Victor Says Hi To Fitri & Anding

Malaysian Idol (MI) finalist Victor Lee says "hi" to Akademi Fantasia Season 2 (AF2) finalists Fitri Zainal Abidin and Anding Zaini.

Victor thanked Fitri and Anding for their strong support during the MI concerts. He said that he shared Fitri's appreciation of Japanese singer Utada Hikaru and Anding's appreciation of George Michael.

"I love peach tea, too," he said, referring to Fitri's love of the drink.

He said that he wished Anding "Happy Gawai" (Gawai is a native cultural festival in the Malaysian state of Sarawak which is celebrated by the aboriginal Dayak people).

Victor is a hair stylist from Penang. Fitri is a fashion designer from Kuala Lumpur, while Anding from Kuching in Sarawak plans to be a film-maker.


BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION

Victor (MI) Kirim Salam Kepada Fitri (AF2) & Anding (AF2)

Finalis MI, Victor Lee, mengirim salam maju jaya kepada finalis AF2, Fitri Zainal Abidin dan Anding Zaini.

Victor mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Fitri dan Anding yang menyokongnya semasa konsert MI tahun lalu.

Katanya, seperti Fitri, dia adalah peminat penyanyi dari Jepun, Utada Hikaru.

Dan seperti Anding,. dia adalah peminat George Michael.

"Saya juga suka minum teh pic," kata Victor. Teh pic adalah minuman kesukaan Fitri.

Victor juga mengucapkan Selamat Hari Gawai kepada Anding.

Victor ialah seorang stylis rambut dari Pulau Pinang. Fitri ialah seorang pereka fesyen dari Kuala Lumpur. Anding, dari Kuching di Sarawak, mahu menjadi penerbit filem.

Dina & Sufiah Welcome AF-MI Team Up

Malaysian Idol (MI) finalists Dina Nadzir and Sufiah Mohd Noor are all for team-ups with Akademi Fantasia (AF) artistes.

Dina said that AF and MI were both popular reality shows which united Malaysians, and it would be good if their finalists got to know each other better.

MI runner-up Dina, who will be performing with AF2 champion Zahid Baharuddin at the coming Anugerah Industri Muzik (Music Industry Awards) on April 30, said that she was looking forward to teaming up with her family friend.

She said that Zahid was one of her strongest supporters amongst the AF finalists when she joined MI last year.

Sufiah said that she would love to team up with her family friend Wan Mohamad Khair Wan Azami (Kaer) of AF2.

She said that Kaer was a talented R&B singer who had a good rapport with fans, and she was attracted to his playful and friendly personality.

Kaer addresses Sufiah as Kak Opie.

Dina and Sufiah would love to see AF2 third placer Mohd Aizam (Adam) Mat Saman team up with his "kakak", Rydiana (Rydee) Abdul Rahim of MI, and MI champion Jaclyn Victor team up with her strongest supporter in AF2, Linda Nanuwil.

Other team-ups they would love to see are Kuchingites Saipul Bakeri (MI) and Nurullah (Nurul) Abdul Hamid (AF2), Edlin Abdul Rahim (AF2) and Andrew Tan (MI), and Azizi Mohamad (AF1) and Vick Teo (MI).



BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION

Dina & Sufiah Sokong Kolaborasi AF-MI

Finalis MI, Dina Nadzir dan Sufiah Mohd Noor, menyokong usaha untuk menggabungkan artis AF dan MI dalam persembahan yang sama.

Dina berkata kedua-dua MI dan AF adalah rancangan hiburan realiti yang menyatupadukan rakyat Malaysia, dan adalah wajar untuk finalis AF dan MI merapatkan hubungan yang sedia ada.

Dina, yang juga naib juara MI, akan mengadakan persembahan bersama dengan juara AF2, Zahid Baharuddin, di Anugerah Industri Muzik pada April 30.

Zahid adalah kawan keluarga Dina, dan penyokong kuat Dina semasa konsert MI.

Sufiah berkata bahawa dia ingin mengadakan persembahan bersama dengan finalis AF2, Wan Mohd Khair Wan Azami (Kaer), yang juga kawan keluarganya.

Sufiah menyifatkan Kaer seorang penyanyi R&B yang berbakat serta seorang penghibur yang mempunyai personaliti yang mesra, comel dan menarik.

Kaer amat menghormati Sufiah dan memanggilnya Kak Opie.

Dina dan Sufiah ingin melihat pemenang tempat ketiga AF2, Adam (Mohd Aizam) Mat Saman berkolaborasi dengan "kakaknya" dari MI, iaitu Rydiana (Rydee) Abdul Rahim.

Mereka juga ingin melihat juara MI, Jaclyn Victor, berkolaborasi dengan penyokongnya yang terkuat dari AF2, Linda Nanuwil, iaitu naib juara AF2.

Kolaborasi antara dua penyanyi comel dari Kuching, Saipul Bakeri (MI) dan "kakaknya" Nurullah (Nurul) Abdul Hamid (AF2) amat dialu-alukan oleh Dina dan Sufiah.

Mereka juga mahu melihat dua rakan sekolah lama iaitu Edlin Abdul Rahim (AF2) dan Andrew Tan (MI) berkolaborasi.

Gandingan dua pemenang tempat ketiga berambut coklat iaitu Azizi Mohamad (AF1) dan Vick Teo (MI) juga dialu-alukan oleh Dina dan Sufiah.

