Oh well, a chance for me to speak in Chinese :D

Well, I thought the interview was at 5, so I thought reaching at 4 was to make sure we were not late. Apparently, I thought wrong. Was told by Brent that the interview was to proceed immediately (at 4+). That sounded like bad news to me because I was unprepared! No questions, not in my best state of mind, ahhh. I hurried to the restroom to change into something more comfortable. Quickly brainstormed on all the possible questions. They should not be too monotonous, or over general. This time round, I did a bit of research. Jay was the most emotional contestant in SI, so it was easy for me to work around that.

We cleared the security checks smoothly, except for the 'unfortunate incident' where Brent almost got squashed by the closing gate. Hohoho! We waited for Jay's telephone interview (Or so I heard) to end, meanwhile chatting about random stuff ?

The interview was great. Jay is indeed the emotional person portrayed by various media. However, he is emotional not because he cries, but because he feels for others. The tears flow not because of what happens to him, but because of what happens to other people. Contrary to what judges and critics may say, Jay sang every single one of his songs with utmost feelings and emotions. One reason for the failure was that his style may not be what the judges want, or what people want to hear. It all boils down to singing what the people want, or what you want. Jay chose the latter and has definitely done well. Besides being emotional, Jay does enjoy the star treatment he is getting from SI as it is definitely a one of a kind experience. There are times when he is in disbelief like how he was actually sitting in the VIP lounge in Cathay Cineplex, or how he is followed by bodyguards all over the place. Still, everything was great. Talking to Jay was a breeze. He did not hold back and answered all questions with ease.

What can I say? Great guy, great interview, great Jay!

How is life after idol
Good definitely, though I would be lying if I said I wasn't affected
I'm so used to having a schedule to follow, need time to get used to a life without schedule.
Feels slightly sad that commercials now read top 8, not top 9
A lot more resting.

Are you taking part in any more talent show?
No more.
The experience from SI is the best possible.
I am treated like a star
Bodyguards follow me wherever I go
Get to sign autographs
Sing in front of so many people

How did your fans and family show their support?
I get a crowd of people I don't know of supporting me, cheering for me every week.
It is heartening to see them week after week, without fail.
I feel tired for them, very grateful, but guilty at the same time

Was stage fright ever a problem?
Not really.
My style is to perform to friends
At a personal level
Will get to know them first, talk a bit before singing
Helps me get the feel
Not used to performing on such a grand scale
I can feel the distance between me and the listeners
As a result, tend to sound 'technical', can't really sing with emotion

In addition, the fans make too much noise sometimes.
I can't hear myself properly, can't focus, thus I may over sing

How did you find your passion?
As ironic as it may sound, I am not a pop singer!
The thing that sparked me was the songs from animation
Those Disney works. The voices are angelic, beautiful sounds, full of expressions and emotions.
Kinda influenced my style

How did you find the judges?
Good reflection
First during the HDB auditions
Ken : Don't smile too much. That may be what you are trying to do but it looks funny
Tried to look in front of the mirror and sing without smiling. Could get used to it after a while
Towards the end, I got tired because I thought I sang with emotion, but judges failed to capture it. Perhaps my style is not the judges wanted.

You manage to keep your emotions in check somehow! How?
Almost cried
We had a get together
Agreed that it is not easy to come this far
It is a happy thing that we are all in the top 12
There's no need for tears to roll
Made a pact, no crying!
So when I heard the results, I tried to not focus on the exit video, as well as everyone else that were on the verge of crying. Just kept looking ahead, not at them.
I just made sure I finished singing the song

What is your most memorable moment
Wildcard show.
First top 12 roadshow, still can't accept the fact that I, all grown up, am escorted around by the big bodyguards.
And people I dunno just screaming!
Then there is the movie premiere POTC. All 12 of us were at the lounge specially booked for us. Had cocktail, cake, all for a movie.
I never dreamt of looking out from the inside, only the other way round.