KUALA LUMPUR – Well-known figures in the entertainment industry have sounded out against jury members who make humiliating and condescending comments towards contestants in televised singing competitions, pointing to one incident that has drawn tremendous controversy lately.
Popular local composer Aubrey Suwito demanded such behaviour be prohibited during telecasts.
If a jury truly feels the need to “scold” contestants, it would be better to deal with them privately after the show ends, he said.
He stressed that humiliating a contestant will not make the programme a better one.
In a series of Twitter posts, he also stressed that not everyone is qualified to comment on singing.
He criticised such undue conduct, which he viewed as a stunt to ramp up viewership numbers and deliberately lure in colourful comments online.
“It’s all about the drama, isn’t it? The more there are ‘hot comments’, the better. Hot! Viral! Make it an issue,” he said with sarcasm.
“Anyhow, to all artistes who have been criticised on TV – chin up! You do you! Improve as much as you can, but always stay true to your musical strengths and styling.
“If you really have to join these TV shows and end up getting criticised, know that the programming is broken, not you,” he added.
Personally, I feel ‘on-air humiliation’ needs to stop. Nak marah, walk into the artistes changing room lepas show. But yes, humiliation does make great TV! Plus, it takes a lot of musical knowledge to make comments that build & correct. Not many have that. Right, Syafinaz?
— Aubrey Suwito (@AubreySuwito) January 23, 2023
It was reported by Getaran, The Vibes’ Malay-language sister portal, that singer Mas Idayu, who was made a jury in the Famili Duo programme on TV3, was severely reprimanded by netizens for allegedly making degrading comments towards contestants Naim Daniel dan Sissy Imann.
Visibly hurt by the criticism, Sissy cried on stage while the cameras rolled and later even cancelled the launching of her new album, which was supposed to be held on February 2.
“Rating rendah lah #FamilyDuo ni, malam ni mummy buat something bagi viral boleh?”
— Naz ? (@_NazriH) January 22, 2023
Mas Idayu : pic.twitter.com/gUiG4bBpjm
Aubrey expressed concern that such treatment can impede the growth of musical talent and even harm the industry’s development in Malaysia as a whole.
“I think it could hurt the development of ‘affected’ artistes, and the Malaysian music industry as a whole,” he said.
Aubrey also opined that the delivery format of an entertainment programme influences how the local music industry develops.
He stressed that there is a variety of genres, and one cannot be expected to excel in all.
“Music genres are often so different…it (each) requires different strengths, styling, and talent. Would you expect a footballer to be a great tennis and hockey (player) too?
“Of course, some artistes can easily perform multiple genres, but is that really all we want? Is that so important? Do we love Anuar Zain and Sheila Majid because they’re ‘versatile’?” he said.
Insulting others to ‘show off’
Meanwhile, the incident also drew the attention of actor, singer and TV presenter Datuk AC Mizal, who shared strong comments on Facebook.
The Masked Singer Malaysia host said that he was left wondering if it is compulsory for programmes in Malaysia to degrade people on air.
Don’t you think about people’s feelings? Are you perfect? Don’t give excuses because it’s your responsibility to comment,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
He criticised such behaviour, branding it as a means to cause a scene simply to go viral online.
He quipped that if that is indeed the intention, the programme might as well be named “Let’s Insult People”.
Mizal stressed that there is a limit to joking in front of others.
“Luckily it’s not me who was targeted…every effort should be appreciated. What is a weakness for you may be a strength to others.
“Educating is not about scolding,” he added, noting that he has been in the entertainment industry for 33 years.
“I hate people who degrade others just for entertainment. Teaching is better than showing off how clever you are. Nobody is perfect.” – The Vibes, January 25, 2023
