2010 Report
Gaijin Idol 2010 Report by Alanna Schubach for Fukuoka Now
The search for Fukuoka’s most talented foreigner brought over 700 people to the Fukuoka Now Lounge on September 17 to watch eight gaijin sing, dance, rap, play guitar, and vogue before a panel of judges. The first ever Gaijin Idol competition, inspired by the Idol TV shows in which aspiring pop stars risk public embarrassment for a shot at fame, featured performers as diverse as Fukuoka itself.
Video Report from 2010
Medley of Performances from 2010
Photo Gallery from 2010
The evening offered the kind of lively conversation, gorgeous night views, and fun and stylish atmosphere that define Now Lounge parties. The Idol hopefuls—several in elaborate costumes—shared their excitement about the contest.
For some, it was a chance not only to win fame and a free trip to Thailand, but also to share their culture. A panel of judges--radio and TV personality Yu Shiba, Fukuoka Foreign Talent Club owner Pixie Garnaut, Sfpglobal Services Art Director Rod Sebaoon, and Fukuoka Now’s own Nick Szasz--offered their advice to the would-be Idols. Sebaoon said that more than appearance, he looked for “taidou, or attitude” in the contestants. He paid close attention to the way each person moved, because, as he said, “the body cannot lie.”
It was first-time performer Jovana who was triumphant, thanks not to beginner’s luck but to unmistakable talent and stage presence. On winning the premiere edition of Gaijin Idol, she said, “There were many talented people in this competition, and I am sorry that they all couldn't win. But at least I hope they had as much fun as I did!” With her first prize of free flights to Bangkok, Jovana plans to visit Thailand in the winter and escape Fukuoka’s cold weather. Her goal for the trip is to take her son to an elephant nature park and spend a few days learning about the animals. “For me,” she said, “there is nothing better than to make my family happy!”
It was first-time performer Jovana who was triumphant, thanks not to beginner’s luck but to unmistakable talent and stage presence. On winning the premiere edition of Gaijin Idol, she said, “There were many talented people in this competition, and I am sorry that they all couldn't win. But at least I hope they had as much fun as I did!” With her first prize of free flights to Bangkok, Jovana plans to visit Thailand in the winter and escape Fukuoka’s cold weather. Her goal for the trip is to take her son to an elephant nature park and spend a few days learning about the animals. “For me,” she said, “there is nothing better than to make my family happy!”
Meet the 2010 Idols!
Age: 28
Hometown: Serbia
Talent: Singer
Favorite spot in Fukuoka: When she’s not singing in the supermarket or looking after her 2-year-old son, Jovana loves going to Namazu in Daimyo for jazz performances.
Ages: 25 and 21
Hometown: Hawaii
Talent: Singer/guitarist and rapper
Why Fukuoka?: Carl and Chase both teach English to some lucky Japanese junior and high school students here. They’re excited about Gaijin Idol because, as they say, “Japanese audiences are down for anything.”
Name: Amos Dunn
Age: 31
Hometown: Adelaide, Australia
Talent: Singer-songwriter, guitarist
Has performed in: Fukuoka, Kansai, England, Adelaide, Sydney
Why Fukuoka?: “I enjoy the lifestyle, food, culture, and the proximity to the rest of Asia doesn't hurt either.”
You can see him: On the first and third Thursday of each month at Cream.
Name: Jay Gutta
Age: 27
Hometown: USA
Talent: Rapper
Name: Emma Kuwano
Age: 52
Hometown: Philippines
Talent: Singer
What she sings: Anything and everything from ballads, rock, jazz, bossa nova, and even, on request from Japanese fans, some enka!
You can see her: Performing by Tenjin station with her group, Emma K’s Band.
Name: Leila
Age: 25
Hometown: Middle East
Talent: Belly Dancer
Why Fukuoka? She is studying barrier-free designs at Kyushu University, and says Japan is a pioneer in progressive policies for special needs people.
