started around 3 pm. There were five Junior section contestants, three for the Senior section and five groups for the Freestyle section. This year all the contestants in the Junior and Senior sections opted for classical repertoire, which is fine in my book.
The winner of the Junior section was Adriana Chiew who gave a mesmerizing performance of Brahms’ Ballade in G minor, op. 118. For a petite 10-year old like her to be playing Brahms with such power—I’m totally bowled over. Benjamin Pau scooped up the Senior section and Audience Vote section with his confident rendition of Chopin’s Fantaisie Impromptu. This guy is equally adapt at the organ. The Freestyle section was won by The Pop Kids, who gave a cheerful rendition of Ben E. King’s Stand by Me with vocals, and had the audience and judges clapping along.
Thanks again to Mr. and Mrs. Fong who put in a lot of hard work and expense in hosting this event for the second time. Uh, hopefully my comments were taken as constructive by both the contestants and parents. I trust there will be a Season 3 next year? 
P/S Read more about the Piano Idol Finals here. Sue writes an excellent post from a parent’s perspective.
Adriana Chiew (Junior section winner) with me.
From L-R: Vincent (last year’s Piano Idol Junior section winner), Jason (1st runner-up Junior section), Benjamin (Senior section winner), Adriana (Junior section winner), and Goh You (2nd runner-up Junior section).
The Pop Kids. Check out the attire. Yup, in a word–attitude. Congrats, guys and girls!
