Latest news with #StarSearch
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Netflix continues its big push into live television
Streaming services have risen in popularity over the last few years, taking customers away from traditional cable television providers, who have increasingly struggled to attract new subscribers. Convenient access to a massive amount of content - such as on-demand movies and even live television, all in a single platform - is undeniably enticing. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Although streaming offers consumers more options, the large number of services often provokes bidding wars as they vie for rights to provide the most desired content. Related: Disney makes major change streaming fans will notice right away Nonetheless, the rise in competition encourages streaming platforms to deliver better service, and all we can complain about is choosing which one we want to subscribe to. Image Source: Shutterstock Netflix (NFLX) has become people's go-to streamer for all their favorite shows and movies, prompting it to increase offerings and make its platform more accessible worldwide. The company introduced live streaming in 2023 to provide more options and appeal to a broader audience. Although initially rocky due to many glitches and sound cut-offs, its live streaming abilities have improved. Related: Netflix makes another major change subscribers will hate Because today's consumers face economic challenges, leading them to be more mindful with spending, the service has added more "no-ads" and "with-ads" subscription tiers that provide reasonably priced value. This especially appeals to families who have opted to cancel cable to find more affordable ways to access entertainment. Netflix has been in talks with Spotify (SPOT) to form a partnership and launch more live TV offerings, including awards shows, concerts, celebrity interviews, and shorter documentaries about current events, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The streamer is constantly launching new content and closing streaming rights deals with media companies to bring more movies, shows, and live programming to its platform. This is an effort for the company to further expand its offerings and become almost like a modern-day cable service. More Retail News: Starbucks' huge new rival opens first US storesHome Depot spends billions on major acquisitionRivian sends hard-nosed message to employees However, this is not the only new addition coming to Netflix. It is rebooting the talent show contest "Star Search" and preparing to launch multiple new contest shows, including "Building the Band" and "What's in the Box." For gossip news lovers, Netflix is also developing a pilot with The Daily Beast that will focus on pop culture news. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Mint
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Netflix explores music shows and celebrity interviews as part of live TV push
Netflix ascended by offering prestige TV and movies on demand for a monthly fee. Now, it is planning to introduce more of the fare that was core to the cable bundle. The streamer has held conversations with Spotify about partnering on a number of projects such as a music awards show or a live concert series, people close to the conversations said. It has also discussed doing big celebrity interviews and shorter-turnaround documentaries to capture the news of the moment, some of the people said. Netflix is also rebooting the classic talent contest 'Star Search." It is particularly focused on music, with a new show, 'Building the Band," set to debut next week and another music competition in the works that it hopes to release in coming months, the people said. Millions of households that cut the cord or never had a cable bundle now rely on Netflix as their go-to home entertainment hub. Netflix is working to ensure that it has something for everyone, from scripted shows and movies to reality TV, comedy and live programming. Finding family-friendly programming that appeals to global audiences is key to Netflix's work building its advertising-supported subscription tier. It found success with 'Love is Blind," a unique spin on a dating show, and 'Million Dollar Secret," its version of 'Survivor," said Brandon Riegg, vice president of nonfiction series and sports. AJ McLean and Nicole Scherzinger in an episode of Netflix's 'Building the Band.' Jeff Gaspin, who greenlighted 'The Voice" at NBCUniversal, is spearheading Netflix's effort to find the next great music competition show and expand unscripted content. The self-proclaimed pop-culture nut joined the company last year. 