Assignments For The AF3 Kids

The AF3 kids will only be released from their academy in August.

When they are out, I would like to assign them the following tasks:

The Gentlemen

- Fuad and Kefli - To pose with Zahid.

- Felix and Yazer - To pose with Burn.

- Reza - To pose with Azizi, Fitri, Anding and Bob.

- Nik Aidil - To pose with distant relative Kaer.

The Ladies

- Akma and Idayu - To pose with Nana and Kaer. Akma and Nana must cuddle the little guy, and Idayu must hug the two lanky ladies from behind.

- Elliza - To pose with Abang Zahid and Abang Khai. Get your hands on them, girl.

- Ekin - To pose with Adam. Once the photo is ready, gonna post it to Ekin, Adam and Rydee.

- Amy and Amylea - To pose with Nurul, Farah, Atie and Azza. Once the photo is ready, gonna post it to all six beauties, and cute Saiful.


BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION

Tugasan Buat Pelajar AF3 Setelah Tamat Konsert

Pelajar Lelaki

- Fuad dan Kefli - Pose dengan Zahid.

- Felix dan Yazer - Pose dengan Burn.

- Reza - Pose dengan Azizi, Fitri, Anding dan Bob.

- Nik Aidil - Pose dengan saudara jauhnya, Kaer.

Pelajar Wanita

- Akma dan Idayu - Pose dengan Nana dan Kaer. Akma dan Nana kena peluk si comel Kaer. Idayu kena peluk Nana dan Akma dari belakang.

- Elliza - Pose dengan Abang Zahid dan Abang Khai. Tangkap mereka betul-betul.

- Ekin - Pose dengan Adam. Setelah foto siap, saya akan pos kepada Ekin, Adam dan Rydee.

- Amy dan Amylea - Pose dengan Nurul, Farah, Atie dan Azza. Setelah foto siap, saya akan pos kepada saudari semua, dan juga kepada Adik Saiful yang comel.

New Idol Fellowship Posts For Three New Members

This post is available in English only.

American Idol 4 champion Carrie Underwood now takes place alongside Fantasia Barrino (among others) as Idol Fellowship vice-president.

Runners-up Bo Bice and Vonzell Solomon now take their places alongside Clay Aiken (among others) as Idol Fellowship secretaries.

Carrie Wins American Idol 4

Congratulations to the fourth American Idol Carrie Underwood.

Best wishes in her singing career.

Congratulations, too, to runner-up Bo Bice. He rocks.



BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION

Carrie Underwood Juara American Idol 4

Tahniah kepada juara American Idol 4 Carrie Underwood.

Semoga dia mencapai kejayaan dalam karier nyanyiannya.

Tahniah juga kepada naib juara Bo Bice. Dia memang rocker yang hebat.

An Assignment For AF3 Finalist Tunakma If She Wins

This is my sister, Joanne's assignment for Tunakma (Akma) Abdullah if she wins AF3.

Hi, Tunakma. Wishing you all the best in AF3. If you win, I hope you can give Kaer (AF2) and Nana (AF1) a laksa treat.

Why laksa, is because you are a laksa fan.

Why Nana, is because she is the tallest girl in AF1, and you are the tallest girl this season.

Why Kaer, is because he looks like your favourite actor Keanu Reeves.

Why both of them, is because they are big fans of sushi which contains "tuna".

And you contain "tuna" in your name (Tunakma).

All the best. God bless.



BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION

Tugasan Buat Tunakma (Akma) AF3

Ini adalah permintaan adik saya, Joanne, kepada Tunakma (Akma) Abdullah, finalis AF3, jikalau dia menang.

Hi, Tunakma. Semoga berjaya dalam AF3.

Jikalau saudari menang, saya harap saudari akan belanja Nana (AF1) dan Kaer (AF2) makan laksa.

Laksa adalah makanan kegemaranmu.

Nana pula adalah gadis AF1 tertinggi, dan adalah elok untuk gadis AF3 tertinggi belanjanya makan.

Kaer pula semacam Keanu Reeves dalam AF. Keanu adalah hero saudari.

