TV Viewers Make History by Voting El Gamma Penumbra as the First Ever Winner of “Asia’s Got Talent” on AXN

Television viewers across Asia made history by voting the Philippine act El Gamma Penumbra the inaugural winner of “Asia’s Got Talent,” the thrilling hit talent competition series on AXN.
Impressing audiences through shadow plays of meaningful stories, El Gamma Penumbra was declared winner in the 10th and concluding Grand Final Results episode that premiered this evening at 8.05pm first on AXN.

The 12-strong El Gamma Penumbra team brings home the coveted “Asia’s Got Talent” title, the prize of US$100,000, and the opportunity to perform at Marina Bay Sands, where “Asia’s Got Talent” semi-finals, Grand Final and Grand Final Results shows were held. In addition, Jetstar added US$10,000 worth of flights to its network of 60 destinations across 16 countries in Asia as prizes, which were shared between the top two acts.

"Thank you so much for all the support and prayers for El Gamma Penumbra. We've been dreaming of this for a long time. Now that we've reached our dream it's time for us to pay it back by giving wonderful and inspiring performances. Thank you to the Judges who inspire us to be more like you, to all Filipinos, to AXN, and to FremantleMedia for giving us the opportunity to perform on ‘Asia's Got Talent’,” said Marvin Mendoza Marfa of El Gamma Penumbra.

Their winning Grand Final shadow play to the song "Colors of the Wind" was a touching tribute to Mother Earth that conveyed the importance of conservation. It brought judge Anggun to tears and earned David Foster’s praise for being “beautifully profound”.

Following the Grand Final episode that aired last Thursday, viewers’ votes were cast over four days via SMS, Facebook and the “Asia’s Got Talent” mobile app.

Towards the climactic end to this evening’s episode, El Gamma Penumbra and Mongolian throat singing band Khusugtun were revealed as the top two acts. Both reprised their Grand Final performances, El Gamma Penumbra with their tribute to Mother Earth while Khusugtun took viewers on their spellbinding vocal and instrumental musical “journey” through Mongolia, before the Filipino act was declared the winner.

In the Grand Final, El Gamma Penumbra also beat two other golden buzzer semi-final acts, the newly-engaged Chinese dancers Gao and Lin, and exuberant Filipino dance group Junior New System; together with five other acts voted by viewers into the Grand Final including Japanese dance group Triqstar; Filipino classical singer Gerphil Flores; aspiring Thai rockers The Talento; 10 year old Filipino singer Gwyneth Dorado; and young Singapore tap dance group Dance Thrilogy.

El Gamma Penumbra was fast-tracked into the Grand Final at Marina Bay Sands as the joint golden buzzer decision of the judges from their semi-final shadow play performance around the theme of world peace. Prior to that, El Gamma Penumbra wowed with their first piece that told the touching love story of a couple and won Anggun’s golden buzzer in the judges’ auditions.
In addition to crowning the winner, all nine Grand Finalist acts featured in a dazzling medley of “Turn Up the Music” by Chris Brown.

Performing together for the very first time were “Asia’s Got Talent” celebrity judges including 16-time Grammy-winning Canadian musician and record producer David Foster; UK pop sensation and former Spice Girl Melanie C.; Indonesian rock icon and international recording artist Anggun; as well as Taiwanese-American pop idol and actor Van Ness Wu.

The four stars sang a crowd-pleasing rendition of the catchy single ‘Let’s Groove’ by Earth, Wind and Fire. The special track is now available for download with all proceeds donated to the earthquake victims of Nepal.

David Foster was also reunited with his protégé, Filipino songstress Charice for a duet of the song “Lay Me Down’. Charice was the first Asian solo artist in history to make it into the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 albums chart.