Vick & Azizi Salute Nicole & Kimberley

Nicole


Kimberley

Third placers Vick Teo and Azizi Mohamad of Malaysian Idol (MI) and Akademi Fantasia Season 1 (AF1) respectively, wish American Idol Season 1 (AI1) third placer Nicole McKibbin and Season 2 (AI2) third placer Kimberley Locke all the best in their singing careers.

Azizi said that while Nicole and Kimberley were not very popular in Malaysia, they had a strong following in the US, and were winners in their own right.

He said that he hoped they would one day visit Malaysia and meet the AF and MI singers.

Vick said that Nicole and Kimberley were both talented and worked hard for their success, and it would be good if more Malaysians got to know them.



BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION

Vick & Azizi Kirim Salam Kepada Nicole & Kimberley

Pemenang tempat ketiga AF1, Azizi Mohamad, dan pemenang tempat ketiga MI, Vick Teo, mengucapkan selamat maju jaya kepada pemenang tempat ketiga American Idol 1, Nicole McKibbin, dan pemenang tempat ketiga American Idol 2, Kimberley Locke.

Azizi berkata walaupun Nicole dan Kimberley tidak berapa popular di Malaysia, mereka berdua mempunyai ramai peminat di Amerika, dan mereka juga adalah penghibur yang berbakat.

Azizi berharap Nicole dan Kimberley dapat melawat Malaysia dan berjumpa dengan penyanyi AF dan MI.

Vick berkata Nicole dan Kimberley adalah penyanyi yang gigih berusaha serta berbakat besar. Katanya, adalah baik jikalau lebih ramai orang Malaysia dapat berkenalan dengan Nicole dan Kimberley.

Our Story - Adam & Rydee

Mohd Aizam (Adam) Mat Saman, 22, and Rydiana (Rydee) Abdul Rahim, 22 - Setting Hearts Afire In Api-Api

KOTA Kinabalu’s finalists of Akademi Fantasia Season Two (AF2) and Malaysian Idol Season 1 (MI1) both believe that pop reality shows are the best thing to have happened to local television.

They both agree that pop reality shows not only bring Malaysians together as a family, but also form a bridge between East and West Malaysians.

While their participation in AF2 and MI1 has made them household names, it has also restricted their personal freedom a little.

Nevertheless, while it is not easy for Adam and Rydee to hang out with their friends, and each other, in cafes, without being approached by fans, they take it as a price worth paying.

MI1 ninth-placed Rydee said: “Having lots of fans is a sign that Malaysians appreciate your hard work and talent.”

AF2 second runner-up Adam said: “Pop reality shows have exposed talented youngsters from East Malaysia to fans in the heart of the country. In this way, Peninsular and East Malaysians will get to know each other better.”

From their respective families’ experiences, Adam and Rydee suggest that the family unit is strengthened by the presence of reality shows.

Adam said: “Parents and children get closer together when they stay at home in the evenings to root for their favourite contestants.”

Adam said that his fascination with pop sensation KRU brought him into the music world. It was his love for talented brothers Norman, Yusry and Edry Abdul Halim, that made him set his mind on making it big in entertainment.

Adam’s success in AF2 indirectly brought him close to his idols, KRU. Adam currently performs alongside Norman, Yusry and Edry as their unofficial fourth member, when he is not singing in concerts with his fellow AF2 finalists.

He recently launched his hip-hop-oriented maiden album.

He has also dabbled in acting, and has appeared in “Cinta Fotokopi” and “Main-Main Cinta”.

The eldest of four siblings, Adam said that his journey into the entertainment world was through the process of “hits and misses”.

In 2000, he joined the talent contest “Sinaran Paspot Kegemilangan”. When he did not make it, he joined “Pop Stars” two years later.

It was there that Adam first met Rydee. Both of them did not make it to the top five, and they joined AF2 and MI1 respectively in 2004.

Adam said: “AF2 helped expose me to the entertainment world. It has been a training ground for the budding artiste that is me.

“AF2 taught me about being versatile. Before I joined AF2, I could only perform hip hop music, but the reality show exposed me to many different types of music, and helped me diversify my musical abilities.”

Rydee, the second of six siblings, said that she had always wanted to be in entertainment, and had participated in several talent contests in Kota Kinabalu, before joining MI1.

“While I did not make it to the top five, I have no regrets joining MI1. It has been a good training ground, in that the judges point out your flaws with honesty, and help you improve as an artiste,” she said, adding that she was a big fan of R&B, jazz and rock music.

Both Adam and Rydee credit their parents as their biggest fans and strongest supporters.

Adam said: “My parents have always been on my side. I could not have made it without them.”

Rydee was pursuing an engineering course in Kota Kinabalu before joining MI1. Adam was pursuing an information technology course in his hometown before he joined AF2.

Adam said that he joined AF because it emerged earlier than MI. Rydee said that she preferred MI to AF because it focused purely on singing.

On his acting stint, Adam said that while he enjoyed appearing in movies, his main priority was his singing career.

“It is good to act once in a while. I always believe one should be versatile,” he said.

Rydee said that she was in the process of launching her debut album. She would also love to host television shows.

Adam said that Rydee could have been the elder sister he never had.

He said: “We do not meet up that much, but I have great respect for “Kak”. She is very caring and supportive, besides being a great singer and a natural beauty.”

Rydee said that she was very proud of Adam’s success in AF2, and always wished him the best.

She said: "I just adore "Adik". He's fun loving and always keeps me happy. Wish we could meet up more often."

Rydee advises Adam to "be himself, not forget his fans, and stay healthy", and adds that she finds him a playful, fun-loving “adik” who is naturally handsome but “spends a little too long in front of the mirror”.

"He takes great care to look smart and presentable. We may have our peculiarities, but I love him as my own kid brother," she said.