'Building the Band," hosted by Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean, will feature musicians auditioning to be in bands. The twist: They don't see one another until they start rehearsing together, according to people familiar with the situation. Think 'Love Is Blind" meets 'The Voice." Netflix also recently announced a trivia-based game show hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, called 'What's in the Box." While Netflix executives have considered big celebrity interviews, they have debated whether people would tune in when snippets would appear on social media nearly instantly, people familiar with the discussions said. Netflix's 'Building the Band' is set to debut next week. The company is working on a pilot with the Daily Beast, focusing on quick-turnaround, buzzy nonpolitical news events. Semafor earlier reported the Daily Beast project. Gaspin said he doesn't expect Netflix to become a full-fledged programmer of news, which the company refers to as 'information" internally. 'You can't cover news and be a news organization occasionally," he said. Executives also must decide when it makes sense to do an unscripted show as a live broadcast. Netflix has seen some live events, such as its Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight last fall, attract huge audiences. But that came with technical glitches, as did a 'Love is Blind" reunion show a few years ago. The company did livestream two NFL games over Christmas without any issues. While 'Building the Band" will be on-demand, Netflix could make the finale live if there is a second season, Riegg said. And the 'Star Search" reboot will allow fans to vote live. 'We don't want to do live for live's sake," Gaspin said. 'If we are going to do live, we should have a reason." Write to Jessica Toonkel at
Vogue Singapore
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Behold Zoe Tay, the queen of hair transformations
An exclusive acting contract with Mediacorp after she won the inaugural Star Search competition in 1988 first catapulted Zoe Tay to unprecedented heights, and the rest, you can say, is history. From being appointed as a L'Oreal Paris ambassador to winning four Best Actress Star Awards, it's safe to say Vogue Singapore's July/August 'Home' issue cover star isn't just Singapore's 'Queen of Caldecott Hill' — she's a cultural maven whose career has shaped the nation's entertainment landscape for nearly four decades. This year, Singapore's a h jie 's back in full force, taking on the role of a family matriarch in Netflix's highly anticipated series Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story . Beyond the silver screen, Tay is known for being quite the timeless beauty. And with her association with the Singapore Council of Women's Organisation and several other charities, she sure knows how to be a hero off-screen, too, using her platform to champion important causes with the same passion she brings to every role. What makes her so relatable, even now, is that she seems to rise above the pressure to embrace ageing. At 57, Tay is luminous, not because she's trying to look younger, but because she doesn't shy away from her age; she liberally leans into it. The veteran actress proves that confidence doesn't have an expiry date in a society that often places youth on a pedestal. And when it comes to her trusted mane, let's just say Tay knows how to give good hair. In fact, based off her transformations over the years, she has become something of a hair icon. You name it, she's done it; pixie cuts, bobs, fringes, micro fringes, middle partings, side partings, sleek updos, and her signature 'Bobo ' cut. The only question is, what will she think of next? From a sleek bun to a daring pixie, we dipped into the archives to round up Zoe Tay's best hair moments of all time. @zoetay10 1 / 5 Mane muse Tay is well aware that a sleek, polished top knot gains an intriguing edge when textured ends are allowed to peek through. @zoetay10 2 / 5 Pixie power Someone once said, never underestimate the transformative power of a pixie cut—Tay is living proof. With not a hair out of place, she looks ready to take on the world. @zoetay10 3 / 5 Flirty feminine Take a leaf from Tay's book with these windswept, full of movement tousled hair – perfect for a beach vacay. @zoetay10 4 / 5 Fringe affair Scroll through Tay's Instagram account, and you'll note that she's been working a fuller fringe for some time now. This classic statement style is definitely a commitment but with her usual poise Tay is effortlessly owning the look. @zoetay10 5 / 5 Braided goddess With her hair pulled into a sculptural braid, Ah Jie looks like a literal goddess.