Anggun performed her signature hit song, ‘Snow on the Sahara’ complete with awe-inspiring orchestral accompaniment. The single was first released in 1997 in 33 countries worldwide, topped music charts in Italy and Indonesia, and made the top 20 in Finland, France, Japan, Spain and the US.
Australian illusionist-escapologist Consentino, himself the runner-up of “Australia’s Got Talent” in 2011, also graced the occasion. Consentino had audiences transfixed with his breathtaking grand staged illusion for the first time in Asia.

The Grand Final Results show brought the curtains down on “Asia’s Got Talent” which has made AXN the no.1 rated pay-TV channel collectively in Southeast Asia (which include Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines) and Taiwan, among all pay-TV audiences in its timeslot.

Ang Hui Keng, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said, “‘Asia's Got Talent’ has been an incredibly thrilling success and the ratings speak volumes about the fantastic quality of the series. I would like to congratulate El Gamma Penumbra on winning the first ‘Asia's Got Talent’ and to all contestants who have contributed to our inaugural season. We extend our thanks to FremantleMedia Asia, Syco Entertainment, our wonderful judges and all of our partners for believing in the dreams of Asia's emerging talent.”

Paul O’Hanlon, Managing Director of FremantleMedia Asia said, "El Gamma Penumbra's powerful performance last week exemplifies the creative story telling we’ve come to expect from the shadow play troupe.  Their ability to combine strong emotion with meaningful messaging that overcomes the barriers of language has, and will continue to, touch the hearts of viewers everywhere. We congratulate them and thank all of the acts that have delighted and entertained us, awed and inspired us, and showed the world that Asia's Got Talent."

George Levendis, Head of International, Syco Entertainment said, "Congratulations to El Gamma Penumbra! And thank you to all of our brilliant partners and to the production team for all their passion and hard work in making this such a fantastic series."

Billed as the biggest talent competition in the world, “Asia’s Got Talent” features some of the region’s most breathtaking, jaw-dropping and mind-blowing performing artists competing for the coveted title. It is the 63rd adaptation of the Guinness World Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

In the judges’ auditions of “Asia’s Got Talent”, each act had to receive at least three “Yeses” from the esteemed celebrity judging panel who then selected 24 of the most dazzling performances from 240 hopefuls from 15 territories across Asia. Those who made it into the semi-finals and the Grand Final gave their all to win the hearts and votes of viewers who ultimately decided the winner of “Asia’s Got Talent”.

“Asia’s Got Talent” spanned 10 weekly episodes, including five audition episodes, three semi-finals, a Grand Finals episode and the Grand Final results episode. In addition to enjoying the performances, audiences got to know about their favorite acts as “Asia’s Got Talent” told the life stories behind some of the most colorful individuals and groups in the competition.

“Asia’s Got Talent” was proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, Big Cola, Pantene, Caltex, Jetstar, and GrabTaxi (also known as MyTeksi in Malaysia).

“Asia’s Got Talent” Premiere Tops Philippine Ratings

AXN’s highly anticipated “Asia’s Got Talent” premiere collectively topped ratings among English Pay TV channels in Southeast Asia.

During the show’s two hour debut on Thursday, March 12 at 8:05pm, AXN delivered more than 10 times the ratings of the next English general entertainment channel across Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines .

 “Asia’s Got Talent” was the top AXN program year to date in the country. During its telecast, AXN ranked #1 with more than 80 per cent share amongst all English general entertainment channels, and ranked #2 amongst all Pay TV channels.

In Singapore, “Asia’s Got Talent” led the ratings chart in its timeslot for English Pay TV channels and AXN was also the top English channel for the night on StarHub.

In Malaysia, “Asia’s Got Talent” was the #1 rated show in its timeslot across all English channels on Astro. AXN dominated the timeslot with over 80 per cent share across all English general entertainment channels.

Billed as the biggest talent competition in the world, “Asia’s Got Talent” features some of the region’s most breathtaking, jaw-dropping and mind-blowing performing artists competing for the coveted winning title. The premiere episode was a kaleidoscope of quirky characters and stunning talent, with many acts winning the hearts of viewers across the region.

Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said,“Asia’s Got Talent is off to a thrilling start on AXN as we bring together millions of viewers to celebrate the diversity of talent and dreams of contestants from over 15 territories in Asia. The response to the premiere istruly incredible and after the success of both The Amazing Race Asia and The Apprentice Asia, AXN continues its mission to create high quality and engaging content.”

Driven by the strong performance of programs such as “Asia’s Got Talent”, AXN has maintained its top English general entertainment channel position in 2015 year-to-date. Collectively across the three Southeast Asian countries, AXN enjoyed a 30 per cent share amongst 19 English general entertainment channels during prime time.

“Asia’s Got Talent” is the 63rd adaptation of the Guinness World Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

Each act competing in “Asia’s Got Talent” will have to receive at least three “Yeses” from the esteemed celebrity judging panel comprising 16 time Grammy-winning Canadian musician David Foster, UK pop sensation and former Spice Girl Melanie C., Indonesian rock icon Anggun, and Taiwanese-American pop idol and actor Van Ness Wu. 

The four judges must select the most dazzling performances from thousands of hopefuls from 15 territories across Asia. Those who make it to the semi-finals will contend with an even tougher judge, AXN viewers at home who will ultimately decide the winner of “Asia’s Got Talent”.
A grand prize worth USD$100,000 is up for grabs, along with the opportunity to return and perform at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Asia’s leading entertainment destination – where the semi-final shows and finale will be held.

“Asia’s Got Talent” spans 10 weekly episodes, including five audition episodes, three semi-finals, a finale episode and aresults gala. In addition to enjoying the performances, audiences can get to know more about their favorite acts as “Asia’s Got Talent” tells the life stories behind some of the most colorful individuals and groups in the competition.

“Asia’s Got Talent” is proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, Big Cola, Pantene, Caltex, Jetstar and GrabTaxi and brought to you by KFC, Globe and Cherifer in the Philippines.
AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notabe ratings successes including four seasons of the International  Emmy-nominated “The Amazing Race Asia”; the Asian Television Award-winning “Cash Cab Asia”; “The Apprentice Asia”; “Cyril: Rio Magic”; “Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition”; and the Asian Television Award-nominated “Cyril: Simply Magic”.

“Asia’s Got Talent” airs Thursdays at 8.30pm (SG, MY, PH, HK) / 7.30pm (JKT, BKK) - First on AXN

Connect with the judges, hosts, and your favorite contestants through videos and photos, exclusively on the Asia’s Got Talent official Facebook page. Catch behind-the-scenes footage of the auditions only on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/asiasgottalent/
www.AXNAsia.com/AsiasGotTalent

AXN Names “Asia’s Got Talent” Hosts: Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez

AXN announced that the Philippines-based TV personalities Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez will reunite once again on the channel as hosts of the inaugural season of the talent search series “Asia’s Got Talent,” set to launch this March.

Nelson and Fernandez will support the four previously-announced celebrity judges -- David Foster, Anggun, Van Ness Wu and Melanie C. -- in their search for Asia's most jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, and breathtaking performances. Contestants who advance to the semi-finals will face an even tougher judge, as AXN audiences at home will decide who wins the first season of “Asia’s Got Talent.”

Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said: “As competitors on the second season of ‘The Amazing Race Asia,’ Marc and Rovilson captivated viewers with their on-screen charisma. We saw them as a natural fit to host a show like ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ and are proud to have them back on AXN.”

Paul O’Hanlon, Managing Director of FremantleMedia Asia, said: “In addition to their years of experience, Marc and Rovilson bring an incredible energy that will encourage and motivate the contestants. They complement our panel of judges perfectly and we look forward to working with them in the season ahead.”

George Levendis, Head of International for Syco Entertainment, said: “Marc and Rovilson are about to take us on a fantastic ride across Asia. We welcome them both to the ‘Got Talent’ family and look forward to them bringing their warmth, wit, humour and magnetism to this unique production.”
Nelson and Fernandez burst onto the scene in 2007 on AXN’s “The Amazing Race Asia,” where the best friends held pole position for a record length of the race, from the second to the eighth episodes, ultimately reclaimed the lead during the penultimate episode. From there, they hosted “The Duke,” AXN’s original talk and lifestyle magazine show that profiled some of the most successful men in the region.