Adam and Rydee are not merely united by their common hometown, but by their “truly Sabahan” ancestry.

They are of mixed Kadazan-Dusun, Chinese and Bruneian ancestry. Adam also has Bajau and Iban roots.

This perhaps explains their good looks and why they set many hearts afire in Api-Api (another name for Kota Kinabalu).

They both believe that they have family ties in the not-too-distant past.

Adam and Rydee have given full support for Norashikin (Ekin) Abdul Rahman and Azam Yakob, their favourite Sabahans in Akademi Fantasia 3 (AF3) and Malaysian Idol 2 (MI2) respectively.

Our Story - Nurul & Saiful

Nurullah (Nurul) Abdul Hamid, 23 and Saiful Bakeri, 19 - Cute And Sweet From Cat City

SAIFUL Bakeri, or Saiful in short, always wanted to be an entertainer, and his parents have always supported his quest.

Entertainment is indeed in his blood. His father, Bakeri Ainie, was a one-time Bintang RTM finalist.

The second of five siblings, Saiful honed his singing skills in several talent contests in his hometown, Kuching, over the last two years.

He also entered TV3’s Sinaran Paspot Kegemilangan in 2001, but was eliminated.

He eventually auditioned for Malaysian Idol, and emerged fifth in its inaugural season last year.

Saiful is now a Sony-BMG Entertainment artiste and has just launched an album.

He is a big fan of ethnic Malay pop and counts as his favourite artistes the late Sudirman Arshad, M. Nasir, Yassin Sulaiman and Misha Omar.

“I have always had the urge to join the entertainment world. Entertaining just comes naturally for me,” he said.

“In a way, I am following my father’s footsteps, and he is always proud of this.”

Saiful said he chose to join Malaysian Idol1 (MI1) because it focused purely on the singers’ efforts in each weekly concert.

However, he also auditioned for Akademi Fantasia Season Two (AF2), but was rejected.

“Nevertheless, I am very impressed by AF’s performers especially Nurul (Nurullah Abdul Hamid) and Farah (Anuar),” he said.

“They are great singers and have lots of potential.”

Nurul, a family friend, has a special place in Saiful’s heart. He likens her to the elder sister he never had.

Saiful describes Nurul as a loving and caring “kakak” who always encourages him to be himself, be courageous and to do his best in everything.

“Kak Nurul supported me all the way in MI. We have known each other through our participation in talent contests in Kuching over the last few years,” he said, adding that they joined Sinaran Paspot Kegemilangan in the same year.

Coincidentally, Saiful has two younger sisters called Nurul, namely Nurul Syawaliana and Nurul Almira. Nurul has an elder cousin called Saiful.

Saiful thinks that Farah, who is Nurul’s best friend in AF Season Two (AF2), will emerge as one of Malaysia’s best pop stars, if she maintains the consistency she displayed in AF2.

Saiful firmly believes that pop reality shows foster national unity.

He said that as an East Malaysian, he never expected to become a household name, and MI1 was the single event that changed his life.

“MI and AF give exposure to budding entertainers from around Malaysia. We socialise like brothers and sisters, and we begin to act and think more Malaysian,” he said.

While he has gained instant fame through MI1, Saiful believes that fame has a price.

“Many Malaysians easily recognise me, especially those in Sarawak. However, on the downside, it is increasingly difficult to enjoy a meal with friends at cafes and roadside stalls, without attracting my fans.”

Saiful is also aware that there are fanatical supporters of other MI contestants, who dislike him and call him names.

“Thank God Kak Nurul is around Kuala Lumpur to “protect” me from these folks,” he said jokingly.

“I am glad that she joined AF2. It is good to have a “kakak” in the reality show industry to guide me.”

Saiful was recently advised by his staunch fan and "favourite beauty", AF Season One (AF1) contestant and budding actress Suriati (Atie) Abu Bakar to “stay on the middle path” and to "always smile" in coping with fame.

Atie’s advice meant that budding entertainers should maintain moderation in everything, to avoid getting carried away by their new-found fame.

“I fully agree that moderation in life keeps an entertainer’s feet on the ground.”

Nurul’s journey into the entertainment world almost mirrors that of Saiful.

“I’ve always wanted to join the entertainment world, and my parents always gave their blessings,” she said.

Nurul is the eldest of six siblings. She is a big fan of Fauziah Latiff, Sudirman and Ziana Zain, and shares Saiful’s love of ethnic Malay pop music.

She describes AF2 as an “orientation” course which prepared her for the challenges of the entertainment industry.

“Akademi Fantasia was a training ground for me to enter the world of entertainment. I greatly appreciate the lessons my instructors taught me.”

Nurul agrees with Saiful that fame is a challenge which all artistes must learn to master.

“Fame can make or break you. The best way to cope with it, is to be yourself and maintain moderation in your life,” she said.

She believes that as an artiste, it is better to talk less and allow one’s music to explain itself.

“Everything comes with a price tag. Stardom is no exception. While I feel a loss of personal freedom as an entertainer, I am slowly coming to terms with it,” she said.

Nurul is currently pursuing a business management course in Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, Kuching.

She has also hosted a children's television programme on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).

Nurul thinks that pop reality shows are a positive phenomenon in Malaysian popular culture.

“They are a unifying influence that bonds Malaysians from East and West together, and they also bring parents and children closer together,” she said.

She describes Saiful as a role model for young Sarawakians because of his courage in fending off MI judge Roslan Aziz’s cheeky remarks with a sweet smile, and his positive reaction to the harsh criticisms of fellow judge Paul Moss.

