SHE was the target of criticism when she backed out of Singapore Idol two years ago.

Then, viewers of the popular talent contest called Meryl Joan Lee ugly and said she lacked talent.

Even though she stood a chance of getting into the Top 12, she doesn't regret dropping out.

These days, the 19-year-old National University of Singapore Business School student is busy behind the limelight.

Ironically, she's organising a talent show.

She is the project director of Stardust 2008, a singing competition organised by the NUS Business Schools' Commerce Students Business Club (Bizad) and the NUS Students' Union (NUSSU) Public Relations Unit.

The competition, now in its 18th year, will hold its finals on 16 May. It drew 150 soloists and 55 bands, competing for about $10,000 worth in cash and prizes.

While Meryl's new role is less glamourous than being on TV for Idol, it is working with the 25-member strong team on Stardust 2008 that she relishes.

She said: 'While music is still my passion, I like working with people. Singapore Idol felt lonely even though the contestants were friends, as it was still a competition.

'Now, I've learnt more about the technical side, how you can make better use of equipment to show off your voice.'

So why did she quit the show, which saw Hady Mirza eventually take the title?

Then, it was reported that she had dropped out to concentrate on her studies as the competition was only three months before her A levels.

But Meryl said that apart from her studies, she felt that she wasn't ready for stardom.

At that time, she had only been singing for two years, mostly in karaoke sessions.

She said: 'I was ignorant and not exposed to different types of music.

'I felt there were so many people who were much more deserving. I felt that I wasn't quite there yet and it wasn't the time for me.'

It didn't help that she got bashed in online Idol columns with some viewers even calling her ugly and not talented.

Still, she learnt a lot from the experience. 'Singapore Idol was my starting point because that was where I met people who were very established, who had been singing for five, six years.'

Now, Meryl's typical 15-hour day involves securing sponsorship deals, doing publicity for the competition, liaising with the contestants and coordinating equipment rental for Stardust 2008.

Does she miss the stage? She said: 'I don't have to sing on stage, but I have to continue singing, it will always be my life.'

Meryl is a member of funk jazz band Blackbird and the NUS Jazz Band.

She aspires to do greater things for the local arts scene by being involved in policy making at the National Arts Council.

To that end, she plans to do a masters in public policy at NUS.

She said: 'My aim is to help musicians get more funding, support and scholarships to study music.'

This article was first published in The New Paper on Apr 21, 2008.