Both continued to build their respective careers. Nelson hosted ABS-CBN’s “Sports Unlimited,” and appeared with Fernandez in QTV 11’s “Dare Duo.” Fernandez, who has served as an editor of Maxim men’s magazine in the Philippines, currently hosts his weekly countdown show “Ang Pinaka” on GMA News TV.

Nelson said: “It is an honor and a privilege to host ‘Asia’s Got Talent,’ the biggest talent competition in the world, and to do so with Rovilson is a bonus. We look forward to working with the judges as well as setting the stage for the incredible contestants to shine.”

Fernandez said: “I am humbled to play a part in this great search for talent across our region. With Marc, we will do our best to bring our amazing experience on ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ to AXN viewers.”
The Guinness World Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia, is launching its 63rd version on AXN. Billed as the biggest talent competition in the world, the show will dazzle audiences across Asia and spotlight some of the region’s most amazing performing artists competing for the coveted winning title. “Got Talent” is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

AXN is a leader of regionally-produced original content in Asia with four seasons of the International Emmy-nominated “The Amazing Race Asia,” the Asian Television Award-winning “Cash Cab Asia,” “The Apprentice Asia,” “Cyril: Rio Magic,” “Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition,” and the Asian Television Award-nominated “Cyril: Simply Magic.”
“Got Talent” Sponsors

As previously announced, the inaugural season of “Asia’s Got Talent” on AXN is proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, BIG Cola, Pantene, Caltex and Jetstar.

Marina Bay Sands is the premier sponsor of “Asia’s Got Talent.” As Asia’s leading entertainment destination and crossroads for global celebrities, Marina Bay Sands provides opportunities for local talent to shine on the world’s stage. The semi-finals and finale of “Asia’s Got Talent” will be held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, where the winner will take home a contract to return and perform live at Asia’s leading entertainment destination.

BIG is the exclusive beverage partner of “Asia’s Got Talent.” With BIG Cola, ‘if you can dream it, you can do it.’ Contestants and fans across Asia will be encouraged to ‘think big’ and ‘dream bigger’ in pursuit of their dreams.

Pantene, the exclusive haircare partner of “Asia’s Got Talent,” makes hair stronger inside and shinier outside to enable contestants to shine and be the world’s number one talent.
Caltex is the exclusive petroleum partner of “Asia’s Got Talent.” Caltex delivers a hassle-free experience to get people back on their journey quickly, so they can have more time and energy to do whatever matters most to them. By being a part of “Asia’s Got Talent,” Caltex wants to celebrate key moments of the contestants’ journey to stardom, providing viewers the opportunity to enjoy the journey with them.

Jetstar is proud to be the official airline of the very first edition of “Asia’s Got Talent.” With more than 600 weekly flights to 22 destinations across 13 countries in Asia Pacific, Jetstar enables talent to fly further, connect with families and fulfil dreams.
www.AXNAsia.com/AsiasGotTalent

Asia's Got Talent is set to premiere on AXN on March 12

AXN’s “Asia’s Got Talent” is set to premiere first on AXN on 12 March 2015, airing on Thursdays at 8.05pm (SG, MY, PH, HK) / 7.05pm (JKT, BKK). The series is the biggest talent competition in the world featuring some of the region’s most incredible performing artists as they compete to take home the coveted winning title.

Officially launching “Asia’s Got Talent” today is the series’ esteemed celebrity judging panel made up of 16 time Grammy-winning Canadian musician David Foster, UK pop sensation and former Spice Girl Melanie C., Indonesian rock icon Anggun, and Taiwanese-American pop idol and actor Van Ness Wu. The judges met with 500 members of the media, sponsors and partners for the first time at the “Asia’s Got Talent” showcase held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

From thousands of applicants from 15 territories across Asia, the four judges must select the most jaw-dropping, mind-blowing and breath-taking performances. Those who advance to the semi-finals will face an even tougher judge, the AXN audience at home who will decide the winner of the first season of “Asia’s Got Talent”.