Kaer dan Nana kedua-duanya suka makan sushi, yang mengandungi tuna.

Nama saudari pun mengandungi "tuna" (Tunakma).

Semoga berjaya dan salam mesra. God bless.

An Interview With The 8 Who Did Not Make It To AF3

This post is available in English only

THE eight who did not make it into Akademi Fantasia Season 3 (AF3) following the prelude concert say that they have no regrets auditioning for the pop reality show.

They are determined to try again, in the next season, or in other reality shows, and vow not to give up pursuing their dreams to become successful pop stars.

They think the audition for AF3 was very competitive, because many talented singers made it to the short-listed 20, and it was a 50:50 chance for each of them to be in the final 12.

Apart from two who can play the piano and one skilful guitarist, they have yet to master any musical instrument.

They are big fans of reality shows and believe that such shows foster national unity and promote Bangsa Malaysia.

Here is what they said:

The Women

# NURSHIHA (SHIHA) MOHD ZIKIR, 18, of Selayang

When did you first start to sing?
When I was six. When I was 15, I joined the Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) Combo in Penang.

What type of music do you enjoy most?
Pop and “asli” music.

Who are your favourite singers?
Siti Nurhaliza, Anuar Zain and Christina Aguilera.

Say “hello” to some of your seniors in reality shows.
Hi, Farah and Nurul of AF2, Atie and Azza of AF1, and adorable Saiful of Malaysian Idol.
All the best in your careers. I love you.

# HAZRINA (RINA) ILLIAS, 21, of Sitiawan, Perak

When did you first start to sing?
When I was 14, in Form Two.

What type of music do you enjoy most?
I love "dangdut" and ballads.

Who are your favourite singers?
Siti Nurhaliza, Sarah Raisuddin and Ruth Sahanaya.

Say “hello” to some of your seniors in reality shows.
Best wishes, Edlin and Zarina of AF2, Liza and Nija of AF1 and Andrew Tan of Malaysian Idol. You guys rock.

# DIANA AKMAR TAJUL ARIFFIN, 22, of Kuala Lumpur

When did you first start to sing?
When I was seven. I only joined singing contests when I was 15.

What type of music do you enjoy most?
R & B and ballads.

Who are your favourite singers?
Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Sharifah Aini and Kris Dayanti.

Say “hello” to some of your seniors in reality shows.
Hello, Farah of AF2. You are the greatest.
Nurul (AF2) and Saiful (Malaysian Idol), you rock.
Atie and Azza of AF1, all the best in your acting careers.

# MARSHA MILAN LONDOH, 20, of Tamparuli, Tuaran, Sabah

When did you first start to sing?
When I was six.

What type of music do you enjoy most?
R & B and jazz.

Can you play any musical instruments?
I can play the piano.

Who are your favourite singers?
Jaclyn Victor, Syafinaz and Mariah Carey.

Say “hello” to some of your seniors in reality shows.
Vince Chong (AF1), Jaclyn Victor (Malaysian Idol) and Linda Nanuwil (AF2), I love you guys, and hope to meet you soon.

The Men

# AZLIF SUHAIZAD ABDULLAH, 23, of Johor Baru

When did you first start to sing?
When I was seven.

What type of music do you enjoy most?
Rock and pop.

Can you play any musical instruments?
I can play the piano, guitar and drums.

Who are your favourite singers?
Amy Search and Ramli Sarip.

Say “hello” to some of your seniors in reality shows.
Hi, Zahid (AF2), Dina (Malaysian Idol) and Khai (AF1). Keep rocking and be the best.

# ASMAWI (MAWI) ANI, 24, of Kulai, Johor

When did you first start to sing?
When I was seven, in Standard One. I later took part in school “nasyid” contests.

What type of music do you enjoy most?
“Nasyid”, pop, “asli” and rock.

Who are your favourite singers?
Waheeda, Yassin and Nash.

Say “hello” to some of your seniors in reality shows.
I’m so proud of you, Zahid (AF2). You are the best.
Dina (Malaysian Idol) and Khai (AF1), you are great stars of Johor.

# ISA KUMAR JALI SULAIMAN, 19, of Kota Samarahan, Sarawak

When did you first start to sing?
When I was six.

