Hi-5 are still enjoying their first childhood

Posted: 19 June 2009 1639 hrs

(L-R) Fely Irvine, Stevie Nicholson, Casey Burgess, Tim Maddren, Lauren Brant

SINGAPORE: Members of children's singing and dancing sensation Hi-5 may have crossed the big 20-year-old mark (the girls are 20 and the boys are 25), but they are still many kids' favourite playmates on television.

Their secret? Staying and being young, the group said, having their inner kids constantly come out and play, and having as much fun as humanly possible.

Basically, never grow up.

"We're still in our first childhood!" The group happily announced at a recent press conference at the Singapore Science centre, when asked if the five-piece were living their second childhood by being part of Hi-5.

"I have so many toys at home, I've lost count," said Tim Maddren. "I have radio controlled planes and jets and helicopters."

"We do tons of crazy stuff," Stevie Nicholson later told Channelnewsasia. "We were at Sentosa and we would race each other up and down the slopes. All of us are fun people and we won't let go of any opportunity to have fun. We make up all sorts of games when we are on tour.

"Such as, Tim dared Fely (Irvine) to wear a massive Hi-5 cushion glove all day, and she had to wear it all through the flight to Singapore, and try to eat with it on and it was hilarious. So next time during a concert, if you see Fely with the gloves you'd know what's going on."

Into their tenth year this year, the new generation of Hi-5 – Stevie, with new additions Tim, Fely, Lauren Brant and Casey Burgess, who were picked after a nationwide talent search down under – recently world premiered series 11 of Hi-5 on Singapore television.

The group are also celebrating their tenth anniversary with the Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009, where each member prepares a special surprise to help get ready for their friend Chats' surprise birthday party.

For the five-some, being a part of Hi-5 is a dream job come true. As teenagers, they used to dance in front of the television to previous generations of Hi-5. The group reckon the show could keep running for so long due to catchy music and innovative learning ways.

"At the end of the day the show is to help kids learn things and teach them things," said Casey. "But it's done in such a fun way that they don't feel like it's a chore to learn at all. The music is catchy and the dances easy to learn, kids can catch on very easily and be part of Hi-5."

The group, who said wearing colour-clashing clothes during performances is not a façade – they wear loud clothes outside of work too – are now the coolest aunts and uncles to their nieces and nephews, except Casey.

"My niece and nephew took my photo to show and tell, and said this is my uncle, he's in Hi-5, so now they're the coolest kids in school," said Tim.

"It's the other way round for me," said Casey. "Hi-5 is not as cool anymore because it's not anything far from them anymore it's in fact very close to them. And I'm never their favourite. Fely is their favourite.

But beneath all the child's play, the five-some understand the responsibilities that tag along with being superstars kids look up to. The group currently undertakes the role of ambassadors for World Vision, and travels to under-developed countries to perform for poor children.

"I feel that we have a huge opportunity to put a lot of good into the world with our work with world vision and other organisations," said Tim. "It's such a great opportunity for us to do good and I think that's really great."

And if the members were not part of Hi-5, they would still as happy and playful as ever.

Stevie would be "a transformer – well, I get to choose whatever I want to be, right?"; and Tim would be a singing sailor: "I'd be singing 'cos I have to sing. But I also like to sail so I'd be a singing sailor!"

Hi-5 Series 11 is now showing on okto from Mondays to Fridays at 12.30pm.

Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009 will hit Singapore shores from September 8 to 13 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, tickets will go on sale at Sistic from June 22.

- CNA/yb

From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.

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Hi-5 are still enjoying their first childhood

Posted: 19 June 2009 1639 hrs

(L-R) Fely Irvine, Stevie Nicholson, Casey Burgess, Tim Maddren, Lauren Brant

SINGAPORE: Members of children's singing and dancing sensation Hi-5 may have crossed the big 20-year-old mark (the girls are 20 and the boys are 25), but they are still many kids' favourite playmates on television.

Their secret? Staying and being young, the group said, having their inner kids constantly come out and play, and having as much fun as humanly possible.

Basically, never grow up.

"We're still in our first childhood!" The group happily announced at a recent press conference at the Singapore Science centre, when asked if the five-piece were living their second childhood by being part of Hi-5.

"I have so many toys at home, I've lost count," said Tim Maddren. "I have radio controlled planes and jets and helicopters."

"We do tons of crazy stuff," Stevie Nicholson later told Channelnewsasia. "We were at Sentosa and we would race each other up and down the slopes. All of us are fun people and we won't let go of any opportunity to have fun. We make up all sorts of games when we are on tour.

"Such as, Tim dared Fely (Irvine) to wear a massive Hi-5 cushion glove all day, and she had to wear it all through the flight to Singapore, and try to eat with it on and it was hilarious. So next time during a concert, if you see Fely with the gloves you'd know what's going on."

Into their tenth year this year, the new generation of Hi-5 – Stevie, with new additions Tim, Fely, Lauren Brant and Casey Burgess, who were picked after a nationwide talent search down under – recently world premiered series 11 of Hi-5 on Singapore television.