Adding to the excitement, the semi-finals and finale will be held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Prizes worth up to US$100,000 are at stake, along with the opportunity for the winner to return and perform at Asia’s leading entertainment destination.



Supporting the judges are Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez as hosts of “Asia’s Got Talent”. Marc and Rovilson are familiar to AXN audiences as contestants of “The Amazing Race Asia Season 2” and hosts of the talk show “The Duke”.

“Asia’s Got Talent” will span a total of 10 weekly episodes, leading with five judges’ auditions episodes, before three semi-finals, a finale episode and concluding with the results show. In addition to enjoying the amazing performances, audiences can expect to learn more about their favourite acts as “Asia Got Talent” tells the life stories behind some of the most colourful individuals and groups in the competition.

The inaugural season of “Asia’s Got Talent” on AXN is proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, Big Cola, Pantene, Caltex and Jetstar.

Anggun, Rock Icon
Anggun started singing at seven and by 12 released her first Indonesian studio album, ‘Dunia Aku Punya’, with hit single ‘Mimpi’ recognized as one of the ‘150 Greatest Indonesian Songs of All Time’ by Rolling Stone magazine. A series of singles and albums followed to make Anggun the biggest Indonesian rock star of the 90s.
Her international breakthrough came in 1997 with ‘Snow on the Sahara’ which was released in 33 countries worldwide, topped music charts in Italy and Indonesia, and made the top 20 in Finland, France, Japan, Spain and the US. Following that, Anggun released five more studio albums, and released songs that featured in Danish movie, ‘Open Hearts, and the Hollywood box office hit, Transporter 2. Anggun is a recipient of the ‘Chevalier des Arts et Lettres’ from the French government. She is also a judge on “X Factor Indonesia” and “Indonesia’s Got Talent” TV series.

David Foster, Music Producer
David Foster discovered and launched some of the greatest music careers including Michael Bublé, Josh Groban and Celine Dion. He has created hit songs and award-winning platinum and gold albums for Earth, Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Brandy, ‘N Sync, Boz Scaggs, and Gloria Estefan; propelled classical singers like Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban into mainstream popularity, as well as created soundtracks for hit films like ‘The Bodyguard’, ‘Urban Cowboy’ and ‘St Elmo’s Fire’. In 2008 and 2011, David performed and hosted his very own, star-studded ‘Foster & Friends’ concerts in Las Vegas to celebrate the music from his career and toured Asia annually from 2010-2012. David has won 16 Grammy Awards from 47 nominations and is the chairman of Verve Music Group.

Melanie C., Pop Icon
Melanie was part of the iconic five-member Spice Girls, in which she was nicknamed ‘Sporty Spice’. Following that, as a solo artist, Melanie sold more than 12 million records from six albums that she released. She has the second most No.1 singles in the United Kingdom and is the only female to top the charts as part of a quintet, a quartet, a duo and a solo artist. Melanie also performed the role of Mrs Johnstone in the West End musical ‘Blood Brothers’ for which she was nominated for ‘Best Actress in a Musical’ at the Laurence Olivier Awards. In 2012, Melanie co-starred in the musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, and also judged the preceding talent search series ‘Superstar’ to select the lead actor for the said musical.

Van Ness Wu, Actor/Singer
Van ness Wu was born in California where he took classes in performing arts, acting and languages in Hollywood before moving to Taiwan at 21 to build his career. His breakthrough came with his lead role in the wildly popular hit idol drama ‘Meteor Garden’ and its sequels. Van ness and his co-actors of the series formed the pop idol group F4 – now known as JVKV – and released three studio albums. Turning his attention to his solo career, Van ness released his debut solo album in 2002 and followed that with six other solo studio albums up to 2013, as well as singles, collaborating with musicians including Kanye West, Beyonce, Wang Lee Hom, Gangta and Coco Lee. He also acted in many other TV series, including ‘Autumn Concerto’, ‘Material Queen’ and ‘Peach Girl’, as well as movies such as ‘Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon’ and ‘Kung Fu Chefs’.