Vogue Singapore
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Zoe Tay on her legacy, storytelling and the essence of belonging
There are few names as synonymous with Singapore as Zoe Tay. Fondly known as the Queen of Caldecott Hill, she has firmly cemented her place in local pop culture, renowned for her striking looks, raspy, gravitas-laden voice and undeniable acting chops. Now 57 years old, Tay's journey began in modelling, eventually clinching first prize in the 1988 Star Search, which landed her a three-year contract with Mediacorp and gave her a leg up in acting. Peranakan history is a medley of intricate textures and emblems, one of the most iconic being beadwork. Here, Indonesian fashion designer Adeline Esther reimagines the tradition with a contemporary take. Bee de Chaumet necklace and earrings; Adeline Esther headpiece. Zantz Han 'Modelling is quite different as posing for shots is different from acting,' she reflects. 'My career in acting started after winning Star Search, and honestly, I've been blessed with the opportunities given to me: good stories and scripts over the years. Working with many different actors, including overseas ones, gave me varied perspectives and experiences along the way.' Tay clinched Star Awards as recently as 2019 and 2021 for her roles in A Million Dollar Dream and My Guardian Angels , and launched The Zoe and Liang Show podcast in 2023 to mark her 35th year in the business. Yet it's her most recent role in Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story family saga that has further cemented her iconic status. The gilded peony—a cherished Chinese Peranakan symbol of abundance, prosperity and good fortune—blooms across a tented skirt by Adeline Esther, styled with a sleek, form-fitting black jacket. Bee de Chaumet earrings, brooch and ring; Brunello Cucinelli jacket and top; Adeline Esther skirt; Louis Vuitton shoes. Zantz Han Tay notes that this role marks a departure for her, requiring her to age up to 72 years old and tap into the psyche of someone far less vivacious and active than the characters she has previously portrayed. Set between the '50s and '70s, Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story sees Tay acting alongside a mix of veterans and fresh faces, from Jeanette Aw to Tyler Ten, as she takes on the role of the matriarch of the Peranakan Zhang family in Singapore. Being a pivotal character in one of Singapore's most culturally significant productions comes with the quiet weight of responsibility—not only in representing heritage, but in taking care of oneself throughout the process. Over the years, Tay has found small ways to do this. 'I watch my diet carefully, especially during filming, and drink lots of water. I also exercise, such as going hiking when possible. Basically, I try to have as much me time as I can, while also ensuring I have time for my family.' Here, she talks about the impact of Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story in terms of local storytelling, an ever-changing landscape of entertainment as well as what home has meant to her over the years. Peranakan door frames often feature intricate carvings, their interiors being a celebration of heritage wrapped in fine details, artistry, and nostalgic charm. Zantz Han Hi Zoe, thank you so much for joining us today. What has life looked like for you lately? I've been keeping busy with work, doing some travelling and spending time with family too. There are so many places that I still want to visit! Tell us about your experience on our Vogue Singapore shoot. What was it like for you? It was interesting and exciting. Fashion-wise, there was a fusion of nyonya elements and avant-garde styles, and I can't wait for the cover to be released. You began your career in the late '80s, when Singapore's entertainment scene was developing. How has your experience evolved over the years? When I started, it was always about trying to learn the craft and improve by learning from my seniors. It was hard work. I don't think much has changed over the years in terms of needing to work hard and continuously improve. There is always something new to work on. What's important is to have a passion for your work; this is what drives you forward. A symbol of celebration, this white cymbidium and palm fruit garland encompasses virtue and morality. Tay wears a red qipao by Laichan—a silhouette that rose to prominence in the '20s. Chaumet Joséphine Soir de Fête earrings and Laurier necklace; Laichan dress; Emporio Armani shoes; socks, stylist's own. Zantz Han You began your career in the late '80s, when Singapore's entertainment scene was developing. How has your experience evolved over the years? When I started, it was always about trying to learn the craft and improve by learning from my seniors. It was hard work. I don't think much has changed over the years in terms of needing to work hard and continuously improve. There is always something new to work on. What's important is to have a passion for your work; this is what drives you forward. Many of your early roles, such as in The Unbeatables and Pretty Faces , became instant classics. What drew you to these projects and how did you prepare for them? I was blessed to be offered these roles. It was the different characters that challenged and attracted me—something I think most, if not all, actors look for. Preparing for roles is important to me. I try to research how the characters should be played, styled and made up; I discuss with directors the best approach and even learn some tricks of the trade. For The Unbeatables , for example, I learnt card and dice tricks. I had to practise really hard to perfect some of the moves. It was also when I