Philippine and Malaysian motoring media were star-struck in a recent Zoom press conference arranged by Subaru Asia, when global music legend Michael Bolton joined them for an almost hour-long Q&A from his home in the U.S. Joining the video press con was local singing sensation, Morrisette Amon.
The video press con was held to announce the partnership between Subaru Asia and Michael Bolton launching the first season of Asian Dream, a reality singing competition which spotlights six talented musicians from across Asia. The contestants compete for a spot on Michael’s Asian Dream tour and as a Subaru Ambassador. Viewers that have been eagerly awaiting the show can watch it exclusively on AXN starting August 6, Thursday at 7:25pm.
“Any artist with a good voice and the willingness to make it the best voice they can is a hit song away from being a star,” declared Bolton in answer to one of several questions raised by the media.
Over the course of seven episodes, the contestants from Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are mentored, coached and pushed to the limits by Michael Bolton, and his co-host, singing sensation Morrisette Amon, along with celebrity guest experts. Across the progressive elimination format, the singers face a wide range of physical and mental challenges that will make or break them, until the final showdown. The winner will perform in the Asian Dream concert tour with Michael Bolton next year.
“I’ve always just really wanted to sing and I’m so happy to get the opportunity to share this with everyone and never in my wildest dreams that I would ever get to collaborate with the Michael Bolton!” exclaimed Asian Dream co-host Morrisette Amon, who herself is no stranger to filling up mega-sized arenas and coliseums with her sold-out concerts.
The challengers are Becky Yeung (Hong Kong), Karl Zarate (Philippines), Linh Tran (Vietnam), Sasha Ka (Thailand), Poova Sri Rama (Malaysia), Tyen Rasif (Singapore).
Motor Image – distributor of Subaru cars in the region and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tan Chong International Limited – is committed to developing Asian talent who have passion, tenacity and drive. Motor Image previously sponsored program favorite Asia’s Next Top Model and commissioned Bolt of Talent.
“We are proud to provide a unique platform and opportunity for aspiring singers to pursue their dreams. They are mentored individually by industry veterans, hone their skills through a series of challenges and improve their performance. Through this experience, as they grow as performers, I hope Asian Dream will serve as a launchpad for their future success,” said Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director, Tan Chong International Limited. Tan also appears on the show as a guest judge.
The show will premiere on AXN, a regional channel that redefines the entertainment experience for discerning audiences through world-class TV programs. “As a platform that has been home to captivating reality competitions such as “The Amazing Race Asia” and “Asia’s Got Talent”, we are proud to partner with Subaru to launch this highly-anticipated show, and are always on the lookout to work with strategic partners and brands that reflect our values and vision of bringing quality content to viewers”, said Avani Bhanchawat, Vice President, Affiliate, Media & Sponsorship Sales, KC Global Media Asia, which owns AXN.
Multi-Grammy award winner Michael Bolton, who is one of the creators of the show, appears as a resident judge on Asian Dream. He has sold more than 65 million records worldwide, including nine No.1 singles, ten Top 10 albums, and over two dozen songwriting awards. He became a viral internet sensation in the Saturday Night Live “Jack Sparrow” video, garnering over 200 million YouTube views.
Speaking about his involvement in Asian Dream, Michael said, “I am thrilled to be partnering with Subaru Asia to find some of the best and brightest stars in the region, and helping them rise to their full potential. Although I was signed at the age of 16, it took me 18 years to breakthrough, so I feel I can relate to these young artists’ aspirations. It takes more than just a great voice or an x-factor to make it in the music business; it also takes commitment and drive, values which we share with my friend and collaborator Glenn Tan.”
Alongside Michael Bolton, Asian Dream boasts a veritable line-up of established Asian entertainers. Filipina singer and actress Morissette Amon is the other resident judge of the show. Since joining the world of show business at the age of 14, she has gone on to win more than 30 awards, including Artist of the Year and Pop Song of the Year. Together with Michael Bolton, she guides the contestants as they rise to the challenge of becoming well-rounded, versatile and captivating performers.
The resident judges are joined by guest celebrities from across Asia, including fashion photographer Yu Tsai (United States of America), actress Tan Kheng Hua (Singapore), singer Sara Wee (Singapore), choreographer Alif Archo (Singapore), singer and Subaru Ambassador Mild Nawin (Thailand), singer and actress Janine Weigel (Thailand), musician Thanh Bui (Vietnam), singer and actress Ho Ngoc Ha (Vietnam), Asia’s Next Top Model Season 6 winner and Subaru Ambassador Dana Slosar (Thailand), and Asia’s Next Top Model Season 6 runner-up Mia Sabathy (Taiwan).
The contestants are mentored by the guests in the show, to hone their skills as performers and thereafter compete head-to-head in a series of challenges. These give the contestants an opportunity to understand what is needed on the journey to become a professional singer.
Asian Dream is produced by Refinery Media in association with Passion Films and is shown across Asia exclusively on AXN. The episodes are also available online thereafter at www.subaru.asia/asiandream.