“Saiful is very brave and strong inside. I have great admiration for my “brave little brother”, and I am 100 per cent behind him,” she said, adding that she was attracted to his handsome looks and “comel” personality, and also found him very "huggable".

Saiful and Nurul have nothing but glowing praise for their juniors in AF3 and MI2. They are especially fond of AF3's Amylea Azizan and Amy Azlan (their old friend), and MI2's Adam Alli Kawi.

Our Story - Sufiah, Nana & Kaer

Sufiah Mohd Noor, 27, Nurul Hana (Nana) Che Mahazan, 22, and Wan Mohd Khair (Kaer) Wan Azami, 20 - Sushi Is The Word

AKADEMI Fantasia Season One’s (AF1) seventh-placed Nana, Akademi Fantasia Season Two’s (AF2) sixth-placed Kaer and Malaysian Idol Season One’s (MI1) 11th-placed Sufiah share more in common than their participation in pop reality shows.

The trio are also great fans of the colour black, and of Japanese food.

Sufiah and Kaer are family friends, likewise with Nana and Kaer. Sufiah admires Nana’s determination to make it big as a DJ, and Nana looks forward to playing Sufiah’s hit songs on her radio station, Era.FM.

While the trio did not make it to the top five of AF1, AF2 and MI1, they are nevertheless household names, because of their looks, charisma and sweet personalities.

Sufiah said: “Since MI1 ended, I have been busy performing at corporate shows. I’ve come to realise that I have far more supporters than I thought.”

Nana, who became a DJ with Era.FM after AF1 concluded, fully agrees.

Her own nomination for Most Popular Radio Presenter at Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2004 clearly showed the magnitude of her supporters.

Sufiah is in the process of coming up with her debut album, a jazz-oriented one produced by composer Aubrey Suwito (of “Gemilang” fame) and co-produced by 8TV chief operating officer Ahmad Izham Omar.

“I’m very much into jazz. It’s best to have an album that is from the heart,” she said, adding that she was a fan of Ella Fitzgerald and Diana Krall.

The fourth of five siblings, Sufiah had always been the “entertainer” of her family.

The Petaling Jaya-born graduate of the International College Of Music (ICOM) credits her family for supporting her 100 per cent in her singing career, and encouraging her to join MI1.

She also credits the producers of MI, and 8TV, for introducing the reality show to Malaysians.

“MI has made my dreams come true. I’ve always wanted to be in entertainment,” she said.

“The show has not only helped the music industry, but has also brought unity amongst Malaysians, especially youths.”

The second of four siblings, Nana said that she had been exposed to music at a young age because her father managed a police band.

Prior to joining AF1, Nana was pursuing an information technology course at a private college in her hometown, Muar.

She describes AF1 as her first serious singing contest, and she is very happy to have been part of the AF experience.

Nana said: “AF1 taught me to be brave, and to value time by making the most of my three months in the academy.

“I had my ups and downs in the academy. But the strong support of my “siblings” saw me through my times of self-doubt.”

She said that AF1 taught her not to be camera-shy and that her current job as a DJ put into practice the inter-personal skills she learnt in AF1.

Nana has also dabbled in acting. She recently appeared in the Rosyam Nor film “Gangster”.

Kaer describes AF2 as his first singing contest.

The second of four siblings, Petaling Jaya-born Kaer is pursuing an architecture course at a private college in his hometown.

Both his parents are architects, and he runs an interior decorations company with his mother.

Kaer said that he was exposed to jazz, soul and R&B music at a young age.

“AF2 broadened my horizons. It exposed me to other types of music, and helped train me as an artiste,” he said.

He said that not unlike Nana, he had his ups and downs in AF2. But his “siblings” were always there for him when he found the going tough.

He said that Sufiah was his favourite MI singer not only because she was his family friend, but she also had a great voice and is very beautiful.

“I would love to team up with Kak Opie, if I had the chance,” he said.

Nana said that she admired Kaer’s fighting spirit, evident when he performed “Mentera Semerah Padi” R&B style during one AF2 concert.

Nana and Kaer get along well like “kakak” and “adik” because of their sensitive and caring personalities. Nana readily hears out Kaer’s worries and fears, and guides him along the path of stardom.

Nana describes Kaer as “very knowledgeable” while Kaer describes Nana as a “pillar of strength”.

As for how fame has changed their lives, Kaer said that he was taking things a step at a time.

He said: “Every cloud has a silver lining. This loss of freedom, in a positive sense, is a sign of society’s recognition for my hard work in AF2.”

Nana and Sufiah fully agree with their “adik”.

The trio feel their juniors in AF3 and MI2 are nothing short of "amazing".

They are especially fond of AF3's Akma Abdullah, Idayu Yaakob and Nik Aidil Nik Zamri (Sufiah's college mate) and MI2's Nita Hamzah, Farah Asyikin Zulkifli (Sufiah's school mate) and Tengku Zaharah Tengku Zaimi Azlan.

Our Story - Edlin & Andrew

Edlin Abdul Rahim, 22, and Andrew Tan Khin Huat, 21 - School Mates From Melawati

SHE was the first to exit Akademi Fantasia Season Two (AF2), while he made it to the fourth place in Malaysian Idol Season One (MI1).

Edlin hardly sees herself as a loser, because as soon as AF2 was over, she found that she had far more fans than she thought of.

When MI1 came, great news followed. Edlin’s old school mate, Andrew, from Sekolah Menengah Taman Melawati, made it to the top five of MI1, and gave her every reason to celebrate.

Edlin said: “Andrew’s win is a win for Melawati. While we hardly meet, I’ve always supported him in MI1, as a school mate.”