You can see her: On request! Leila has performed with her Student Association and in cultural shows around Fukuoka and Kumamoto.
Name: Anto Lloyd
Age: 19
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Talent: Vogue dancer
About vogue dancing: Anto says vogue dancers have fabulous runway competitions in which prizes are not only for dancing but also “Best Dressed” and “Perfect Face.”
His dream: To create his own vogue dancing house in Japan.
Name: Tim Penn
Age: 32
Hometown: USA
Talent: Guitarist, singer
Why Fukuoka?: Tim loves the local music scene but says it can be intimidating for gaijin, because there are such high expectations for performers.
Favorite spots in Fukuoka: Namazu, Harakuya, Gigi
Gaijin Idol - Behind the Scenes
Gaijin Idol fulfilled the mission of Now Lounge parties, which is to connect people. Only gaijin were considered for the contest because Fukuoka Now seeks to introduce foreigners and foreign culture to the Japanese, in a refreshing and entertaining environment. The word gaijin itself, though occasionally controversial, was chosen as the title for the contest because it celebrates the foreign population of Fukuoka. “It matters how a word is used,” Nick said. “By re-appropriating a once derogatory term, you undermine it’s power to offend and divide people.”
Hometown: Adelaide, Australia
Talent: Singer-songwriter, guitarist
Has performed in: Fukuoka, Kansai, England, Adelaide, Sydney
Why Fukuoka?: “I enjoy the lifestyle, food, culture, and the proximity to the rest of Asia doesn't hurt either.”
You can see him: On the first and third Thursday of each month at Cream.
Age: 27
Hometown: USA
Talent: Rapper
Age: 52
Hometown: Philippines
Talent: Singer
What she sings: Anything and everything from ballads, rock, jazz, bossa nova, and even, on request from Japanese fans, some enka!
You can see her: Performing by Tenjin station with her group, Emma K’s Band.
Age: 25
Hometown: Middle East
Talent: Belly Dancer
Why Fukuoka? She is studying barrier-free designs at Kyushu University, and says Japan is a pioneer in progressive policies for special needs people.
You can see her: On request! Leila has performed with her Student Association and in cultural shows around Fukuoka and Kumamoto.
Age: 19
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Talent: Vogue dancer
About vogue dancing: Anto says vogue dancers have fabulous runway competitions in which prizes are not only for dancing but also “Best Dressed” and “Perfect Face.”
His dream: To create his own vogue dancing house in Japan.
Age: 32
Hometown: USA
Talent: Guitarist, singer
Why Fukuoka?: Tim loves the local music scene but says it can be intimidating for gaijin, because there are such high expectations for performers.
Favorite spots in Fukuoka: Namazu, Harakuya, Gigi
Gaijin Idol - Behind the Scenes
Gaijin Idol fulfilled the mission of Now Lounge parties, which is to connect people. Only gaijin were considered for the contest because Fukuoka Now seeks to introduce foreigners and foreign culture to the Japanese, in a refreshing and entertaining environment. The word gaijin itself, though occasionally controversial, was chosen as the title for the contest because it celebrates the foreign population of Fukuoka. “It matters how a word is used,” Nick said. “By re-appropriating a once derogatory term, you undermine it’s power to offend and divide people.”
Gaijin Idol attracted plenty of attention, with local TV stations TNC and FBS, as well as the Nishinippon Shimbun, reporting on it (see below image). However, judges—chosen for their diversity of nationalities and industries, as well as their expertise on performance—were unaware of the contestants’ identities and talents until the night of the party.
Beyond offering fantastic prizes to the top three Idols, Nick said, Now Lounge wanted to give foreigners a chance to showcase their talents and perhaps score some gigs around the Fukuoka area.“We hope everyone benefited and enjoyed themselves on the stage as much as the audience appeared to,” Nick said.
Think you have what it takes to become Fukuoka’s next Gaijin Idol? SIGN UP HERE to begin your online audition
