Joakim Gomez, a 36-year-old radio DJ, is striving to redefine his public persona beyond his past as a contestant on "Singapore Idol." In 2006, Gomez rose to the top five on the popular talent show, but faced harsh criticism from both judges and the audience. Despite being labeled a "failed singer," he has since found success as a radio DJ. His journey, however, recently resurfaced when a clip from his "Singapore Idol" days went viral on TikTok in 2022. This event came just a day before Gomez was set to embark on a two-month sabbatical.
Gomez expressed openness to discussing his experiences in private or intimate settings but wishes for future public interviews to focus on his current career achievements. He shared these sentiments in an Instagram post dated January 25, 2023, coinciding with an interview by neurodiverse individuals on The Assembly episode. During this exchange, and in discussions on The Daily Ketchup's podcast and CNA Insider's The Assembly, Gomez delved into his history with "Singapore Idol."
"Wow, we are going there, guys. We are just whacking with the first question." – Joakim
The viral TikTok clip brought back memories of the scrutiny Gomez endured following his time on "Singapore Idol." He recalled receiving hate from people both online and in person, including an incident where someone threw a bottle at him while he walked down Orchard Road. Reflecting on the experience, Gomez pondered how he might have fared if social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram had been prevalent during his stint on the show.
"That was back then, and I always wonder, 'Would I have survived Singapore Idol if TikTok or Instagram were a thing back then', maybe not." – Joakim
Despite these challenges, Gomez acknowledges the positive feedback he has received from audiences who recognize his growth and success as a radio DJ.
"Thankfully, maybe 65 per cent of the comments went, 'Okay, this guy grew up, he found his niche and now he's a very good host'," – Joakim
Gomez emphasizes that he has reconciled with his past and is open to sharing his journey with those genuinely interested.
"I've done the work, made my peace, and I'm always open to sharing my journey with anyone who genuinely wants to know about it" – Joakim
Nevertheless, he is ready to move forward and focus on new aspects of his career.
"I feel it's time to bring the 'Singapore Idol' narrative to a close in public interviews, particularly those recorded or repurposed for social media" – Joakim
Gomez remains mindful of not oversaturating the public with repeated stories from his past.
"I'm mindful of not oversaturating the public with the same story" – Joakim
He hopes that his audience will recognize the improvements he has made in both his image and personal development.
"Now that I've improved my image, improved myself, and I had to pivot and do a change on what I want to show people, I hope that they see that as well" – Joakim
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