The talented dozen

While only three of eight champions are in AF Megastar’s top 12, they face powerhouses who did not win, writes Dennis Chua

Indah Ruhaila

Hussein

The top 12 contestants capabilities and fan base.

“I’m glad judging plays a bigger role than voting. It’s the way forward!”

Syamel, 23, from Kuala Lumpur, says he is not taking chances despite being one of the more popular singers. “It’s not the time to take things easy. I’m going to work extra hard and try my best to whip up something different.”

Indah, 30, wants to measure her singing abilities with the cream of the crop.

“I had hoped big names as Akim Ahmad

Syamel Fodzly is not taking chances despite being one of the more popular

singers. to join. Unfortunately, they were not available. All is not lost, though, as my competitors are forces to be reckoned with!”

Meanwhile, Ramli wants each contestant to step up and perform songs that are different from their usual repertoire. “We want them to take the contest seriously, as a means to improve themselves as professional singers.”

Syafinaz says the judges do not merely take weekly performances into consideration but also the contestants’ capabilities.

“We’ve seen them during their days as students, and performances outside the show — all this counts when we grade them.”

Ziana thinks all of the contestants are gifted but they must know how to make full use of their talents and aim higher as professionals.

POWER

Astro Ria channel manager Emarina Mohd Kamal says the stronger emphasis on talent is evident from the first two weekly concerts.

“We gave the judges power to award marks to each contestant, and the end result shows,” she says.

“However, SMS is an tradition and therefore, from weeks 3 to 8, we give fans the power of determining the winner, even if it is 40 per cent.”

She reveals that beginning Sunday, one or two contestants with the lowest marks will be eliminated. “The eighth and final concert is likely to see five finalists, and the wildcard process AF Masuk will not be activated.”

The top winner takes home RM100,000. Astro will also award cash prizes to runners-up.

is live on Astro Ria (104) and Ria HD (123) at 9pm on Sundays. Broadcast from the Royal Theatre in Shah Alam, it is hosted by Datuk Aznil Nawawi.