The group are also celebrating their tenth anniversary with the Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009, where each member prepares a special surprise to help get ready for their friend Chats' surprise birthday party.

For the five-some, being a part of Hi-5 is a dream job come true. As teenagers, they used to dance in front of the television to previous generations of Hi-5. The group reckon the show could keep running for so long due to catchy music and innovative learning ways.

"At the end of the day the show is to help kids learn things and teach them things," said Casey. "But it's done in such a fun way that they don't feel like it's a chore to learn at all. The music is catchy and the dances easy to learn, kids can catch on very easily and be part of Hi-5."

The group, who said wearing colour-clashing clothes during performances is not a façade – they wear loud clothes outside of work too – are now the coolest aunts and uncles to their nieces and nephews, except Casey.

"My niece and nephew took my photo to show and tell, and said this is my uncle, he's in Hi-5, so now they're the coolest kids in school," said Tim.

"It's the other way round for me," said Casey. "Hi-5 is not as cool anymore because it's not anything far from them anymore it's in fact very close to them. And I'm never their favourite. Fely is their favourite.

But beneath all the child's play, the five-some understand the responsibilities that tag along with being superstars kids look up to. The group currently undertakes the role of ambassadors for World Vision, and travels to under-developed countries to perform for poor children.

"I feel that we have a huge opportunity to put a lot of good into the world with our work with world vision and other organisations," said Tim. "It's such a great opportunity for us to do good and I think that's really great."

And if the members were not part of Hi-5, they would still as happy and playful as ever.

Stevie would be "a transformer – well, I get to choose whatever I want to be, right?"; and Tim would be a singing sailor: "I'd be singing 'cos I have to sing. But I also like to sail so I'd be a singing sailor!"

Hi-5 Series 11 is now showing on okto from Mondays to Fridays at 12.30pm.

Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009 will hit Singapore shores from September 8 to 13 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, tickets will go on sale at Sistic from June 22.

- CNA/yb

From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.

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New Hi-5 series world premiere in Singapore

Posted: 06 June 2009 0711 hrs

(L-R) Fely Irvine, Stevie Nicholson, Casey Burgess, Tim Maddren, Lauren Brant

SINGAPORE: Children's singing and dancing sensation Hi-5 is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and the five-piece is commemorating the occasion with another series of their hit television show and an all-new tour.

Hi-5 series 11 will have its world premiere in Singapore on Monday, and is set to introduce four fresh faces.

Lauren Brant, Fely Irvine, Casey Burgess and Tim Maddren, who were picked after an extensive audition process across Australia, will join original member Stevie Nicholson to form the new generation of Hi-5.

Replacing four faces is a huge change but the new members are not afraid to live up to the legacy that has kept kids dancing in front of their television sets for ten years.

"I think the acceptance has already happened," Stevie said. "We just came from the Philippines and the kids loved the performance, despite never having seen four of us before.

"I feel incredibly honoured to be able to carry on the legacy of the former members,” said Lauren. "It’s a really special job – we get to sing and dance and play like kids and play with kids all day long, which is what we love to do. It's hardly a job to us!"

"I think the kids were more swept up in the singing, the dancing, the colours, the energy than anything else... and as long as they’re entertained, it doesn’t really matter who’s doing it," said Casey.

The group is currently on its Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009, which started in the Philippines on May 14, and will make its rounds to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

"There are more songs, more dancing in the new concert (than the previous one)," said Tim.

Apart from kids, Hi-5 also said they welcome people of all ages to join in their tour. "Whether you're an adult or a child, it doesn’t really matter. Everyone loves a party, and we do mean everyone."

Hi-5 Series 11 premieres on okto on Monday, and will air weekdays at 12.30pm. Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009 will hit Singapore shores from September 8 to 13 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, tickets will go on sale at Sistic from June 22.

From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.

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New Hi-5 series world premiere in Singapore

Posted: 06 June 2009 0711 hrs

(L-R) Fely Irvine, Stevie Nicholson, Casey Burgess, Tim Maddren, Lauren Brant

SINGAPORE: Children's singing and dancing sensation Hi-5 is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and the five-piece is commemorating the occasion with another series of their hit television show and an all-new tour.

Hi-5 series 11 will have its world premiere in Singapore on Monday, and is set to introduce four fresh faces.

Lauren Brant, Fely Irvine, Casey Burgess and Tim Maddren, who were picked after an extensive audition process across Australia, will join original member Stevie Nicholson to form the new generation of Hi-5.

Replacing four faces is a huge change but the new members are not afraid to live up to the legacy that has kept kids dancing in front of their television sets for ten years.

"I think the acceptance has already happened," Stevie said. "We just came from the Philippines and the kids loved the performance, despite never having seen four of us before.

"I feel incredibly honoured to be able to carry on the legacy of the former members,” said Lauren. "It’s a really special job – we get to sing and dance and play like kids and play with kids all day long, which is what we love to do. It's hardly a job to us!"

"I think the kids were more swept up in the singing, the dancing, the colours, the energy than anything else... and as long as they’re entertained, it doesn’t really matter who’s doing it," said Casey.

