First visually impaired person to win a singing contest

1.1 million viewers tuned in to watch Kelvin Tan make history on Thursday night, as the first visually-impaired person to win a national singing contest. The "Project SuperStar" finals was also one of the highest rated productions on MediaCorp TV Channel U. It was definitely a night to remember, especially for civil servant Merinda Tan and daughter Micole Soh, who were also there for a personal reason.

Micole's sister Miki loves the show but could not attend as she suffers from Rett Syndrome, a neurological order that causes fits. "I wish my sister was here with me to watch the performance but sadly she can't come. But I'm sure she's enjoying the show at home. And I would definitely bring back lovely memories of the show back to her," said Micole Soh. And one of those include the crowning moment. Kelvin Tan 'out-sang' Kelly Poon, taking home nearly three quarters of the SMS and phone votes.

533,000 votes were cast and Kelvin Tan took 64% of the pie and Kelly, 36%. Their CD sales contributed to 30% of their final scores. Kelvin sold 12, 239 CDs while Kelly sold 11,319 CDs. Tears were also shed, but none went home disappointed. "Even though my idol has lost, I'll still love her forever. Kelly rocks!" said one Kelly fan. And many feel that "Project Superstar" is more than just a talent competition. "It's really seeing how a man in the streets, how an ordinary person can become a superstar. How people around us, their hopes, their aspirations can be turned into reality," said Chang Long Jong, Deputy Group CEO of MediaCorp TV.

"People walking by on the streets, they stop to listen once in awhile. Now people can own my CD, so they can listen to it whenever they like," said "Project SuperStar" winner Kelvin Tan. The very first "Project SuperStar" has finally come to an end and the competition has found a winner. But there are no losers as both finalists each get a recording contract.

Their companies say the contracts will not only make them big in Singapore but regionally as well, in places like Taiwan, Hong Kong and even China. And fans hungry for more SuperStar action don't have to wait long. Their idols will hit the stage again at a SuperStar Super Concert on 30 September 2005.