started to learn how to play mahjong for real. For Pretty Faces , I created my hairstyle with my hairstylist, and the dressing as well. You've seen the industry evolve over the decades. What have been some of the greatest challenges you've faced and what moments have been the most rewarding? Perhaps the biggest change in the industry over the years has been the proliferation of online media, which meant that promotions for shows had to expand to cover these platforms, including, more recently, social media. For me, the greatest challenge has been keeping up with the fast-changing trends on these platforms. As for the most rewarding moments, I would say falling in love with my job. Also, having roles that, even after all these years, people still recognise and remember. Winning awards is, of course, one of the highlights. It is the peony, however, that features most prominently in Chinese Peranakan wedding garments, as seen in this bridal-inspired creation by Adeline Esther. Embroidered flowers and leaves in gold thread are richly worked into pieces. Bee de Chaumet necklace, earrings and ring; Adeline Esther top, skirt and headpiece. Zantz Han The industry can be highly competitive and demanding. What keeps you grounded? When I started, my dad kept reminding me to do my very best and to do things well and his words have stayed with me to this day. The advice I would give to my younger self is to stay grounded and to stay the course. It's not going to be easy, but every challenge is an opportunity. What does a typical day look like when you're filming compared to when you have downtime? When filming, the schedule can be quite intense for a few months and sometimes we only get a few hours of sleep. When I have downtime, I try to grab as much rest as possible, get a beauty treatment and catch up with friends and family. Now, let's talk about Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story , a show that has resonated with audiences. What initially attracted you to the project? What attracted me was the interesting nyonya culture, and I found the role to be compelling and challenging. In this recent role, I play the matriarch of the family who struggles with depression and dementia while trying to keep the family together. This is different from past roles where I typically portrayed stronger and more active characters. Peranakan windows are often adorned with intricate motifs such as floral patterns, a graceful nod to tradition rich with vibrant symbolism. Zantz Han What was the most challenging or memorable moment during the filming of Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story ? I found playing this grandmother role quite challenging. I had to change my body language and tone of speaking to portray the role. It was more difficult than I had thought. This is the second time Mediacorp has produced a show about the nyonya culture, which is unique to Singapore and Malaysia. I think the characters were interesting and memorable; they left an impression on the audience, young and old. How do you hope Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story will influence local storytelling as a whole? I hope that Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story 's success, both locally and internationally, will help showcase Singapore as a whole, and garner interest and enjoyment in watching more Singaporean dramas. I think this show has sparked curiosity in learning more about Singapore's history as well. In Singapore's current media landscape, what opportunities and challenges do you see for up-and-coming local artists? I think there are always opportunities as social media really opens up the playing field—one can be recognised more easily. But at the same time, there's a lot of competition, so one has to stand out and be memorable. You have to continue working hard, hone your craft and always stay positive. A recreation of a traditional wedding garment from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, from the archives of fashion designer and collector Raymond Wong, features bright colours and is adorned with motifs such as flowers, vines and phoenixes. Bee de Chaumet earrings; Raymond Wong bolero, top and skirt; Christian Louboutin shoes; socks, stylist's own. Zantz Han This issue is themed 'Home'. What does home, in the context of Singapore and SG60, mean to you? Home to me is familiarity, family, comfort and love. Singapore has come a long way and while I always look forward to every National Day, every decade we celebrate our nation's birthday feels that much more special to me. One of my favourite memories growing up is watching the National Day parades: hearing the aircraft roaring past my house, watching the shows live on TV and, in certain years, being at the parade itself. On the personal side, memories of family interactions and dinners through the years hold a special place in my heart. And finally, what's next? I'm currently working on a new drama work-wise, and on the personal side, I intend to explore the world a bit more. Photographer Zantz Han Stylists Desmond Lim and Nicholas See Hair stylist Ryan Yap/Passion Hair Salon Make-up artist Peter Khor using Clé de Peau Beauté Manicurist Filicia Takahashi/Nail Bliss Producer David Bay Set design Abegail Loreno Arendayen Florist Fawn World Photographer's assistants Sin Yean Yam, RQ and Michelle Yap Manicurist's assistants Celine Tan and Summer Chong/Nail Bliss Set designer's assistant Clarice Teh Florist's assistant Rachel Ng Stylist's assistants Lance Aeron and Kuan Special thanks to True Blue Cuisine and Peranakan Museum Vogue Singapore's July/August 'Home' issue will be out on newsstands from 13 July and available to preorder online.