The group is currently on its Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009, which started in the Philippines on May 14, and will make its rounds to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

"There are more songs, more dancing in the new concert (than the previous one)," said Tim.

Apart from kids, Hi-5 also said they welcome people of all ages to join in their tour. "Whether you're an adult or a child, it doesn’t really matter. Everyone loves a party, and we do mean everyone."

Hi-5 Series 11 premieres on okto on Monday, and will air weekdays at 12.30pm. Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009 will hit Singapore shores from September 8 to 13 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, tickets will go on sale at Sistic from June 22.

From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Singapore leads the pack in music downloads (mycompuquest.blogspot.com)

Preschool musical

Meet the New Hi-5

May Seah, may@mediacorp.com.sg

Shiny, happy people: (From left) Laureen, Casey, Fely, Tim, Stevie. Don Wong

SINGING, dancing kiddie sensation Hi-5 is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009, which will premiere in Asia with a tour of the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore.

Performing in the show will be the new generation Hi-5: Stevie Nicholson and newcomers Lauren Brant, Casey Burgess, Fely Irvine and Tim Maddren. Organised by MediaCorp VizPro, the Hi-5 Surprise! show depicts how the team each prepares a special surprise to help get ready for their friend Chats' surprise birthday party.

What we really wanted to know, though, was: What you have to be high on to do what they do?

"Life!" the Hi-fivers chorused in unison. Said Tim: "We feed off the energy of the kids."

Added Lauren: "It's hard not to be having fun all the time when we're singing such fabulous songs and always dressed up in such crazy costumes,"

"Once, we were all dressed up as potatoes. Couch potatoes," Casey chimed in.

Guffawing, Tim added: "You go home to your family and they're like, 'What did you do?' 'I was a couch potato.' It's weird!"

That's starchy-keen, but does it feel weird, as adults — the girls are 20 and the guys are 25 — to be doing a kiddie show?

"No," they chorused again.

"Truth is, we really are still kids, all of us," said Lauren.

Added Stevie: "We're just big brothers, big sisters having fun, being silly, and inviting the kids to come and play and have fun with us. Being role models to the children is something that we're really proud of.

"Also, we spend so much time with each other. We're all buddies, we're all mates."

So, who has a crush on whom? "They all have a crush on me!" cried Tim as the group shouted with laughter.

"It'd be weird, 'cos we're like brothers and sisters!" said a smiling Lauren.

Added Fely: "Yeah, that's probably the first time we've ever had that thought!"

Well, that might be something to ponder while they prepare for Chats' party. As Stevie put it: "I think everyone loves a party, whether you're an adult or a child."

Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009 runs from Sept 8 to 13 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Tickets available from June 22 from Sistic. Hi-5 Series 11 premieres on next Monday and will air on weekdays at 12.30pm on MediaCorp TV okto.

From TODAY, Plus – Wednesday, 03-Jun-2009

Preschool musical

Meet the New Hi-5

May Seah, may@mediacorp.com.sg

Shiny, happy people: (From left) Laureen, Casey, Fely, Tim, Stevie. Don Wong

SINGING, dancing kiddie sensation Hi-5 is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009, which will premiere in Asia with a tour of the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore.

Performing in the show will be the new generation Hi-5: Stevie Nicholson and newcomers Lauren Brant, Casey Burgess, Fely Irvine and Tim Maddren. Organised by MediaCorp VizPro, the Hi-5 Surprise! show depicts how the team each prepares a special surprise to help get ready for their friend Chats' surprise birthday party.

What we really wanted to know, though, was: What you have to be high on to do what they do?

"Life!" the Hi-fivers chorused in unison. Said Tim: "We feed off the energy of the kids."

Added Lauren: "It's hard not to be having fun all the time when we're singing such fabulous songs and always dressed up in such crazy costumes,"

"Once, we were all dressed up as potatoes. Couch potatoes," Casey chimed in.

Guffawing, Tim added: "You go home to your family and they're like, 'What did you do?' 'I was a couch potato.' It's weird!"

That's starchy-keen, but does it feel weird, as adults — the girls are 20 and the guys are 25 — to be doing a kiddie show?

"No," they chorused again.

"Truth is, we really are still kids, all of us," said Lauren.

Added Stevie: "We're just big brothers, big sisters having fun, being silly, and inviting the kids to come and play and have fun with us. Being role models to the children is something that we're really proud of.

"Also, we spend so much time with each other. We're all buddies, we're all mates."

So, who has a crush on whom? "They all have a crush on me!" cried Tim as the group shouted with laughter.

"It'd be weird, 'cos we're like brothers and sisters!" said a smiling Lauren.

Added Fely: "Yeah, that's probably the first time we've ever had that thought!"

Well, that might be something to ponder while they prepare for Chats' party. As Stevie put it: "I think everyone loves a party, whether you're an adult or a child."

Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009 runs from Sept 8 to 13 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Tickets available from June 22 from Sistic. Hi-5 Series 11 premieres on next Monday and will air on weekdays at 12.30pm on MediaCorp TV okto.

From TODAY, Plus – Wednesday, 03-Jun-2009