She describes him as a gentleman, who is humble and friendly, though a little shy.

She said that she admired his courage in branching out of Gospel music and singing Malay pop songs such as Man Bai’s “Kau Ilhamku”.

“I loved that performance. He was not too well, yet he sang it from the heart,” she said, adding that her fellow AF singers Zarina Zainoordin (of the film "Cinta Fotokopi"), Liza Ismail (of Astro's "Roda Impian" game show) and Nija Tahar were also impressed with Andrew.

Both Edlin and Andrew are first-timers in singing contests.

They are also determined to complete their studies - Andrew is pursuing a computer science course in Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman while Edlin is pursuing a hotel and catering management course in Melbourne, Australia.

The elder of two siblings, Edlin said that AF2 trained her to be confident on stage and on television.

“It helped me better my singing skills, communicate better with others, and of course, meet new friends. It was one enjoyable ride, and I have no regrets being part of the AF experience,” she said.

Edlin said that her parents and younger sister always gave her 100 per cent support when she chose to join the entertainment world.

“My parents have always been there for me. They encourage me to do my best in everything,” she said, adding that they have advised her to be herself and to be nice to others, in order to cope with the pressures of stardom.

“Pop reality shows are the best thing that happened to Malaysian television. They help nurture Bangsa Malaysia. I’m all for AF’s and MI’s continuity,” she said.

Andrew, the second of three siblings, said that he joined MI1 because he enjoyed singing, and wanted to be more versatile.

“I’ve been performing Christian Gospel songs with my band for some time. My family encouraged me to give MI1 a try,” he said, adding that he thanked the producers of MI for making the show a success and a catalyst for national unity.

Edlin hopes Andrew and his elder sister Michelle, who is also a Gospel singer, can meet up with her, for she would love to karaoke with him for old school mates’ sake.

“He did some Ronan Keating numbers while I did a LeAnn Rimes number. Ronan and LeAnn have done a duet, so I guess it’s time for the Andrew-Edlin version of the song.”

Our Story - Burn & Mas

Rueben (Burn) Thevandran, 23, and Asma (Mas) Ghani, 24 - Of Mother's Love And The Aussie Connection

WHILE Burn and Mas failed to make it to the top five of Akademi Fantasia Season One (AF1) and Akademi Fantasia Season Two (AF2) respectively, they have endeared themselves to many Malaysians, because of their friendly personalities and interesting histories.

Burn and his elder sister Sharmila, 28, were both raised by their mother, Joyce John, a single parent. Mas herself is a single parent to Fadzillah and Fadhil Mohamad, aged seven and five respectively.

The AF duo also have an Australian connection. Burn’s family friend is Australian Idol Guy Sebastian, while Mas’ grandparents hail from the Cocos Islands in northern Australia.

Mas describes Burn as a knowledgeable friend who, together with Sharmila, has helped her speak better English.

Sharmila is the manager of Burn and Mas, and several other AF singers.

Burn describes Mas as caring and compassionate, and he recently dedicated his song “Kasih Ibu” to all single mothers, including his mother, and Mas.

Burn, who holds a diploma in broadcasting from Akademi TV3, and who is currently a DJ with X-Fresh FM, said that he first started singing when he was 13.

“I have always loved music, and that is why, my mother and sister encouraged me to join AF1,” he said.

He said that AF1 changed his life by making him appreciate Malay music better. It also made him meet new friends, and know about his country and people better.

“I am all for pop reality shows. They are instruments of national unity, not unlike major sporting events,” he said.

He said that while he felt a loss of freedom after “graduating” from AF1, he realises that this is the price one has to pay to become an entertainer.

“In the entertainment world, you cannot help being noticed by your fans. There is no hard and fast way to cope with this, but to be yourself and maintain moderation in life.”

He said that his friends in the entertainment world gave him useful advice on coping with fame. Likewise with the teachers of AF1, especially principal Freddie Fernandez.

Mas, who hails from Tawau, is the youngest of satay seller Ghani Gibbie’s six children.

She said that she never thought of joining the entertainment world, until she was 13.

“I love listening to music, and learnt to sing along the way,” she said.

“My parents and siblings encouraged me to join AF2, and I decided to give it a try.”

Mas admits that she still has a long way to go in music, but she is determined to improve her singing skills.

She is not bothered by the moniker “Female William Hung” which some of her detractors labelled her during AF2.

“At times, I found the going very tough in AF2. There were many students who were better than me. But I tried my best,” she said.

Mas said that her sweetest experience in AF2 was socialising with her fellow students. “We were all like one big Malaysian family,” she said.

“The greatest thing about AF1 and AF2 is, you get to meet different people, who broaden your horizons and educate you about life.”

Mas has dabbled in acting. She has starred in television drama “Haryati.” She also plans to be a television host.

Both Mas and Burn support Malaysian Idol (MI), too. They are ardent fans of Jaclyn (Jac) Victor.

In fact, Mas was the first of the AF singers to congratulate Jac after she won MI1.

They are also ardent fans of American Idol’s third season winner Fantasia Barrino.

Burn said: “Both Jac and Fantasia are a class above the others in their respective competitions. The music world is better, because of them.”

Of their juniors in AF3 and MI2, the duo have great respect for AF3's Felix Agus and Yazer Yusof (Mas' school mate), and MI2's Trish De Cruz and Atilia Sarani, Burn's family friend.

