Opportunity knocks on your door!
Close up 1 - the popular talent hunt contest - started its journey in 2003. In previous years it had focused on creative writing, T-shirt painting, poetry, fashion designing and photography. In 2005 , it was all about Music! Music of all genre, time and rhythm - anything from the young singers of the nation.
Bigger scale
In 2008, in collaboration with a local satellite channel 'NTV' and all major mobile phone companies in Bangladesh, the Close up 1 talent hunt campaign was splashed all over the country through billboards, TV ads, newspaper inserts, etc. Over 86,000 young aspirants signed up online and faced the judges in regional rounds, all set to seek out the best new musical talent in the country. This year, non-resident Bangladeshis also took part in the program by auditioning at panels set up at New York, USA, London, UK, Toronto, Canada and Dubai, UAE.
Long process to bring out the best
In the countdown from the 42 finalists, the audience got to vote through SMS and choose the fate of the finalists. Exciting prizes and big- money contracts awaiting the winner fueled the anticipation! The 42 finalists were taken through an intensive grooming and training session to sharpen their skills and natural talent. At the end of this session - each contestant became a stunning performer and the viewers responded with massive SMS votes.
Uniting the music community
With the Close up 1 competition, the entire music community came together to interact with the Close up 1 contestants, to train and inspire them in any way required. This added to the sentimental attachment of all those involved in organizing the contest. Moreover, the Close up 1 show on television successfully revived the popularity of traditional and contemporary Bangla music
Salma becomes Close up1
At the mega finals of Close up 1 on the 17th of December 2008, Liza, a 16 year old from Mymensing, walked away with the top prize. In an emotionally charged moment, she was handed over a cheque of Taka 10 lakhs along with a car, contract for music shows and albums and many other prizes! Apu, the first runner up and Sheju, the second runner up also won cash prizes and gifts and have now stepped into the dream world of stardom.
