Fans of UBC's popular talent show, "Academy Fantasia", packed the Impact Arena at Muang Thong Thani last week as the 23 contestants of the two seasons gathered onstage for a "Battle of Dreams".

The "AF" stars sparred onstage with English and Thai hits and had the audience screaming for more.

The concert started with the "AF2" gang's rendition of "Ru Mai Wa Krai Yai" ("Do You Know Who is Big Here?"), as the "AF1" team got back at them with "Krai Mai Keaw Kaw Toi Pai" ("Back Off!"). The two groups then did "Cheu Chan" ("Believe Me") together, which served to feed fire to the feud.

The first season's winner, Patcharapol "Vit" Jantieng showed style with his rapping skills that rightly won him the title, while the second season's victor Supanat "Aof" Chalermchai-jalernkit stuck to his charming Thai/Chinese boy image and sang his way through pop and traditional Thai hits.

Other "AF" singers joined Porngsak "Off" Rattanapong, a veteran of the first season, in the "Battle of Voices", which began with the hit single "Jak Khon Rak Kao" ("From an Old Love").

Tunyanon "Jeen" Mahapirun packed some powerful vocals on a cover of Endorphin's "Nam Tem Keaw" ("A Full Glass"), while Patcha Anek-Ayuwat, dressed in a sparkly white dress, gave the audience a sweet rendition of "Jao Chai Kong Chan" ("My Prince") before continuing with Mariah Carey's "Hero". Jeen joined her towards the end but earned so many cheers that Patcha started pouting.

Then came the "Battle of Chic", and interestingly enough, both Rujjana "Loogtarn" Utaiwan and Kittiluk "Jumjim" Jullaksatien were chosen as soloists. Being the weakest of the female singers, they couldn't help but squeak through their numbers. Luckily, the audience was won over by their quirky style.

Wacharin "Mam" Jinamusi, Chanetpaka "Noon" Korsuwan and Nathkamon "Nan" Korsuwan from "AF1" sounded convincing and sexy with "Can't Get You Out of My Head", which didn't deter Passana Thongbunruang, who fought back with an equally cute version of "LamBug (Big and Hunky)".

The third fight, "The Battle of Cool Guy", had fans screaming for the cutest guys in "AF2" - Pisanu "Boy" Nimsakul and Thanakrit "Wan" Panichwit.

Panupol "Joe" Eakgapetch of the boy band Plam declared that the only person who could beat him in the battle was Parnweth "Por" Saikray from "AF1", while "Mew" Nawapadol had the crowds swooning with his skills on the saxophone.

Znam Soonthorn stole the show as usual, with a pounding version of "Jeb Nid Nid" ("Hurts a Little"), while Anusara "Preaw" Wantongtak bewitched one and all for a second time with a song on the supernatural theme. Znam and Preaw, both great actresses, joined up for "I Will Survive", with Preaw giving the song an Isaan twist.  Sexy Supattarasiri "Namtan" Bhadhomnupong ("AF1") was a no-show until the song "My Humps", in which she showed a whole lot of attitude.

The "AF1" and "AF2" singers later joined together in duets and groups. Patcha sang "Something Stupid" that ended with Off kissing Patcha on the hand and later on the cheeks, making all the girls on and off the stage jealous.

They ended with the show's traditional theme "Nak La Phan" ("God Spell") and "Ruam Tang Fan" ("Together in Dream)".

Although "Academy Fantasia" may not be as popular now as when it started, there will soon be die-hard wannabes having a go at fame. So, get ready for "AF3". Auditions start later this month.

Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra

The Nation