Our Story - Zahid, Khai & Dina

Ahmad Zahid Baharuddin, 25, Khairul Nizam (Khai) Mohd Wahi, 26 and Faradina (Dina) Mohd Nadzir, 20 - We Love American Idols

HAD Khai and Zahid not followed their hearts, and not joined Akademi Fantasia Seasons One (AF1) and Two (AF2) respectively, they would have remained in obscurity as a bank clerk and a computer software engineer, respectively.

Fortunately, they decided to make full use of their musical talents, and they emerged winners in AF. Khai became AF1’s runner-up while Zahid became AF2’s champion.

Khai, the second of four siblings from Johor Baru, said that entertaining was “in his blood”. His father, a civil servant, is a part-time singer, and likewise with his brothers.

However, Khai was the first member of his family to audition for a pop reality show and make it big.

He said: “AF was the very event that changed my life and made my dreams come true. I had always wanted to be in entertainment since I was a kid.”

As soon as AF1 was launched, Khai auditioned for it. He worked in a bank after completing his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.

Kuala Lumpur-born Zahid, the third of four siblings, also comes from a family of singers. He and his sisters had been regular participants in singing contests and he was also a member of his school’s “nasyid” group.

While in secondary school, Zahid even formed his own band. He later performed hip hop, R&B and rock music with various bands in restaurants and clubs in Kuching and the Klang Valley.

He said that while he always wanted to be in entertainment, he initially hesitated to join AF2 because he feared a loss of privacy. However, his parents and siblings gave him their full support to join the reality show.

“Once I made my decision, I decided to give AF2 my 100 per cent,” he said, adding that he aimed to be in the top five of AF2.

Khai credits AF1 with helping him overcome his shyness on stage, and exposing him to different types of music.

He credits its first principal Freddie Fernandez as an “excellent guide” who helped him on his journey to stardom.

Zahid agrees, substituting the name of Fernandez with AF2 principal Ramli M. S.

Khai said that becoming a star had a price, a slight loss of personal freedom.

“When I first left AF, I did encounter a lot of discomfort when I was socialising in public. People just came up to me to say “hi”,” he said.

“But with a little guidance from my instructors, and my parents, I soon learnt how to deal with my fans.”

Zahid said: “Dealing with the public was initially difficult, but I am learning to cope with it. What I believe is, if I do not do anything that hurts others, things will work out right for me.”

Khai and Zahid think reality shows are a good instrument in fostering national unity because they bring together Malaysians from all States.

Zahid said: “Families also become closer because they watch their favourite singers perform in the weekly reality show concerts.”

Khai believes that while reality shows are the best thing to have arrived on our shores, it is better to have them every two years instead of annually.

Both Khai and Zahid have just come up with their maiden albums.

Khai has also been dabbling in acting. He has starred in “Potret Mistik”, “Sembilu 2005” and “Cinta Fotokopi”.

Khai said that he enjoys contemporary pop, R&B and jazz. Zahid enjoys contemporary pop, rock, R&B and hip hop.

They both have a favourite American Idol (AI) in season three’s Filipino-American third-placer Jasmine Trias. However, Zahid equally admires Ruben Studdard, season two’s champion, who is Dina’s favourite AI singer.

Their favourite Malaysian Idol (MI) is Season One's runner-up Dina. She is Zahid’s family friend, while Khai and Dina both hail from Johor Baru.

Khai said: “As a JB resident, I’m very proud of Dina. She has a lot of potential to be a great singer.”

Zahid said: “She has a great voice and sweet personality. I wish her all the best in her studies and singing career. I’d love to duet with her, too.”

Dina, the second of four siblings, sang her first song four years ago. It was the Jordan Hill hit song “Remember Me This Way”.

She said that she had participated in several singing contests in her hometown, but MI was her first major contest.

“I really enjoyed myself in MI1. We socialised like one big, happy Malaysian family,” she said, adding that she auditioned for AF2 but was unsuccessful.

Dina is pursuing a performing arts course in Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM), Shah Alam. She has also launched her debut album.

Dina is a fan of contemporary pop, hip hop and R&B, and counts Misha Omar, a Zahid and Khai favourite, as one of her favourite Malaysian singers.

Of their juniors in AF3 and MI2, the trio adore AF3's Asmawi Ani and Elliza Razak and MI2's Daniel Lee.

Our Story - Jac, Vince & Linda

Jaclyn (Jac) Victor, 27, Vincent (Vince) Chong Ying-Cern, 26, and Norlinda (Linda) Nanuwil, 21 - A Very Malaysian Victory

KUALA LUMPUR “kids” Jac and Vince created Malaysian history by emerging as the champions of the first seasons of Malaysian Idol (MI) and Akademi Fantasia (AF) respectively.

Their victories dispelled fears of race-based voting, and serve as evidence that Malaysians have matured as a nation and increasingly “think Malaysian”.

One person who believes so is Linda, Akademi Fantasia Season Two’s (AF2) runner-up.

She is one of the strongest supporters of Jac and Vince amongst pop reality show winners.

Linda affectionately calls Jac “Kak” (elder sister in Bahasa Malaysia) and Vince “Kor” (elder brother in Cantonese). In return, they call her “Udoi”, a pet name given by her parents, which means “baby sister” in Kadazan-Dusun.

The trio strongly believe that pop reality shows bring out the best in Malaysians.

Linda said that her experience as a finalist in AF2 was a “journey of self-discovery” which she would cherish forever.

“I learnt a lot about fellow Malaysians in AF2. We trained, dined and planned our performances together during our days in the AF2 hostel.

“We all socialised like an extended Malaysian family, sharing both the laughter and the tears,” she said.

Vince agrees. He said: “The AF experience unified us as Malaysians.”

Linda hails from Ranau, near the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. She is the seventh of eight children of a police officer.