What type of music do you enjoy most?
R & B and traditional Malay pop.

Who are your favourite singers?
Dayang Nurfaizah, Siti Nurhaliza and Anuar Zain.

Say “hello” to some of your seniors in reality shows.
“Kak” Nurul (AF2) and “Adik” Saiful (Malaysian Idol), you are a wonderful duo I would love to see on my favourite entertainment magazine.
Farah (AF2), you are really a sweetie and you will shine.

# HAIDER ARIF, 20, of Kota Kinabalu

When did you first start to sing?
When I was eight.
I only joined singing contests when I was 16.

What type of music do you enjoy most?
Rock and ballads.

Can you play any musical instrument?
I can play the guitar.

Who are your favourite singers?
Hazami and Anuar Zain.

Say “hello” to some of your seniors in reality shows.
“Abang” Adam (AF2), you are the coolest guy in Kota Kinabalu and I would love to meet you.
“Kak” Rydee (Malaysian Idol), you are a true beauty and you inspire me a lot.

Note: On June 4, Marsha and Mawi were picked by the AF3 prelude concert judges as the 13th and 14th students of the reality show. Congratulations to them.

First hand account of Akademi Fantasia 3 Prelude Concert

This post is available in English only.

GETTING to Astro’s studio on May 21 was not difficult, no thanks to the building’s colourful exterior and its strategic location off the KL-Seremban Highway near the Bukit Jalil Stadium.

It was this writer’s very first entry into the studio, and the occasion was the very first Akademi Fantasia Season 3 (AF3) Prelude Concert.

Astro’s most popular reality show has a new addition in its latest outing, namely the chance for the academy’s six male and six female students to sing before, and be selected by, a professional jury panel in the television station’s studio.

A total of 10 male and 10 female hopefuls were short-listed by the producers from over 4,000 who auditioned for AF3 over the last two months.

After the concert, the jury comprising AF3 principal M. Nasir, Season One (AF1) principal cum Maestro Talent And Management Sdn Bhd chief operations officer Freddie Fernandez, AF3 vocal coach Siti Hajar Ismail, Astro head of Malay programming Rozina Aziz and Airtime Radio And Management Sdn Bhd group networks general manager Kudsia Kahar, decided on the final 12.

The 20 singers who slugged it out had the freedom to choose their own songs for the evening and, save for one who withdrew after unexpectedly suffering from a bad flu, they did not disappoint the audience.

The unlucky AF3 hopeful, 20-year-old Sabahan Marsha Londoh of Tamparuli in Tuaran, was scheduled to sing Vanessa Williams’ hit “Colours Of The Wind” but chose to call it quits due to ill health.

However, after encouragement from Nasir and the jury, she tried her best to sing a few lines from the song, before thanking her family and friends, and disappearing backstage.

AF3 host Aznil Nawawi, in thanking Marsha, encouraged her to return the following year, and to not give up in pursuing her dreams.

As Marsha left, Aznil introduced the audience to a recording of Marsha’s successful audition, which proved her a high-powered vocalist bearing an uncanny resemblance to her fellow Sabahan and last season’s runner-up “Udoi” Linda Nanuwil.

Coincidentally, both Linda and Marsha are big fans of Malaysian Idol champion Jaclyn Victor.

The three other women who did not make it into the academy were Hazrina Illias, 21, of Sitiawan, Perak, Nurshiha (Shiha) Zikir, 18, of Selayang, and Diana Akmar Tajul Ariffin, 22, of Kuala Lumpur.

Self-confessed ‘dangdut’ fan Hazrina performed the late Indonesian diva Nike Ardilla’s hit song “Mama Ku Ingin Pulang”.

Shiha, the youngest of the 20 singers, belted out Shania Twain’s “Gonna Get You Good” with gusto.

Diana, a Siti Nurhaliza and Sharifah Aini fan, performed Atiek CB’s “Aku Sayang Padamu”.

The four men who did not make it were Isa Kumar Jali Sulaiman, 19, of Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Haider Arif, 20, of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Azlif Abdullah, 23, of Johor Baru, and Asmawi Ani, 24, of Kulai, Johor.

