Throwback to 2004: My First Solo Singing Competition

#Throwback to #2004

The only memorabilia (19 years ago!) of when I joined my 1st solo singing competition.

Didn't tell my church mates, my family, no one at all.

I just went for the audition and to my surprise, I got to the finals.

Even after that, I still didn't tell anyone. I wasn't confident in my singing, I was afraid people who knew me would make fun of how I sang.

I rehearsed and practiced the best I could for Trademark's "Only Love". The song was too high for me so I figured out how to bring the key down, and then I had to burn the processed song onto a CD to pass to the organisers.

On the day itself, I remember very vividly that everyone sang so well. In my head, I knew who would be the 2 winners (only 2 prizes).

As all the finalists were gathered on stage, to call on the winners...

As I predicted, the winner was Sharmaine. She sang a powerful Kelly Clarkson song to demonstrate her singing powers.

And 2nd place went to Weng Cheong, who sang a classic Mandarin favourite. And we all clapped and cheered.

Unexpectedly, through the cheering, they announced that 2nd place actually had a tie.

And it was me!

There was a loud cheer in the hall but I completely didn't hear it.

I just cheered & clapped along, until the other finalists turned to me and signalled me to go forward.

I was caught unawares, I really didn't hear my name due to the cheering.

Ever since then, you could say I became a lot more confident. Took years, but this was a powerful event for me.