Linda and her siblings were members of their church choir when they were young. When she was 12, Linda learnt to play the guitar, a skill she shares with Vince.

Vince, the second of six siblings, and Jac, the eldest of four siblings, also learnt to sing in church.

Linda said: “I decided to give AF2 a try, when my family and relatives encouraged me. At that time I had just completed my SPM examinations.”

Linda said that she initially felt awkward in Peninsular Malaysia, but her fellow students from the Peninsula gave her sufficient guidance to adapt to life there.

Likewise with her seniors from Akademi Fantasia Season One (AF1), including Vince, whom she regards as a mentor.

“Vince always encourages me to be myself, and to be brave,” she said, adding that in return, she encouraged him to be the best in everything he pursued.

“Vince writes his own songs, and I would love to follow suit later. It is good to be versatile,” she said.

Vince and Linda have both dabbled in acting. He has appeared in “Sembilu 2005” and she in “Gila-Gila Pengantin Popular”.

However, both of them insist that they are singers first and foremost, and have acted for the experience of it.

Vince and Linda are fans of Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol. Vince met and interviewed Clarkson in Singapore shortly after he won AF1.

Vince has come up with two albums since his victory in AF1. Linda recently launched her debut album.

Vince and Linda are "similar" because they both have two sisters.

While Jac dethroned Linda as the highest ranked woman in a pop reality show last year, she has nothing but glowing praise for Jac.

Linda said: “Jac is a world class singer. I am very confident that she will win many international singing contests and do us proud.”

Jac, who has three brothers (not unlike Vince), is happy to have collaborated with Vince and Linda in “Suluhkan Sinar”, a hit single produced by KRU and performed by various artistes in aid of tsunami victims early this year.

Shortly after she won MI1, Jac thanked Vince and Linda for supporting her and hoped to collaborate with them in a noble cause.

Jac has come up with one album since winning Malaysian Idol 1. She recently did the country proud by winning the Voice Of Asia in Shanghai.

As entertainers, Jac, Vince and Linda have had the chance to travel around the country and make new friends. However, this has come at a price, a loss of personal freedom.

Linda said: “I’m learning to cope with fame, by being honest with myself, and being nice to others.” Vince and Jac agree with her.

Jac, Vince and Linda credit their families as their biggest fans and supporters. Jac said that her mother, Maggie Victor, was her idol.

Jac said: “My mom has been my pillar of strength and inspiration. She worked very hard to raise four of us after our father died 17 years ago.

“I like to make it big in what I enjoy doing most and I love to make my mom happy.”

Vince said: “My parents and siblings have always been there for me. Their love and support has brought me where I am today.”

Of their juniors in AF3 and MI2, the trio are unanimous in supporting Linda's cousin Marsha Londoh of AF3.

Pop Idols Tell Their Stories - Introduction

This series of articles is available in English only.

Hi, folks. I recently talked to 17 Malaysian Idol and Akademi Fantasia finalists and they told me their stories.

They are happy to have gained instant fame and travelled around the country, meeting their dream idols, and rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.

However, fame has come with a loss of freedom, and they are doing their level best to cope with it.

The MI and AF finalists are all for the continuation of pop reality shows, and they credit these shows with uniting Malaysians, especially young Malaysians.

They see in pop reality shows, building blocks for the creation of a Malaysian Nation (Bangsa Malaysia).

I interviewed them in duos and trios, carefully picking them, to ensure that no male could be gossiped with his female partner, and vice-versa.

The interviews are as follows:

Part One - Jaclyn Victor, Vince Chong and Linda Nanuwil

Part Two - Zahid Baharuddin, Khai (Khairul Nizam) Wahi and Dina Nadzir

Part Three - Burn (Rueben) Thevandran and Mas (Asma) Ghani

Part Four - Edlin Rahim and Andrew Tan

Part Five - Sufiah Mohd Noor, Nana (Nurul Hana) Mahazan and Kaer (Wan Mohd Khair) Azami

Part Six - Nurul (Nurullah) Hamid and Saipul Bakeri

Part Seven - Adam (Mohd Aizam) Mohd Saman and Rydee (Rydiana) Rahim

My Kid Brother And Favourite Malaysian Idol - Nurul On Saipul

Nurullah (Nurul) Abdul Hamid, the sweet and demure eighth placer of Akademi Fantasia Season Two (AF2) sees a real hero in one Malaysian Idol (MI) finalist from her hometown, Kuching in Sarawak.

He is Saipul Bakeri, the cute and adorable fifth placer of MI.

Nurul adores Saipul and sees in him the kid brother she never had.

Nurul, who turns 23 this year, said that she had known Saipul for a few years since both of them participated in talent contests in Kuching as well as Kuala Lumpur.

Saipul, she said, also auditioned for AF2, but was unsuccessful.

"Adik Saipul never gives up. He went on to join MI, and proved himself a courageous contestant with a fighting spirit," she said.

"I admire him for his sweet and fun-loving personality, and his courage in facing harsh criticisms from contest judges.

"He just fends stinging remarks off with a sweet and disarming smile," she said.

Nurul said that Saipul's sweet personality made her want to love and care for him.

"I've always had faith in Saipul. Even though he has out-performed me in his reality show, I've never really wanted to put up a tough fight against him," she said.

"I'm 100 per cent behind his mission in life, to be a successful recording artiste. And I'm sure he will make it."

She said that as a "kak" (elder sister) to Saipul, she advised him to be himself, treat everybody with loving kindness, and to hold on to his dreams.

"And always remember, Adik Saipul. Kak Nurul loves you. Always."