Isa, whose second name “Kumar” reflects his parents’ love of Hindi movies, and who is a fan of his fellow Sarawakian native Dayang Nurfaizah, sang Hazami’s “Aku Cinta Padamu”.

Haider, who is a Hazami fan, performed Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life”.

Azlif, who looked every bit an Awie wannabe, did his best to make Amy and Search proud with his rendition of “Isabella”.

Waheeda fan Asmawi performed nasyid sensation Rabbani’s “Intifada” with conviction.

Of the women who made it, the duo who share a name albeit spelt differently, received the most cheers.

Kuching-born Amylia Azlan (Amy), 21, gave her own country-ish twist to Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love For You”, complete with “woohs” at certain pauses.

Her namesake Amylea Azizan, 19, of Langkawi, performed Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You”, but her act was less of the Jaclyn Victor version, and closer to that of AF1 runner-up Khai’s American Idol dream-girl Jasmine Trias.

The tallest of the girls, Asiah Tunakma Abdullah (Akma), 20, of Kuala Lumpur, performed the second Whitney Houston hit, “I Will Always Love You”, but given her country-style of dressing, reminded fans of the song’s original singer Dolly Parton.

A self-confessed “laksa” and Japanese food fan, she could well “belanja” the tallest AF1 beauty, Nana, and the “baby” of AF2, Kaer, if she wins AF3, since they both love sushi and “tuna” (her name is Tunakma).

Idayu Yaakob, 20, from Kaer’s ancestral kampung, Kota Baru in Kelantan, did the third and final Whitney Houston act, “I Have Nothing” which, like Akma’s song, is from Houston’s movie “The Bodyguard”.

AF2 champion Zahid Baharuddin’s fellow Perakian Elliza Razak, 21, of Kuala Kangsar, rocked the house with Nicky Astria’s “Mengapa” and at times reminded the crowd of a fairer and trimmer version of Malaysian Idol runner-up Dina Nadzir, Zahid’s family pal.

Elliza happens to be the younger sister of now-retired Ellina Razak, who was once Anuar Zain's singing partner in the 1980s.

Finally, Labuan’s sole representative in AF history, Norashikin Rahman (Ekin), 21, proved to be a “little miss dynamite” with her rendition of her idol Siti Nurhaliza’s “Dialah Di Hati”.

If she works hard for her weekly concerts, she could well see her posters adorning Labuan town. The second Federal Territory’s residents are big fans of Ekin’s fellow ethnic Brunei-Kedayans from Kota Kinabalu namely AF2 hunk Adam Mat Saman and Malaysian Idol beauty Rydee Rahim.

Of the men who made it, two were Sabahan natives while the rest were KL boys.

The elder of the two Sabahans, 23-year-old Felix Agus of Kota Belud, sang AF2 finalist Bob’s hit song “Cinta Seorang Teman” and looked every bit like an East Malaysian version of AF1 finalist Burn Thevandran.

Felix’s fellow Sabahan, Yazer Yusof, also 23, from Tawau, sang Spider’s hit “Relaku Pujuk”.

He is a self-confessed supporter of Burn’s “soul sister” from AF2, Mas Ghani, Tawau’s sole representative in the last season.

Kaer’s fellow “KL-born-Kelantanese” Nik Aidil Nik Zamri, 21, wiggled his hips to Jamal Abdillah’s “Kau Lupa Janji”. The ex-air steward does bear some resemblance to the AF2 finalist.

The eldest of the guys, Reza Mohamad, 27, sang nasyid group Nowseeheart’s “Ku Harap Cinta”. He is a fan of AF3 principal Nasir, and that perhaps explains his long hair.

Zulkefli (Kefli) Mohd Idir, 21, a self-confessed vanilla ice-cream fan who also loves Zahid and Spider, sang Rahim Maarof’s “Dir”.

Finally, Fuad Razlan Azri, 20, made full use of the stage singing Tom Jones’ catchy hit “She’s A Lady”. He looked every bit like a distant cousin of the adorable Zahid.

The 12 AF3 students will register at the academy’s home in The LakeHomes Bungalow, The Mines Resort City, Seri Kembangan, on May 29.

