A karaoke laugh-out-loud fun

MANILA, Philippines - Michael V has added another TV show to his entertainment body of work. This time around, he is the main man of TV5’s Killer Karaoke Pinoy Naman, the localized version of the US show Killer Karaoke, which will premiere on Nov. 16 at 9 p.m. It is part of the Kapatid Network’s Weekend Do It Better.   

“For now, I will be hosting as myself,” replied Michael V when asked if he will be creating another funny character for Killer Karaoke Pinoy Naman. “The template being presented to us is just lending such opportunity. We will see what other things we can add to it eventually.” Thus, Michael V will put the master-of-disguise-and-impersonation image in the closet. After all, his wit is enough reason to put one in stitches.

“We will do everything for the enjoyment of the televiewers,” says Michael V, who started as a rapper in the business before transitioning to the ace comedian he has become today.

With his return to TV5, where his TV career started in Tropang Trumpo, Michael V is following in the footsteps of fellow comedian-hosts Joey de Leon and Vic Sotto who work in two stations at the same time.

“They are my inspiration,” says Michael V. “…The key is, you don’t have a network contract. The advantage (of it) is (you have) the freedom of doing what you want, doing what pleases you and doing something that will help your career.”

Since he will be shuttling from one channel to another, Michael V says, “Our target is to tape as much episodes as we can.” This is true because Killer Karaoke Pinoy Naman involves changing of set-ups for the various challenges. Given his TV commitments now, Michael V will make sure that the schedules of his shows will not overlap.

Taking a cue from the US version, Killer Karaoke Pinoy Naman is a singing contest which is open “to all. That’s why there’s a screening or audition (which includes checking the blood pressure of contestants). They should be game. It’s katuwaan. This is a singing contest with (a twist) and kalokohan,” shares TV5 Entertainment executive Wilma Galvante.” There’s only one rule: No matter what happens, you don’t stop singing.”

Contestants will have their own song choice to perform, while unexpected challenges are being presented to them. Snakes, frogs and eels may be used to distract them from singing the song and finishing it. The audience has the power to vote which contestant will take home the prize. Getting out of tune is a big no-no on the show.

“Winning Killer Karaoke (Pinoy Naman) depends on the performer,” says Michael V. “He has to perform very well, otherwise, the audience will not vote for him.”

To make the show into the zone, so to speak, and close to Pinoy’s entertainment palate, the Killer Karaoke Pinoy Naman creative team will come up with new ideas. Other franchisees in the world might adapt them. Michael V will lend a hand in improving the show.

According to the network’s statement, Killer Karaoke has become a hit in such countries as Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Peru, Russia, Thailand, the UK and the US.

For the pilot episode, one can expect a celebrity edition with Ogie Alcasid being first on the list. Ogie is afraid of snakes. It might be hilarious to see him hit the right notes with slimy creatures around him.

Does he have a karaoke or videoke at home?

“I have my own (karaoke-videoke) set-up at home,” Michael V answers. “If I’m with my kids, (karaoke singing) is our bonding moment. I think it’s also part of Filipino culture; every household wishes to own a videoke.”

“If you’re happy with what Killer Karaoke (the US version) is offering you, you’ll be happier because we have localized it,” he adds.

Televiewers can’t wait to experience Michael V’s own brand of karaoke laugh-out-loud fun.