Michael Bolton: Pinoys have 'genes for musical talent'

MANILA: Subaru Asia collaborated with multi-Grammy awardee and international music icon Michael Bolton for the first season of Asian Dream, which premiered last August 6.

Contenders from Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines are coached, mentored, and pushed to their limits, with the help of Bolton and Morissette Amon (as his co-host), along with other celebrity guest experts.

In a virtual interview organized by Motor Image Pilipinas (the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country) last August 14, Michael and Morissette answered a few questions about the show from media practitioners from the Philippines and Malaysia.

When asked about his initial reaction when he was given the opportunity to do the show with Subaru Asia and AXN Asia, Michael said that he is grateful that the auto company brought to life the dreams of the six young musical artists. He added that the collaboration with AXN also enable them to realize a wide audience and inspire other aspiring artists for the next seasons of the show.

Michael also explained that, compared to his previous talent show, Bolt of Talent, he was able to work closely with the contenders for the entire seven episodes of Asian Dream. He said that he was able to coach and guide the young musicians to improve both their technique and attitude in performing onstage.

The iconic singer-songwriter described that various challenges are also in store for the contestants to undergo weekly. These enable them to face their fears and rise above anything that is holding them back from unleashing their potential in music.

Bolton also noted that one of the best parts of the show is working with the Filipina singing sensation, Morissette. He said, “Morissette is a dream to work with. She always shows up positive and bright.”

Michael described Morissette as a real professional — on point and well-focused.  He added that Morissette is one of the singers who has a genuine gift of vocal range and that she has spent years harnessing her talent to exhibit confidence everytime she performs onstage.

As for Morissette, she described being on Asian Dream as “nostalgic” since she is also a product of a reality singing contest seven years ago in the Philippines. She expressed gratitude to have been able to work with Michael Bolton again after being one of his co-hosts in Bolt of Talent Asia in 2017.

When asked about his opinion on the first-season contestants, Michael explained that he became attached to the six contenders and that he was rooting for all of them. But more than having a fantastic voice, Michael said that what they are looking for in an Asian Dream star is for that artist to have the stamina, determination, commitment, and other significant skills needed to have a well-rounded music career in the future.

The Asian Dream host and mentor explained that a few of his greatest hits are featured in the show. Bolton added that he was also able to write one original song for Asian Dream, which is more contemporary but will be added in the roster of song challenges for the contestants.

As a final note, Michael said that talent shows have been common, especially in the Philippines, for several years. He described Filipinos as having the “genes for musical talent” and that being able to witness someone’s journey and progress enables audiences to be brought together worldwide and appreciate such forms of artistry.

Asian Dream is a reality singing competition where six contestants compete for a spot as a Subaru ambassador and on Michael Bolton’s Asian Dream tour. The show is exclusively streaming on AXN.

Photos from Subaru Philippines

Also read: Subaru x Michael Bolton for 'Asian Dream' singing tilt