Star Search is back after a nine-year hiatus, and it's back with a bang. Over 1,200 hopefuls auditioned, but only 24 have made it to the semi-finals.

These 12 men and 12 ladies will spend the next three months under the watchful eye of their celeb mentors, Chen Hanwei, Christopher Lee and Huang Biren, and hone their craft before the semi-finals, which will air live on Oct 6.

Among the finalists are is a former Miss Chinese Toronto contestant, a primary school teacher from Macau who was scouted by Vivian Lai while she was on holiday in Singapore (true story), and a theatre actor hoping to make his transition to the small screen.

When the 12 men and 12 ladies finally took the stage in groups of four, we were struck by how polished they were – not that it’s a bad thing. We suddenly felt like we were looking at contestants for Singapore’s Next Top Model, rather than an acting competition. It didn’t help that each person probably had about all of two minutes on stage, and all they could do was smile, wave and occasionally make cutesy finger hearts. We're told that the Top 24 are gearing up for the next round of eliminations in October, and media training is probably not the first thing on their to-do lists – at least for now.

In the next three months, the Top 24 will be taken under the wing of the mentors: Chen Hanwei, Christopher Lee and Huang Biren. So we didn't get to hear from the newbies, but the trio of mentors certainly had plenty of wise words to share.

Christopher emphasised the importance of being an all-rounder. “You might be a good actor, or you might be good at being a celebrity, but you need to work extra hard to be good at both, which will help you remain in the business for a long time,” he shared.

Biren, who is celebrating three decades in showbiz this year, added: “How you look might be important, but you must be willing to learn and have a good attitude if you want to go far. It’s hard work and perseverance that matters in the end.”

Hanwei packed his advice into a short but powerful statement. “Talent is what you’re born with, but you’re the only one who can control what happens to you tomorrow.”

The top prize consists of an Audi Q2 car and a Mediacorp contract. A Samsung Galaxy: Breakthrough Talent award will also be given out for the contestant “who showcases the personality and traits in defying what they can achieve", said Eugene Goh, President, Samsung Electronics Singapore.

Without further ado, here’s your first look at the Star Search 2019's Top 24.

Many people have suggested for me to look for a normal full-time job, but I want to try for what I want. It is a recognition for me to get into the Top 24 – I believe that with the right attitude, I’ll be able to improve and learn more.

“Youth comes but once in a lifetime – if I don’t try now, life will soon pass me by. So I’ve decided not to think so much, and just go for it!

This is a brand-new experience which will allow me to take a step closer to my dreams. I’ve always just dreamed, and never expected that one day, I will actually be embarking on fulfilling them – I’m nervous, but definitely looking forward to the competition.

Joining Star Search is a great opportunity for me to work with, and learn from, industry professionals. I will make full use of this chance and do my best.

This is a great opportunity for me to grow and learn, and find out if I’m ready. I will try to become a “sponge” to absorb all the learning experiences.

This is the best birthday present for me this year. After waiting for 9 years where I’ve taken part in many other competitions, I’ve finally found the right platform – one that which appreciates me and where I can push myself to see how far I can go for my dreams.

Getting into the Top 24 is very significant and a rare opportunity, so I’m both excited and happy. While I’m unsure of the challenges I’ll be facing, I will try my best to make my family, especially my grandfather, and friends proud.

This is a surprising chance for me, and also a huge honour. I’ve always been working behind-the-scenes and while it is a little difficult for me to now have to appear onstage in public, this is something I’ve always wanted to try. I am thankful for this chance and will show the best of myself to the audiences.

I am very thankful for the chance to be part of the Top 24. Even though I was a little uneasy during the auditions, I’m glad to have made it so far – this isn’t something that anyone can do, and I feel this is a turning point in my life. Now that the chance is here, I won’t let it go so easily and will do my best.

To me, this is an opportunity and also a challenge. I am a little nervous as everything is a brand new experience for me – from learning new performances to dancing to singing. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’ll live and enjoy the moment, and show the best of myself.

​​​​​​​People have commented that I wouldn’t be able to do it, but I tried and making it so far is a hard-to-come-by opportunity. Now that I have made it into the Top 24, I will try my very best.

I feel very blessed and am very thankful for the chance to join Star Search 2019. Not everyone will get this chance and now that I have, I will definitely try my best and not let this opportunity slip by.

I feel like I have a very huge responsibility now, but at the same time, also very honoured and excited. I will do my best.

I’m very thankful and hope to use this chance to learn more, be happy and live in the moment.

I feel this is a rare opportunity that will also allow me to become an artiste – I will seize this chance.

It is an honour for me to be selected. It has always been my dream to be an actor, so getting into the Top 24 is almost like a dream come true.

Getting into the Top 24 is a recognition for me, and also the chance that I’ve been waiting for – for me to showcase my talents and get the nod of approval from others. I will grab any opportunity to interact with the audiences and show the best of myself so that more people will come to know me.

When I found out that I was among the Top 24, I was both surprised and honoured. I will make use of this opportunity and try my best.

I’m happy to join Star Search. While I did not expect to make it into the Top 24, I will do my best.

Honoured. I’m surprised I got so far (in this competition), but I’ll definitely try my best.

I’m very happy, and feel very honoured to be part of the Top 24. I will do my best to improve myself throughout this competition.

This is a very different and new experience, and I’ve just taken a huge step towards fulfilling my dream of becoming an actor.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I will do my best.

I’m very happy and also very excited to learn how to act. This is a chance for me to fulfil my dreams.

Star Search 2019 semi-finals will air live on Oct 6 and 13, 8pm. Star Search 2019 grand finals will air live on Nov 3, 7.30pm. Both the semi-finals and grand finals will air simultaneously on Toggle and Ch 8.

More info at the Star Search 2019 microsite. Watch the Star Search Collection on Toggle.