AsiaOne
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Zen Chong looks back on 'stuck' showbiz career, says without luck, 'no matter how hard you try, you also cannot get it', Entertainment News
Many would regard ruthless businessman Robert Zhang from The Little Nyonya (2008) as an iconic Singapore drama villain. But despite his popularity, the same cannot be said of Singapore-based Malaysian actor Zen Chong who brought him to life. The 46-year-old, who is nominated for Star Awards 2025 Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes, told AsiaOne in an interview recently that while he enjoys acting very much, sometimes it's takes more than just passion and talent to make it a career. "It's all about luck and I think it really plays a very important role. It's like, if fate doesn't align at the moment and it (an acting opportunity) doesn't belong to you, no matter how hard you try, you also cannot get it," he said. Zen made his Singapore showbiz debut in 2001 after he finished third place in the Malaysian edition of Star Search that year. Besides playing Robert in The Little Nyonya, he's also known for playing convenient store staff Hong Daji in local Mandarin sitcom Lobang King (2003), which stars Chew Chor Meng and the late Huang Wenyong. Zen told us that luck was what helped him land the role of Robert, a character so iconic that people on the streets — even in China — still call him by that name. However, despite the success of the drama and his role, he found that his acting career became stagnant. "My career got stuck after The Little Nyonya. It wasn't booming despite what others thought. So, I decided to take a part-time job as a property agent. I felt insecure [about my showbiz career], so I needed to do something else," Zen shared. He elaborated: "There wasn't an increase in my salary and acting opportunities. I thought to myself that it was time to assess my acting career." Zen became a part-time property agent in 2012, juggling his acting career until his contract with Mediacorp ended in 2014. Despite being a public figure, Zen said he went "all in" in his new career: "I didn't care that I was an artiste and needed to protect my image. When working in the estate market, I really ' chiong ' (go for it)." He was involved in many aspects of the job including showroom sales, distributing flyers in malls and meeting potential buyers, who frequently recognised him. "I was still young then, so I had to try everything," he added. Zen now owns his own company Crescere Asset Management, where he is involved in financial management, including assets and funds. When asked if he had felt it was a pity that his acting career didn't flourish, he said: "Whether it's a pity or not, it's not my call. I like to act, but luck plays a very important part. My social skills weren't so good in the past." Zen still acts on a project basis nowadays, including as swimming coach Yan Qingheng in sports-romance drama Hope Afloat (2024) and upcoming dystopian-crime series The Leftovers (2026). He shared: "Acting is a platform for me to destress, because I am very stressed in my other career. When I am acting, I can play another person and unload my emotions through the character." Voting for Star Awards Top 10 Most Popular Male and Female Artistes is now available till July 6, 7.30pm on the Mediacorp website. Voters can make up to 10 votes per account, per award category, per day. On July 6 from 12am to 7.30pm, voters can make unlimited votes for each category. Star Awards 2025 will be presented on July 6, starting from Backstage Live at 3.30pm to 10.30pm, Walk of Fame from 5pm to 6.30pm, the awards show from 7pm to 10pm and Post-Party from 10pm to 10.30pm. The awards show and Walk of Fame will air on Channel 8, Channel U, Mewatch and the Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube channel, Post-Party will air on Channel U, Mewatch and the Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube channel, while Backstage Live will air on the latter two platforms. [[nid:719173]] No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