Bahasa Malaysia Version

Saipul Adik Kesayanganku, Wiraku - Nurul AF2

Nurullah (Nurul) Abdul Hamid, si comel dan jelita yang mendapat tempat kelapan dalam Akademi Fantasia Musim Kedua (AF2), menganggap pemenang tempat kelima Malaysian Idol (MI), Saipul Bakeri sebagai “hero”-nya.

Nurul, 22, dan Saipul, 18, adalah rakan sekampung dari Petra Jaya di Kuching, Sarawak.

Nurul menganggap Saipul sebagai adiknya sendiri dan amat menyayanginya.

Nurul berkata bahawa dia telah lama mengenali Saipul kerana mereka berdua kerap bertanding dalam pertandingan nyanyian yang sama di Kuching dan Kuala Lumpur.

Katanya, Saipul juga cuba menyertai AF2 tetapi gagal.

“Adik Saipul amat berani, sanggup berjuang dan tidak mudah putus asa. Di MI, dia telah buktikan keberaniannya dan semangat juangnya yang tinggi,” katanya.

“Nurul amat kagum dengannya serta menyayanginya kerana personalitinya yang comel, mesra dan lucu, serta keberaniannya ketika berdepan dengan sindiran dan kritikan tajam para hakim pertandingan.

“Dengan senyumannya yang comel dan mesra, dia mudah menawan hati setiap orang,” katanya.

Nurul berkata personaliti Saipul yang menawan telah membuatkannya amat protektif dan penyayang terhadap rakan sekampungnya dalam MI.

“Nurul sentiasa yakin dengan Saipul. Walaupun Saipul lebih berjaya dalam MI berbanding Nurul dalam AF2, Nurul tak pernah anggapnya sebagai “rival”,” katanya.

“Saya 100 peratus di belakang adikku dalam misi hidupnya. Dia mahu jadi artis rakaman yang berjaya, dan saya amat yakin Saipul boleh mencapai impiannya.”

Sebagai “kak” angkat Saipul, Nurul menasihati heronya dari MI supaya jujur terhadap diri sendiri, berbuat baik untuk semua dan sentiasa yakin pada diri sendiri.

“Dan juga, Adik Saipul, Kak Nurul sentiasa sayang kamu.”

"Kor" Vince & "Kak" Jaclyn Are True Winners - "Udoi" Linda

The victory of Vincent (Vince) Chong and Jaclyn (Jac) Victor in Anugerah Bintang Popular 2004 (ABP 2004) had long been predicted by one of their biggest admirers from pop reality shows.

She is none other than Norlinda (Linda) Nanuwil, Akademi Fantasia Season Two's (AF2) runner-up, who hails from Ranau, near Mount Kinabalu in Sabah.

At her recent 21st birthday celebrations, Linda said that Vince, 25, and Jac, 26, were her heroes, and she always had faith in them emerging as successful pop stars.

Vince is Akademi Fantasia Season One's (AF1) champion while Jaclyn is the first Malaysian Idol.

"Jac is a world class entertainer. From the start of Malaysian Idol, I could see victory coming her way.

"She is as good as any American entertainer, and I am confident of her winning the World Idol competition," she said.

Both Linda and Vince have dabbled in acting. He is now starring in Sembilu 2005, and she will appear in the coming romantic comedy Gila-Gila Pengantin Popular.

Linda recently collaborated with Jac and Vince in Suluhkan Sinar, a hit song performed by Malaysian artistes in aid of tsunami victims in Aceh.

In ABP 2004, Vince won the Most Popular Non-Malay Entertainer and Most Popular New Artiste (Men). Jac won the Most Popular New Artiste (Women).

- From The Malay Mail, April 3, 2005

Bahasa Malaysia Version

"Kor" Vince & "Kak" Jaclyn Memang Juara - "Udoi" Linda

Kemenangan Vincent (Vince) Chong dan Jaclyn (Jac) Victor dalam Anugerah Bintang Popular 2004 (ABP 2004) sudah lama dijangka oleh seorang peminat nombor wahid mereka dari rancangan pop realiti.

Peminat itu ialah Norlinda (Linda) Nanuwil, naib juara Akademi Fantasia Musim Kedua (AF2) dari Ranau, dekat Gunung Kinabalu, Sabah.

Semasa menyambut hari jadinya yang ke-21 baru-baru ini, Linda berkata bahawa Vince, 25, dan Jac, 26, adalah heronya, dan dia sentiasa yakin bahawa mereka berdua akan menjadi bintang pop yang hebat.

Vince ialah juara Akademi Fantasia Musim Pertama (AF1) dan Jac adalah juara Malaysian Idol (MI).

"Kak Jac memang penghibur world class. Dari mula rancangan MI, Linda dah jangka Kak Jac akan menang.

"Kak Jac sehebat mana-mana penyanyi dari Amerika dan Linda yakin dia boleh menang World Idol," katanya.

Linda dan Vince juga berkecimpung dalam bidang lakonan. Vince kini berlakon dalam Sembilu 2005. Linda pula akan muncul dalam filem komedi cinta Gila-Gila Pengantin Popular.

Linda baru-baru ini bergabung suara dengan Jac dan Vince dalam lagu Suluhkan Sinar, iaitu persembahan artis-artis Malaysia bagi mengisi tabung kemanusiaan khas untuk membantu mangsa tsunami di Aceh.

Di ABP 2004, Vince memenangi anugerah Bintang Popular Bukan Melayu dan Artis Baru Popular (Lelaki). Jac memenangi anugerah Artis Baru Popular (Wanita).

- Dari The Malay Mail, April 3, 2005