Asia's Got Talent Season 3 - The Grand Finalists

After weeks of tough competition and impressive performances, the Grand Final of Asia’s Got Talent Season 3 took place on Thursday at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore with a show-stopping performance. Fans have voted and the judges have made their picks. 

The 9 Grand Finalists are:

• JUNIOR GOOD VIBES : youtu.be/fUUzcv4bKQs
  
  
• Yang Shih Hao : youtu.be/EneJnelG2uY
  
  
• Power Duo: youtu.be/QmpTip3Pe-o
  
  
• NAMA: youtu.be/meZZRca3yGg
  
  
• MANIAC Family: youtu.be/-lV-Q-EGp04
  
  
• Siti Saniyah:  youtu.be/Z_sxd3EzokE
  
  
• Eric Chien : youtu.be/p3uMK5t2I7k
  
  
• Shadow Ace : youtu.be/NpuVv3NqKYA
  
  
• Yaashwin Sarawanan: youtu.be/XEi21G6aRK8

Merlion Wayfarer had the chance to meet and talk to some of the Grand Finalists. Here are their stories:

This is the MANIAC Family from Taiwan, a hiphop group formed by a teacher with her students. Coming from very different backgrounds and now each with their own jobs and schedules, their commitment to their group requires them to spend many sleepless nights practising their coordinated dance routines. Yes, with so many opinions in the group, they do quarrel often. But the successful resolution of each quarrel helps them understand each other better and bonds them even closer together... 

We have never seen a dance performance where the love between a couple showed so clearly from a TV/stage performance. Yet these two made their love come through to touch us from afar. Anjanette is a short, bubbly powerhouse who bounces and chirps excitedly as she speaks. Jervin is her stable other half who holds and catches her every move, fall and slide. When asked how do they create the spark in their relationship despite the humdrum of everyday couple life, they shared about the trust required in each other, and that they never quarrel beyond a day. To them, we said, "You are the inspiration behind all romantic couples"...

This is Junior Good Vibes. From practising on the streets to the Grand Finals of the Asia's Got Talent show with phrases heaped on by rapper-dancer Jay Park, they're an inspiration to all.

When asked what message will they want to share with others who have a dream, they said they hope to inspire others with their own story - if they can do it, others can do it too...

During the semi-finals, we were mesmerized by Yang Shihao's performance with his Cyr Wheel. With the wheel weighing at least 15 kg, he seemed to be almost one with it as he executed his acrobatic moves. His performances from the heats to the finals was all about his life story accompanied by spellbinding music. When speaking to him, a very down-to-earth Shihao shares his story about how knowing and practising with the wheel has given him discipline and direction in life. He showed me his hands. Even now, after years of practice, he still injures himself all the time. The back of his hand showed several chipped and bruised nails. His palms were full of calluses from gripping the heavy wheel. Yet, he remains devoted to his craft...

All nine acts will be up for public voting and only one act will be crowned the winner of Asia’s Got Talent and awarded the grand prize of US$100,000. Voting opens from Thursday, 4 April until Wednesday, 10 April, 11:59pm, and fans can vote via Google Search and Facebook Messenger. For more information on voting, visit www.AXN-Asia.com/AGTVote.

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Singapore's Very Own TK Jiang At Asia's Got Talent Season 3

Record-breaking Asia's Got Talent returns to AXN for a sizzling third season with music industry icons and celebrity judges David Foster, Anggun and Jay Park as they witness a new generation of talent unfold, and ultimately Asia's next superstar.

Will it be Indonesia's Frans Sisir who is able to belt out Frank Sinatra's medleys with a comb, the powerful yet enchanting Yang Shih Hao from Taiwan who spins magic with his Cyr Wheel, or Singapore's very own TK Jiang, the first and only magician from Singapore to receive the Golden Buzzer?

Tune in to AXN on 04 April Thursday at 2030 hours to see which of these charismatic semi-finalists made it to the Grand Final, where the prize of US$100,000 awaits them.

More on AXN's website here.

About TK Jiang

TK was given his first magic set from Daiso at age 10. Pursuing and perfecting his craft since he was in secondary school, he had accumulated a significant stash of books and magic sets in his home. 

One year ago, on his way home after class, he noticed firefighters and police under his block in Upper Boon Keng Road. The entire flat that he shared with his parents, who were also not home at the time, suffered heavy soot damage, and the family had to move out immediately. He lost all his magic equipment, which included close-up and stage magic props.

Making the most of what he had left in his school bag - his laptop and tablet, he turned to digital magic. He tried crowdfunding on Give.asia where $7,000 was raised, which went towards the refurbishment of his flat and replacing his magic equipment.

"I was able to bounce back so quickly because of all the unexpected support I received, so I decided to audition for Asia's Got Talent as a way to repay all the people who helped me."

--- TK Jiang ---

During his Asia's Got Talent audition, the 23-year-old business administration undergraduate from Singapore Management University, performed an original trick that involved objects such as balls, fruits and even a glass of juice apparently "emerging" from his iPad. Korean-American judge Jay Park was so impressed and entertained, he pressed his Golden Buzzer for Mr Jiang, sending him straight to the semi-finals.

Follow TK on his website at tkjiang.com.

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