The interview schedule got shifted to the morning because Joakim was having a radio interview in the morning anyway. Good, this will leave me with the whole afternoon free for studying and doing this write up! So, I got Dad to give me a lift to MediaCorp, and ended up waiting for an hour because I was too early, hehz. I took that time to prepare the questions. I thought and thought, and realized, what questions do I really want to ask him? Really really, what do I want to know? Hmm, the first question that struck me was this. 'Do you think the comments about you being an eye candy without the vocals fair?' I made a whole new list of questions, all related to this one.

But then, I realized, if I was in his shoes, do I really want to talk about such negative stuff after hearing it every so often during the competition? Probably not. There was definitely more to Joakim than his looks. And that was what I intended to find out from the interview. Yeah.

Brent did not turn up because he was busy, so Veronica came instead. I was slightly surprised at first because I have forgotten how she looked like. I only remembered after a while, oh well. It was 10, so time to proceed with the interview!

Joakim dress code has always been very fashionable, today's no exception either. Quite a different style from Norman. (Same age) Oh, he commented that I look eighteenish!!! Aha, so I am eighteen :p Being one of the top 5 definitely felt great! Who wouldn't? :) Life after idol is great. The journey has been a rocky one because of all the bad press, but it was definitely a worthwhile experience. The best way to cope with all that attention was to be natural and not think of it as a big deal. Joakim thought the criticisms were fair, because he too knew that he did not sound all that great. He was most comfortable with jazz, hip hop and R&B "I found my drive, and I definitely sang my best." Joakim started singing (Christmas Choral) when he was 4. He found joy in making music and SI was a fantastic opportunity for him to express himself. The most interesting thing about SI? He never expected the kind of publicity he got. It was quite amazing to hear cheers from fans everywhere he went. Well, SI had not changed him a lot. If it did, it was to make him a stronger person. "Never give up!"

The one person he would like to thank? Ken, for all the encouragement and honest feedbacks however harsh they maybe. He was especially thankful when Ken praised him during the R&B segment, since it was so hard to hear this kind of things from Ken on national TV.

Well, Joakim would like to take on a career in media such as performing or being a DJ and stuff like that. Here wishing him all the best! Yay!

The interview was not very long, 6 minutes tops. But it was enough because I had learn a lot about him. He is a typical guy, contrary to the negative image which most people have of him. Despite feeling unwell, he preserved and gave us all a wonderful performance. Some people may feel it is unfair that he stayed on despite his poor vocals compared to other contestants but in my opinion, he did his best, so he deserve it.

Oh well, I've got work to do, so tata!