Cover Kumu launches 'Sing For The Stars' online music competition for aspiring stars (Photo of Michael Bublé: Mark Sagliocco / Getty Images; Photo of Lea Salonga: BJ Pascual / Tatler Philippines archives)
Kumu launches 'Sing For The Stars' online music competition for aspiring stars (Photo of Michael Bublé: Mark Sagliocco / Getty Images; Photo of Lea Salonga: BJ Pascual / Tatler Philippines archives)
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If you have a voice and the qualities of a superstar, check out Kumu's 'Sing For The Stars' online music competition with renowned judges Lea Salonga and Michael Bublé
For the past two years, the Internet has been a very valuable tool for keeping all of us connected amid the global pandemic. We have seen a spike in the number of entrepreneurs who brought their respective businesses into the digital sphere, students who attended their classes online, and even professionals who worked remotely from their offices.
As we continue to eradicate the disease, technologies have improved, providing more opportunities for people to perform activities that they were temporarily banned from doing in the physical world. Kumu, an online streaming app that was conceived in 2017, has branched out into a platform that seeks to discover musical talents through its new campaign 'Sing For The Stars'.
The digital singing competition, which invites international audiences and contestants, will be hosted by four-time Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Michael Bublé, and Tony award-winning musical theatre legend, Lea Salonga.
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In a meeting with the press, the stars reveal what they are really looking for in an artist and why Kumu's latest online show is the place to be for budding musicians:
A Brand New Space for Artists
Filipina Broadway star Lea Salonga is one of Kumu's 'Sing For The Stars' judges (Photo: Tatler Asia archives, May 11, 2017)
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For Salonga, social media sites like Kumu has given artists a wider platform for indie musicians who want to express themselves better. "I think that social media has given a wider platform to indie artists. I have to say that a lot of performing artists now are gravitated towards social media, most especially amid the pandemic; a lot of my friends would invite me on their streams and I would say 'hi,' Salonga said.
When asked whether online auditions will diminish real-life learnings and challenges that artists can only experience through physical tryouts, Salonga said that both experiences can bring out unique learnings.
"I think the online audition process is going to be one that a lot of casting [teams] will opt for to keep everybody safe. When I auditioned I had to do a self-tape and send it to the casting director. When I was in Manila, I auditioned for a show that films in New York; so I was thankful for technology. And that way, there is a place for both types of audition experiences," the Broadway star explained.
"Technology is so good that it captures the essence of the performers. Ten years ago, I did not think this would have been possible."
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Looking for 'Star Quality'
Above Respected Canadian singer Michael Bublé will judge Kumu's 'Sing For The Stars' online singing competition (Photo: Tatler Asia archives, January 5 2015)
Respected Canadian singer Michael Bublé will judge Kumu's 'Sing For The Stars' online singing competition (Photo: Tatler Asia archives, January 5 2015)
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Bublé, for his part, explained what the judges are looking for in a singer. "The truth is, if we really want to get down with voices, I think that over the years, many singing competitions have proven that a lot of people can sing. Singing is not special, a lot of people can actually do it and I know that a lot of people are even better singers than I am. What is special is when you can hear someone and recognise his or her voice instantly. That is the difference between a star and just your everyday singer," he expressed.
"I will know who was exceptional to me the moment I hear that voice. It would not be because their pitch was so good or because they can do these incredible runs. It will be because they have something in their voice that is so unique," he further explained.
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The Canadian singer gave a tip for all budding musicians. "I think they can learn by being open and listening and studying and loving all kinds of music; listen to opera, to pop, to jazz, rock. Each one of them helps you grow. And if you are an artist and someone who has the ability to understand what makes other singers great, you can borrow [that technique] and sort of grow into that. Never leave your romance with music. The fact that you're passionate enough to put yourself in a position to be judged, I think you're already a winner. I really do."
Singing is not special, a lot of people can actually do it and I know that a lot of people are even better singers than I am. What is special is when you can hear someone and recognise his or her voice instantly
Grab Your Mic
Above The panel of hosts and judges during Kumu's 'Sing For The Stars' online press conference
The panel of hosts and judges during Kumu's 'Sing For The Stars' online press conference
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Above Kumu host KC Montero with Anand Roy - Kumu's SVP for Strategy and International who is championing Sing For The Stars
Kumu host KC Montero with Anand Roy - Kumu's SVP for Strategy and International who is championing Sing For The Stars
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The first phase of the competition opened to all aspiring musicians and artists on Feb. 23, 2022. The contest is still ongoing and here's how to join:
- Download the Kumu app on App Store and Google Play and create your free account.
- Find the Sing For The Stars campaign page and click the “How To Join” tab to view and fill in the consent form.
- Pick a song that showcases as much of your musical/vocal range and hold a live stream performance.
- Rise through the leaderboard by gaining as many of the following virtual gifts from your audience: “Shine,” “Bright,” “Encore,” and “Superstar”. Tallying happens on March 8, and the top 100 performers will move on to the next phase.
- Another tally count happens on March 12, bringing the performer count down to the top 30, all of whom will receive Maono microphones with studio headsets.
- The Kumu Music Team and Warner Music Philippines will then select 15 performers to be part of the show.
The top 11 will be moving on to the final leg of the competition, while the remaining four will duke it out to secure their last chance to enter the finals. The second runner-up will win US$2,000 (about PHP100,000) in cash, while the first runner-up takes home US$4,000 (about PHP200,000) in cash.
The grand winner will bag a whopping US$10,000 (PHP500,000) in cash, a one-year record contract with Warner Music, and their own mini-concert inside the Kumu app, plus a one-on-one coaching session from Bublé.
To read more about the mechanics, click here.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
