‘MGT’ winners prepare for ‘The Voice’ and ‘American Idol’

Continuing their extensive fundraising, with a goal to represent Marianas talent globally, the Marianas Got Talent group and their Season 1 winners are not only preparing for upcoming auditions for American Idol and The Voice, but they are also excitedly preparing to bring Season 2 of MGT to the CNMI.

During a sit-down conversation with MGT‘s Arlene Reyes and Season 1 winner Sebastian Tajibmai last June 13, they shared some updates on the inaugural season winners and a sneak peek at the upcoming second season.

Tajibmai told Saipan Tribune that since his involvement with MGT has not only opened doors for him opportunity wise, but has caused him to expand understanding of music and overall style.

“It really stretched out my view on singing and how much I can do with my voice, and it really helped me meet more musicians on this island that I could only idolize from afar. I never intended to join this competition and to take it so seriously. I wanted to join it for fun, and I can’t say that I didn’t come in with an arrogant attitude, where I thought that I was, like, Top 3 singers on the island. But then, when I met the other competitors and judges and they were teaching me so much about what I could do with my voice…I was inspired watching how much they did with their voice and was encouraged by all their great words and advice, so I decided to take singing seriously. I usually search up on YouTube, like, you know, tips on how to get better at singing or singing exercises, and so far, those tips and practices have been worth it. I could say that I’ve been progressing from my first audition to where I am now in singing. I could say that I’m way better.”

Reyes and Tajibmai shared that together with second place winner Donato Santiago and third place winner Bernice Shane Sabino, the team was aiming to do in-person “auditions” during the open casting calls for The Voice and American Idol taking place late this year and early next year; but due to financial situations, a change of leadership, and personal situations for each of the Season 1 winners, the auditions had to be pushed back again.

Tajibmai shared that since his MGT win last year, so many things have happened the past months in his life. The 18-year-old said that along with celebrating his graduation from Kagman High School, he also had to bid farewell to his father who passed away just months before his graduation.

He shared that although facing life’s hurdles and changes, what hasn’t changed was his desire to represent the CNMI to the world. He told Saipan Tribune that he has been working on getting better not only with vocals but stage presence

“I’m going to go everywhere I can with not only performing by myself, but trying to meet other musicians and just not being afraid to ask them if I could join them on some of their gigs to gain some experience. I mean, I am comfortable on stage, but I know that it isn’t my home yet, and I want to learn how to be really comfortable in front of singing with others or singing to others. I mean, MGT was just a one-time thing and then next month, but I want to do this over and over again to where I’m just comfortable.” When asked what does he hope to bring to American Idol, his desired platform, he said “I wanted to, first of all, be the first person ever to say, ‘Hello, my name is Sebastian, and I come from the Northern Mariana Islands.’ That is the one thing I’ve been thinking of. I just can’t wait to have our people watch and be like ‘Hey, you know, I’m from there.’ And I want them to see that we have just as much talent as the other islands that have been popping up. I mean, not in a jealous type of way, but I just want them to see that, for example, Hawaii isn’t the only island with talented singers. I want them to not only see Polynesians, but also see Micronesians.”

He also shared some of the ways he’s been preparing for the auditions.

“I’ve just been practicing on singing covers of songs that are out of my comfort zone. Because one thing I’ve learned or that I was told by a local musician here on the island was that you’re able to stretch your voice, but you’re going to need to break it before you stretch it to rebuild it again. So, I’ve been singing a lot of high-pitched songs. I’ve been making my voice crack on purpose, just getting comfortable with breaking my voice to stretch it out even further. And, you know, jaw placement, everything. Tongue placement. Anything that could help me sing better. So, I’ve been taking that on to add to my arsenal of pitches that I can sing up to. So that would bring out more varieties of ways I can make my music.”

Reyes shared that although Sabino and Santiago were not able to make it to the interview, they too were working toward the open casting calls. Reyes shared that Santiago had recently relocated to Hawaii, but the plan was still to have him audition with the other two winners. Reyes said that as promised to the Season 1 contestants at the beginning, the winners will get to travel to audition for programs in the U.S. mainland. The incentive was the main reason why the group didn’t choose the virtual auditions, and Reyes said that the team have been putting in the work.

“I won’t stop until we see them on that stage. I love music, and coming from the States and living out there and seeing what, how advanced and well-organized they are, and coming here to see that it’s not happening here, that was my mission, to bring what I’ve seen and done in the States to inspire our kids to be here. And we all know that music brings people together no matter what, right? And with MGT, we want to give that energy, we want people to know that this is a platform to accomplish what you have, and not be afraid of it.”

Reyes shared that the team was also excited to bring Season 2 for MGT. This time with auditions covering all three islands—Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. She said that they are still confirming dates for Saipan and Tinian’s auditions, but Rota has already been confirmed to be on July 27, 2024 at the Rota Round House from 11am to 5pm. She shared that more details will be released in their social media platforms soon.

“My hope is that MGT will become the only platform in the CNMI, and of course with working alongside other agencies, to help our youth gain back and bring back music education into the Public School System, so we can teach our youth from as early as elementary to sing and have their confidence.”