THREE-GENRE REALITY MUSIC SHOW
TV3’s new reality competition 3 Juara features 24 contestants, comprising newcomers and winners of earlier shows, competing in three genres, writes Dennis Chua
ROCK lover Kevin Thein, 21, of Malacca is a Steve Tyler fan, who has sung Aerosmith songs in dozens of concerts with different bands over the last eight years.
Thein, who performed in London and Amsterdam for four years, besides rocking Klang Valley nightspots, is a selftaught guitarist with a passion for rock.
Competition and stardom never crossed his mind until his parents encouraged him to audition for TV3’s latest reality talent show 3 Juara.
“They told me to give it a shot. It’s time to reach a wider audience and this show offers me a good mentor in Edrie Hashim,” says Thein at the show’s Press conference, held at Swiss Garden Hotel, KualaLumpur, to introduce all 24 contestants.
Eight contestants were selected for the Rock category, guided by Edrie, while another eight were selected for the Ballad category, guided by Ajai.
The Irama Malaysia category, guided by Datuk Suhaimi Mohd Zain or Pak Ngah, also had eight contestants.
DIVERSE RANGE
Ballads contestant Salma Asis, 27, won TV3 reality talent show Mentor Season
Five in 2011 as Erra Fazira’s protege. The mother of three has had three singles out:
Seruan Jiwa, Maafkan and Jiwa Bersatu.
“I’ve decided to give 3 Juara a shot, because I feel that my musical career has been rather slow moving. Ajai is a great mentor and he knows what listeners want out of balladeers.”
Hazraniza Dollah, 28, of Limbang, Sarawak, won Bintang Asli RTM 2008.
She feels that her career has been sluggish and has decided to give it a boost, with Pak Ngah’s help. “He’s the master of irama Malaysia and 3 Juara is just the contest that I need.”
TV3 and TV9 group general manager for brand management and programming Zurina Othman says the show is to find new talents who will shine at events like Anugerah Juara Lagu, Anugerah Industri Muzik.
“Pak Ngah, Ajai and Edrie are outstanding mentors in their respective musical genres and they are capable of coaching new stars who will take local music to greater heights,” she says.
TOP THREE GENRES
The choice of genres reflects the three most popular musical genres among TV3 and TV9 viewers. Contestants will perform in weekly concerts and marks will be awarded by the mentors/producers, judges and voting viewers. The judges are Awie (Rock), Noraniza Idris (Irama Malaysia), and Datuk Rossa (Ballad).
Executive producer Muhammad Sufian Che Isa says more than 2,000 people auditioned for the show.
“It’s great that Rossa has decided to judge the ballad category. She’s been very supportive and being a regular visitor to Malaysia, she helps promote our shows among Indonesian music lovers.”
He adds: “We always believe there are many uncut gems to be discovered. 3 Juara is a useful avenue to discover the ‘musical heirs’ of music icons.”
Ajai says: “I’m looking for balladeers who have a wide vocal range. They must have good vocal control.”
“Rock singers need to be passionate about their music. We want them to sing from their heart and soul,” says Edrie.
The other rock contestants are Masturah Azhar, 25, of Batu Pahat, Nurain Ibrahim, 24, of Kota Kinabalu, Ariffuden Rafee, 22, of Johor Baru, Indra Putra Masri, 24, of Johor Baru, Arill Fesol, 18, of Kedah, Kamarui Gamari, 26, of Gombak, and Eva Maria Pisali, 23, of Kota Kinabalu.
Contestants for ballads are Shafreeza Zainal Abidin, 23, of Klang, Hady Rosli, 28, of Malacca, Faisal Manaf, 26, of Pahang, Aqeem Mohammad, 22, of Kudat, Azumi Jalaluddin, 18, of Kedah, April Sue Ann, 27, of Tuaran, and Hafizah Jalin, 24, of Kudat.
The rest of the irama Malaysia contestants are Mursalin Azzahan, 27, of Kedah, Tyka Ayob, 21, of Johor Baru, Abdul Rahman Mahadi, 25, of Rawang, Azizul Anuwar, 28, of Kluang, Nur Atikah Yousof, 18, of Johor Baru, Hidayah Halim, 25, of Bidor, and Zayani Fauzee, 20, of Penang.
Over 12 weeks, the 24 hopefuls will compete to be the best rock, ballad or irama Malaysia singers.
A grand prize of RM300,000 will be divided among the three winners.
Hosted by Mira Filzah and comedians Issey and Ammar of Titan, 3 Juara, broadcast from Seri Pentas 2, Plaza Alam Sentral, Shah Alam, began last Sunday (Oct 16). dchua@nst.com.my