All ready to host Asia’s Got Talent
TWO YEARS after the first season of Asia’s Got Talent drew recordbreaking viewers across Asia who tuned in to this reality singing competition, the show is back for season two.
Though Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez were superb as hosts of the first season, season two will feature the fresh pairing of actors-models-event hosts Alan Wong and Justin Bratton.
At the Singapore launch of the new season, Bratton says: “First of all, it is an honour for me. [The previous hosts] are pretty great guys and I know them both well,” adding that he last met Fernandez at a wedding recently.
But Bratton admits: “There are big shoes to fill, because these guys have been doing this at a very high level for a very long time.”
Wong concurs. “They are really great guys and great friends. In fact, Rovilson and I are from the same hometown in California.
“I would also say that they have been doing this way before us. They actually [gave] us some pointers and tips.”
As hosts, they have to be happy for contestants who do well, as well as comfort those who do not, especially if it is a young child.
“You just have to be compassionate and understand where they are coming from,” says Bratton.
He points out that they, too, have faced disappointments, and hence could use their experiences as a guide on the show.
“Asia’s Got Talent ... is a platform for people to share their hopes and dreams,” Bratton adds. “Not everybody is going to win the grand prize.
“More importantly, when they go on stage, they share their dream and [inspire] everybody. Now, they can go on.
“That is what we are about. We are about people learning from the show and continuing on with what they love.”
For Wong and Bratton, it is easy to share a rapport as they have known each other for years. Now, they have to build one with judges David Foster, Anggun, and Jay Park.
“Anggun is a doll,” said Bratton. “She is so sweet and kind, and great to talk to.
“David Foster is so intelligent and he knows how to take a talent to the next level.
“I feel Jay is from our same generation. I grew up around the same time he did, and listen to the same kind of music he does.” They are aware that their rapport with each judge will be different, but they are looking forward to it. – S.Indra Sathiabalan