Study Buddy (Explorer): ‘American Idol’ creator launches search for Hong Kong’s next pop star
Each week, this page presents a light article with questions to test your comprehension
Could you be the next star to join Now United, the global pop group that features multiple members from various countries? Photo: Instagram/nowunitedContent provided by British Council
Read the following text, and answer questions 1-9 below:
[1] American Idol creator Simon Fuller is searching for a star with “Hong Kong spirit” to join his international pop group on stage. Last month, Fuller announced a citywide talent search in collaboration with the Jockey Club, which aims to transform itself into a global sports entertainment brand. Fuller’s pop group Now United, managed by his label XIX Entertainment, will perform at the horse races.
[2] “Hong Kong opened my eyes to Asia. This is a magnificent city with deep cultural roots,” Fuller told the South China Morning Post. According to Fuller, combining entertainment with sports makes it more aspirational and contemporary, attracting a larger audience and drawing in more women and younger people.
[3] The performer, he said, should represent the “optimism and aspirational values” that Fuller sees in Hong Kong. His team has started scouting potential candidates on social media, but Fuller hinted that he could potentially spot his next star while walking the streets of the city.
[4] Founded in 2017 with 14 members from different countries, Now United is advertised as a “multicultural pop group”. The group currently has members from Brazil, Indonesia, India and Australia, while inactive members include Krystian Wang from China and Jeong Hye-yoon from South Korea. About 15 members are expected to perform in the city at the club’s racecourses and the Longines Hong Kong International Races in December.
[5] Now United will also film a reality series and music videos in the city to showcase Hong Kong to its 40 million social media followers. Fuller described the group as one that “brings joy in a world that needs more fun and positivity” and said Hong Kong’s finalist would have the chance to work with performers from Europe and the Americas.
[6] Fuller said having a new member from Hong Kong would be a chance for Now United to visit the city. “Because we travel so much, they get to visit everybody’s country and discover its unique culture. We begin to see each country as relatable instead of with apprehension,” he said.
[7] Credited with discovering British performers such as Amy Winehouse and the Spice Girls, Fuller has managed many notable names in the entertainment industry, including American singer Kelly Clarkson. He also helped develop the careers of former England football captain David Beckham, Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, and tennis champion Andy Murray.
[8] The Hong Kong finalist will receive masterclass training at XIX Entertainment’s Academy of Pop, which has coaches who have trained top stars such as Rihanna and Beyoncé. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in his policy address in October of last year that the city would develop tourism focused on local experiences, citing horse racing as an area of interest.
Source: South China Morning Post, May 12
Questions
1. According to paragraph 1, what specific quality is Fuller looking for in the new star?
2. Based on paragraph 1, the new star will be part of a …
A. horse racing team.
B. pop group.
C. talent search unit.
D. sports squad.
3. In paragraph 2, Fuller believes combining entertainment with sports will attract more of which two demographics? (2 marks)
4. Why is Now United referred to as a “multicultural pop group” in paragraph 3?
5. Decide whether the following statements, according to paragraphs 4 and 5, are True, False or the information is Not Given. (4 marks)
(i) Now United has more than 30 million social media followers.
(ii) The youngest member of the group is from South Korea.
(iii) The Hong Kong finalist will get the chance to collaborate with performers outside East Asia.
(iv) Now United will film a documentary series focused on the history of their music.
6. Find a word in paragraph 6 that means “a feeling that something bad or unpleasant might happen”.
7. According to paragraph 7, Andy Murray is famous for …
A. playing a sport.
B. presenting on television.
C. impersonating celebrities.
D. singing and writing songs.
8. Who are the “British performers” in paragraph 7?
9. In paragraph 8, Lee said Hong Kong would focus on developing tourism based on …
A. international pop stars.
B. luxury shopping experiences.
C. the city as a global financial hub.
D. none of the above
Answers
1. a Hong Kong spirit
2. B
3. women and young people
4. because its members come from different countries
5. (i) T; (ii) NG; (iii) T; (iv) F
6. apprehension
7. A
8. Amy Winehouse and the Spice Girls
9. D