National Day Songs, Idols?

Today marks the nation's 41st birthday. It holds memories of such patriotism; of wat makes us the dear sons of our country - not that i am a buff of sorts for what the nation has gone through for the last 40 so years; let alone remember historical moments and their dates.

But it is a day that holds dear to me for other reasons.

But this day is special; it was the day that spelled the end of the National Stadium - the last parade to be held there - that has held many memories for me.

But the issue today was not of the parade but of the SINGING competition aired on national television - the Idol series - spurned by the American Idol series.

It comes to question whether we do really need an Idol - a Singing Idol or icon to be associated with a country? Well, it seems important judging by the number of SMSs the programme has received. Mind you - the cost of sending a vote via mobile cost a staggering 50 cents per vote.

I am not much of a supporter or a buff for the series - more of a passing. Because it seems it is not a singing competition; more of a popularity contest. Well, I am not saying that all the contestants cannot sing, only a handful are worthy competitors. I am more for the antics of the auditions - you can't get enough of them can you?

Of course the nation's antics are less violent and more civil than our American latter's but nevertheless it was interesting to see the auditioners' hype and all. The songs, the reactions etc...

Most interestingly, most (well from the given depictions and cut versions on the programme) the auditioners chose songs that were mainstream and can i say rather difficult to sing at times and hence painfully endearing to listen to. I am not much of a singer not m i a good listener but clearly it does not take a dick to know that song choices are important and some songs are difficult.

On this day, it just struck me, and i w0nder why none of them sang one of our national day songs. Hell, the nation comes up with new ones every year. Some of our songs are quite easy to sing and are indeed pleasant. Is it to shameful to sing our local songs or are they just for the occasion. It is not as if we are singing the national anthem and making a mockery of the national anthem. It would be nice and laughable to see anyone who genuinely makes a mess of the national anthem though.

What I am advocating is allowing people to sing our national day songs anytime, because i am sure it is not an offense. Or is it? Better check... it doesn't pay to assume; not here though.

Give that man a national song. Coz we have a vision for tomorrow....