This text provides a historical overview of the Talentime competition in Singapore, which was a popular talent show that launched the musical careers of many Singaporeans. The show began in 1949 as a radio competition and later transitioned to television. It gave aspiring singers and bands a chance to gain visibility and kick-start their careers. Talentime was a major cultural phenomenon, with audiences eagerly tuning in to watch and even causing traffic to come to a halt. The show relied on audience participation and later on judges to determine the winners. The launch of television emphasized spectacle, with singers needing to impress not only with their musical performances but also with their visual presentation. The government's policies and interventions influenced the types of music that were deemed acceptable for Talentime. The text also discusses the evolution of Talentime over the years, including its dissolution in 1980 and its revival as Singapore Idol in 2004. It acknowledges the impact of reality television shows like Pop Idol and American Idol on the decline of Talentime. Notable contestants and winners, such as Johnny Tan and T.F. Tan, who achieved varying levels of success in the music industry, are also highlighted. [Extracted from the article]