The maverick of the international music industry entered the room in indigo blue suit. He had stern look on his face that leaves a trace of serious mood. However, as he came across to join the conversation with eager columnists, his icy look melted into welcoming gestures. David Foster, who we met in Asia's Got Talent Judge Reveal, was full of imaginative narrations and trivial jokes. He told us what he had in mind about talents, fellow new AsGT judge Jay Park, culture, and... magicians.
What do you think is the most important thing a performer/talent should have?
I think it’s confidence. (It is like) when you ride a horse, and you don’t feel you know anything about a horse, the horse can sense it from you. I once rode a horse and somehow it became uncontrollable. That’s because I don’t have confidence. When we’re not confident, the audience can sense it too.
What kind of talents do you want to see more in the future?
I want to see more magicians. Since I was little, I've always been amazed by the idea of a show full of magic tricks.
Who’s your favorite magician?
David Blaine, of course. He’s a friend, and he once showed me his tricks. He’s a real good friend; a real and amazing talent.
When was the first time you met Jay Park (the new judge)? What do you think about him?
Actually we have worked together seven years ago. He was an amazing young man back then, you can see the confidence in him.
David Foster with fellow judges of Asia's Got Talent season 2, Anggun and Jay Park.
How do talents in Asia differ, in terms of culture, to talents in general or in other regions?
You have traditional music that is phenomenal. Indian, Middle-eastern, Mongolian music—they’re so different. But somehow, if they are going to produce an international star, a real international star like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Whitney Houston, they need the influence of their native country, using their own sound, but it needs to be infused with the American sound.
Why are Asians not as fruitful as African-Americans, Europeans, or Latin people in producing real international stars?
I think that’s because they tend to copy the American sound. Like I said before, most of them have not developed their own style. You know, like the Middle-eastern—they already have that amazing sound other countries cannot do. Why not, for example, infuse that kind of style with styles like Chance the Rapper, perhaps? Nobody has ever done that before.
PHOTO: AXN
