Rewarding music

KPN Award stars return

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hiranyatheb

To celebrate its 25th year anniversary, the famous KPN Award singing competition surprised viewers by arranging the KPN Award 25th The Battle Returns contest between 24 former finalists who didn't win the previous 24 competitions.

The list of contestants, including veteran singers Jern Jern Boonsongnoen, Nui Nantakarn and singing coach Kru Karn Janthong, attracted plenty of attention from viewers and the media. Apart from the great singing contestants, famous judges such as Kru Roj Roongroj and Kru Nammon Theeranai also excited viewers.

To promote the show, which airs on Channel 3 and Channel 33 HD at 5:25 pm every Saturday, two former KPN singers — 25-year-old Phornphan Monchatin (Namwaan), who won the 23rd KPN Award, and 16-year-old Pawanrat Assawathanapong (Namfon), who was one of the four finalists in the 24th competition — recently visited Student Weekly to chat about the show and their showbiz experiences.

Student Weekly: How did the KPN Award contest change your life?

Namwaan: KPN Award was very important for me. This competition is challenging because it requires singing skills in various music genres. I never expected that I would be a winner. After the competition, I was able to release my own single and act in the TV series, Monrak Pleng Pee Bok [Magical Love].

Namfon: I became more mature than before because I had to arrange my time for both study and work. I recently released a single, which is a cover of Sukanya Miguel’s song, “Pieng Thoe [Only You].” An executive at KPN is also discussing a role for me in a TV series. I’m glad to be at this point.

Student Weekly: What do you think about bringing back 24 former competitors to compete on The Battle Returns?

Namwaan: Viewers are lucky to see such marvelous singers. The programme looks like a professional music show because contestants are veterans in the Thai music scene.

Namfon: All of the performers are awesome. I wasn’t even born when Jern Jern was originally in the competition. Because of this show, I had an opportunity to see her sing live and it was incredible.

Student Weekly: What are the benefits of singing competitions?

Namwaan: Competitions give rookie singers a chance to do what they dream about. KPN Award uses stages with great sound and light systems. It isn’t easy to perform on that kind of stage. Once a rookie singer has performed on this kind of large-scale stage, they won’t be afraid to perform at smaller events.

Student Weekly: Namwaan, when did you first start to dream of being a professional singer?

Namwaan: My uncle has a luk thung band. Since I was a kid, I always asked my uncle if I could sing onstage. At the age of 15, I started singing at different kinds of events. I never dreamed of doing anything else. I love singing and dancing so much.

Student Weekly: Namfon, do you enjoy your acting work?

Namfon: I started acting on Channel 7 when I was a kid, but didn’t understand the scripts much. I later attended an acting workshop and found that acting has its own magic and charm. Some people think that being an actress is easy, but it isn’t. Preparing for a part is difficult, and we also have to do everything that the director says.

Student Weekly: Namwaan, did you enjoy your acting experience on Magical Love?

Namwaan: I always wondered how actors could memorise their dialogue. After I attended in an acting workshop and got advice from experienced actors, I gradually understood how actors work. I think acting is similar to singing, because we have to interpret the meaning and express it.

Student Weekly: Do you have any special messages for viewers of The Battle Returns?

Namfon: I would like everybody to watch The Battle Returns. There are many incredible contestants and judges. You can’t find anything like this in other singing competitions.

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