Bonnie - yes it is tough to get award seats "upfront" on Singapore but it is possible - currently I have 2 award itineraries in First to Bangkok. 80k miles is quite a way from even a Business award though - I believe you're 45k miles away (even if you bought the miles - $1,350). What you can do though (at least I've done it a few years ago for a Lufthansa award) is to ask for them to check availability then just buy the miles right on the spot if there is availability.

Hurry though, there is only one flight from the west coast (SQ 11 / 12 from LA) and one from the east coast (from JFK via Frankfurt) that Singapore will release Business / First awards on since its still on the 747 equipment (they won't release award space on the 777 (77w) or the new A380 - but if they change the equipment once you are ticketed - they'll honor the award).