IMPACT ARENA, MUANG THONGTANI – Over 3 months of 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week scrutiny, grueling practice sessions, and weekly heart-pumping performances, came to a climactic end last night as Wells’ very own Nattawat “Ton” Deewongkij (ณัฐวัตร “ต้น” ดีวงกิจ) sang his heart out to a roaring audience at Muang Thongtani’s Impact Arena. His performances, as well as his kind-hearted, caring demeanor showcased on the around-the-clock reality TV show, earned him the love and admiration of fans across the country, whose votes propelled him all the way to the top … almost.

As the final performer out of the six remaining finalists, Ton sat for two hours before wooing the crowd with two contrasting performances: a Thai ballad “กล้าพอไหม” by Potato, followed by Ton’s favorite English song “It’s My Life,” originally performed by the American rock group Bon Jovi. Then, after the 3^rd to 6^th Place performers were named, Ton, excited, but emotionally exhausted, strolled up the catwalk alongside fellow finalist, and eventual winner, Por (อรรณพ “ปอ” ทองบริสุทธิ์) for the final announcement.

Aside from a number of cash and merchandise prizes (including a brand new Toyota Camry), Ton receives a lucrative 5-year contract as a recording/film artist, print model and spokesperson for True Corporation, the main sponsor of the Academy Fantasia entertainment franchise.

Among those in the audience were three busloads of Wells students and staff members, including several that had made the weekly trips to the AF7 concerts ever since Ton entered the competition in July, as well as fellow teen pop star and Wells student Darling of the group Sugar Eyes. Though visibly disappointed that Ton couldn’t accumulate enough votes to earn him the top prize, all were happy that he was able to even make it this far.

The AF7 finalists will be kicking off a cross-country tour beginning with a concert on October 30  in Bangkok, followed by performances in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Chiang Mai.

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One month ago, Ton passed the initial hurdles to be named to the top 100 hopefuls. Two weeks ago, after living in the AF House under 24-hour surveillance, Ton made it through two more rounds, into the top 50 and down to the top 25, before being knocked off at the very end. This past Saturday night, at the first concert featuring the AF7 finalists, it was announced that a replacement would be joining the AF House the very next day. Then, a visibly excited Ton made his grand entrance on TV at 9:35pm Sunday evening, with hugs from the other eleven AF7 finalists welcoming him.

Following a week of training, viewable 24-hours-a-day on True Channel 60, Ton will perform in his first AF concert Saturday evening, July 24, televised on True Channel 7 live from Muang Thon Thani’s Thunderdome. Fans around the country will then have the opportunity to vote via SMS for their favorite AF7 finalist.

On behalf of the entire �ۿ۴�ý community, we would like to congratulate Ton for representing us well. We encourage everyone to tune in this Saturday and, if so inclined, show support for our very own superstar by texting in your votes for lucky #13. Additionally, feel free to upload pictures, comments and videos on Ton’s to increase his “Fan Power” and show him the support of the Wells community.

Once again, CONGRATULATIONS TON – WE’RE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU!!!

Photos courtesy of True Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.

The post Wells Alum Ton is AF7 Finalist #13! first appeared on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

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