About the hosts
Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez

Philippines-based TV personalities Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez reunite on AXN as hosts of the inaugural season of the talent search series “Asia’s Got Talent”. The pair of friends burst onto the scene in 2007 on AXN’s “The Amazing Race Asia,” where the best friends held pole position for a record length of the race, from the second to the eighth episodes, ultimately reclaimed the lead during the penultimate episode. From there, they hosted “The Duke,” AXN’s original talk and lifestyle magazine show that profiled some of the most successful men in the region.
Both continued to build their respective careers. Nelson hosted ABS-CBN’s “Sports Unlimited,” and appeared with Fernandez in QTV 11’s “Dare Duo.” Fernandez, who has served as an editor of Maxim men’s magazine in the Philippines, currently hosts his weekly countdown show “Ang Pinaka” on GMA News TV.

AXN home for Asia"s Got Talent has David Foster, Melanie C, Anggun and Van Ness Wu as celebrity judging panel

It’s a YES! Grammy-award winner David Foster, UK pop sensation and former Spice Girl Melanie C, Indonesian rock icon Anggun and Taiwanese-American pop idol Van Ness Wu have been named as the celebrity judging panel for the season premiere of hit talent search show, “Asia’s Got Talent” on AXN.

Billed as the biggest talent competition in the world, “Asia’s Got Talent” will light up screens across Asia in March on AXN and will feature some of the region’s most incredible performing artists as they compete to take home the coveted winning title.

Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said, “We have put together a superb panel of judges for ‘Asia’s Got Talent’. This is definitely our most ambitious original series to date and is very much in line with the type of smart, high-quality local programming that audiences have come to expect from AXN."

Paul O’Hanlon, Managing Director of Fremantle Media Asia said, “We’re proud to say that ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ will be the largest version ever of the Got Talent franchise, and our judges bring a depth and breadth of experience and talent worthy of this show.”


From thousands of applicants, the four judges must select Asia's most jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, and breathtaking performances.  Those who move on to the semi- finals will face an even more intimidating judge, the AXN audience at home who will ultimately determine who wins the first season of Asia’s Got Talent. Adding to the excitement, the semi-finals and finale will be held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, with the winner awarded a contract to return and perform live at Asia’s leading entertainment destination.

A powerful judging panel:

Anggun, Rock Icon
Anggun started singing at seven and by 12 released her first Indonesian studio album, ‘DuniaAkuPunya’, with hit single ‘Mimpi’ recognized as one of the ‘150 Greatest Indonesian Songs of All Time’ by Rolling Stone magazine.

A series of singles and albums followed to make Anggun the biggest Indonesian rock star of the 90s. Her international breakthrough came in 1997 with ‘Snow on the Sahara’ which was released in 33 countries worldwide, topped music charts in Italy and Indonesia, and made the top 20 in Finland, France, Japan, Spain, and the US. Following that, Anggun released five more studio albums, and released songs that featured in Danish movie “Open Hearts” and the Hollywood box office hit, “Transporter 2”. Anggun is a recipient of the ‘Chevalier des Arts et Lettres’ from the French government. She is also a judge on “X Factor Indonesia” and “Indonesia’s Got Talent” TV series.

