Can an Asian American be the next American Idol?
America voted, and the Top 10 contestants on “American Idol” have been chosen – including Heejun Han, who record producer and “Idol” mentor Jimmy Iovine plainly thought was in the wrong competition.
“Let me tell you about Heejun,” Iovine said during a taped segment on Thursday night’s live show. “This guy completely confuses me. I get the personality, I get the schtick, I get the whole thing. Sort of a good voice. This isn’t ‘American Comedian’–this is ‘American Idol!’”
After listening to Iovine’s critique, Han brushed off the blunt assessment with his characteristic quick wit.
Host Ryan Seacrest gravely asked Han, “What did you think about what Jimmy had to say about ‘American Comedian?’”
Without missing a beat, Han replied, “Who’s that?”
Perhaps you’ve heard of Heejun Han, the 22-year-old Korean American from Flushing, Queens.
To many, he may seem an unlikely star. He’s known for his likable personality, but also for shaking his arms before each performance to get the nerves out. Idol judge and Aerosmith leading man Steven Tyler said Han’s song selection on Tuesday night — Robbie Williams’ “Angel” — was a miss.
But when he opens his mouth to sing — that’s when US pop star Jennifer Lopez gets a little teary. His initial performance “really impressed and shocked” Randy Jackson. Even Tyler said previously he thought Han “could be the next American Idol.”
Han isn’t the first Asian American to be on American Idol, but the overwhelming love and attention he’s getting on camera and off makes it seem that way.
Most talented Asian-American singers have struggled to break into the US music scene. But even as Asian Americans have trouble getting the attention of US music producers — a problem many artists blame on racial barriers — imported K-pop, or Korean pop music, is growing in popularity in the US.
K-pop groups have landed on stages like Madison Square Garden and the Letterman show, while most Asian-American artists are self-supported, reaching their audience primarily through YouTube.
And many more Asian Americans are making the reverse journey to Asia in search of opportunities to perform.
“I just want to be an ordinary nerdy Asian guy that pursues his dream in the US,” he said.
Source via globalpost and foxnews.com
Heejun Han: ‘American Idol’ Q&A
Heejun Han, 22, is quickly becoming the Jeremey Lin of ‘American Idol’.
“I want to show the world that Asians are not only good for getting high scores on their SATs,” he tells The Post. “They are also good at singing and entertaining. That is the stereotype I want to break from this opportunity.”
Q: So many people are talking about you right now. You are like the Jeremy Lin of ‘American Idol.’
Or maybe Jeremy Lin is the Heejun Han of the NBA. (laughs)
Q: What would you like the world to know about you?
I want to show the world that Asians are not only good for getting high scores on their SATs. They are also good at singing and entertaining. That is the stereotype I want to break from this opportunity.
Q: We haven’t had an Asian Idol, have we?
There are a couple. But they are all ugly. I am good looking.
Q: Do you have a problem walking down the street? Do women throw themselves at you?
I throw myself at them, actually.
Q: Is there a love connection with Fox 5 reporter Julie Chang? She offered to buy you dinner if you made it to the next round of the contest.
Julie Chang loves me. I think it should be like that for every girl. But it is just Julie Chang for now.
Q: What about Jennifer Lopez. I know you have the hots for her?
There is an old saying in Korean that says ‘An old man cries three times: once you are born, once your mother dies, and once your father dies.’ But in my opinion, I cried when I was born, I will cry when my mom dies, and I cried when Jennifer Lopez hugged me and gave me a kiss.
Q: And you did cry! So real men can cry on TV?
Only a real man cries, I believe. I cried and I was proud.
Q: You were so overcome with emotion. What were you experiencing in that moment?
I thought it was just going to be a casual meeting with the judges, but it was nothing like that. It was such a spiritual moment. I didn’t know what I was doing. All I could do was just walk out there and call my mom and say that I made it.
Q: So your mom didn’t die? I misunderstood.
Oh no. She is still healthy and alive. She is a crazy, crazy woman. But she loves me so much. She is like the most supportive fan I have ever had in my life. I love her.
Q: You have a unique sense of humor. Did you get that from her?
I think so. I am pretty weird too. I think I am getting all the weirdness from her. Hopefully not from my dad. Because he is not that funny.
Q: You seem like a pretty serious guy. Is that an act?
No. I see myself as a very serious guy. But when it comes to singing… I have such a lack of experience. I have no confidence in me. I think that came out as just funny. I look at myself in the mirror and i will always tell myself “You are good looking. You are sexy. Be confident.
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/heejun_han_NfKff1Tt4d5sfu6i96bfeM#ixzz1oDCDQV8Z
How about an Asiance Asian Idol singer? The Craigslist for talent scouts, if you will. I wrote a cool song called ‘Mirror Mirror’ but someone has to write the music for it. Of course, someone would have to sing and perform the music and the entire thing on the site with complete exposure and music video. You know how these music videos are with sexy beautiful girls who can really strut their stuff and bell out a song! The next Asian Madonna perhaps?? I wonder if anyone would want to do it? What do you think? 🙂