David Foster, Music Producer
David Foster discovered and launched some of the greatest music careers including Michael Bublé, Josh Groban and Celine Dion. He has created hit songs and award-winning platinum and gold albums for Earth, Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Brandy, ’N Sync, BozScaggs, and Gloria Estefan; propelled classical singers like Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban into mainstream popularity; as well as created soundtracks for hit films like “TheBodyguard”, “Urban Cowboy”, and “St. Elmo’s Fire”. In 2008 and 2011, David performed and hosted his very own, star-studded “Foster & Friends” concerts in Las Vegas to celebrate the music from his career and toured Asia annually from 2010 – 2012. David has won 16 Grammy Awards from 47 nominations, and is the chairman of Verve Music Group.

Melanie C., Pop Icon
Melanie was part of the iconic five-member Spice Girls, in which she was nicknamed ‘Sporty Spice’. Following that, as a solo artist, Melanie sold more than 12 million records from six albums that she released. She has the second most No.1 singles in the United Kingdom and is also the only female to top the charts as part of a quintet, a quartet, a duo and solo. Melanie also performed the role of MrsJohnstone in the West End musical “Blood Brothers,” for which she was nominated for ‘Best Actress in a Musical’ at the Laurence Olivier Awards. In 2012, Melanie co-starred in the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar”, and also judged the preceding talent search series “Superstar” to select the lead actor for the said musical.

Van Ness Wu, Actor/Singer
Van Ness Wu was born in California where he took classes in performing arts, acting and languages in Hollywood before moving to Taiwan at 21 to build his career. His breakthrough came with his lead role in the wildly popular hit idol drama “Meteor Garden” and its sequels. Van Ness and his co-actors of the series formed the pop idol group F4 – now known as JVKV – and released three studio albums.

Turning his attention to his solo career, Van Ness released his debut solo album in 2002 and followed that with six other solo studio albums up to 2013, as well as singles collaborating with musicians including Kanye West, Beyoncé, Wang Lee Hom, Kangta, and Coco Lee. He also acted in many other TV series including “Autumn Concerto”, “Material Queen” and “Peach Girl”, as well as movies such as “Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon” and “Kung Fu Chefs”.

“Asia's Got Talent” is the 63rd version of "Got Talent", which won the Guinness World Records title for being the world's "Most Successful Reality TV Format" in 2014. The hit format is co-owned by FremantleMedia and Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment.

The season premiere of “Asia’s Got Talent” on AXN is proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, BIG COLA, Pantene, Caltex, Jetstarand Tune Hotels.

Marina Bay Sands is the premier sponsor of “Asia's Got Talent.” As Asia's leading entertainment destination and crossroads for global celebrities, Marina Bay Sands provides opportunities for local talent to shine on the world’s stage.

BIG COLA is the exclusive beverage partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”. With BIG COLA, ‘if you can dream it, you can do it’. Contestants and fans across Asia will be encouraged to ‘Think BIG’ and ‘Dream Bigger’ in pursuit of their dreams.

Pantene, the exclusive haircare partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”, makes hair stronger inside and shinier outside to enable contestants to shine and be the world’s number one talent.

Caltex is the exclusive petroleum partner of “Asia's Got Talent.” Caltex delivers a hassle-free experience to get people back on their journey quickly, so they can have more time and energy to do whatever matters most to them. By being a part of “Asia's Got Talent,” Caltex wants to celebrate key moments of the contestants’ journey to stardom, providing viewers the opportunity to enjoy the journey with them.

Jetstar is proud to be the official airline of the very first edition of “Asia’s Got Talent.” With more than 600 weekly flights to 22 destinations across 13 countries in Asia Pacific, Jetstar enables talent to fly further, connect with families and fulfil dreams.

Tune Hotels is an international select-service hotel brand that provides accommodation with high quality essentials in key gateway cities.  Five star beds and power showers help “Asia’s Got Talent” contestants get a good night’s sleep and perform at their best.

AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notable ratings successes including four seasons of the international Emmy-nominated “The Amazing Race Asia”; the Asian Television Award-winning “Cash Cab Asia”; “The Apprentice Asia”; “Cyril: Rio Magic”; “Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition”; and the Asian Television Award-nominated “Cyril: Simply Magic.”

www.AXNAsia.com/AsiasGotTalent