They will undergo 10 weeks of intensive training in the performing arts, and will perform at weekly concerts until a champion is determined via viewers’ SMS votes.

After every weekly concert, the student with the lowest votes is voted off the show.

The final five students will battle for the AF3 crown in a grand concert in August.

From the looks of it AF3 students are lucky to have a principal like Nasir.

The “sifu” of Malaysian pop music is a respected institution in the music industry, and he will make a stern but kind and understanding mentor to the kids.

Best wishes to Nasir and the teachers, and to their students. May the best one win.

Note: On June 4, after the first AF3 concert, Nasir and the judges decided to admit two of the eight hopefuls who did not make it, bringing the number of AF3 students up to 14.

The eight were made to perform before the audience, and the judges eventually picked one woman, Marsha, and one man, Mawi, as the 13th and 14th AF3 students.

Congratulations to Marsha and Mawi.

Introducing Akademi Fantasia Season 3 Finalists

This post is available in English only.

Congratulations to the 12 students and finalists of Akademi Fantasia Season 3.
Hope to see them after they complete their course and weekly contests in August.

AMY AZLAN, 21, of Kuching, Sarawak.
AMYLEA AZIZAN, 19, of Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah.
AKMA ABDULLAH, 20, of Kuala Lumpur.
IDAYU YAAKOB, 20, of Kota Baru, Kelantan.
ELLIZA RAZAK, 21, of Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
EKIN RAHMAN, 21, of Labuan.

NIK AIDIL NIK ZAMRI, 21, of Kota Baru, Kelantan.
FUAD AZRI, 20, of Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
FELIX AGUS, 23, of Kota Belud, Sabah.
YAZER YUSOF, 23, of Tawau, Sabah.
ZULKIFLI IDIR, 21, of Kuala Lumpur.
REZA MOHAMAD, 27, of Sibu, Sarawak.

The 20 Student Hopefuls Of Akademi Fantasia Season 3

This Announcement Is Fully In English

Akademi Fantasia Season 3 has finally arrived.
The academy and its team of dedicated music and arts teachers will train 12 students, six men and six women, for two months beginning late May.
The 12 will perform pre-determined songs in weekly concerts, along the lines of American Idol and Malaysian Idol, and voters will determine via their hand phones (SMS) which of the 12 is to be eliminated after each concert.

The top 12 of the following 20 student hopefuls will be picked after being judged by the academy's team of trainers led by ex-principal Freddie Fernandez and in-coming principal M. Nasir at a concert in Astro Television's studio on May 21, 2005.
Who will make it pass the "axe"? Let's wait and see.

Women
AMY AZLAN, 21, of Sarawak.
AMYLEA AZIZAN, 19, of Kedah.
DIANA TAJUL ARIFFIN, 22, of Kuala Lumpur.
SHIHA ZIKIR, 18, of Selangor.
AKMA ABDULLAH, 20, of Kuala Lumpur.
IDAYU YAAKOB, 20, of Kelantan.
ELLIZA RAZAK, 21, of Perak.
EKIN RAHMAN, 21, of Labuan.
MARSHA LONDOH, 20, of Sabah.
HAZRINA ILLIAS, 21, of Perak.

Men
NIK AIDIL NIK ZAMRI, 21, of Kelantan.
AZLIF ABDULLAH, 23, of Johor Baru.
FUAD AZRI, 20, of Negeri Sembilan.
ASMAWI ANI, 24, of Johor.
FELIX AGUS, 23, of Sabah.
YAZER YUSOF, 23, of Sabah.
HAIDER ARIF, 20, of Sabah.
ISA SULAIMAN, 19, of Sarawak.
ZULKIFLI IDIR, 21, of Kuala Lumpur.
REZA MOHAMAD, 27, of Sarawak.

Showdown Between Bo and Carrie

It's gonna be a showdown between rocker Bo Bice and country chic Carrie Underwood at the American Idol 4 finals next week.

Well done, Bo and Carrie. May the best of you win.

Congrats to Vonzell Solomon, who won third place in AI4.



Bahasa Malaysia Version

Bo & Carrie Rebut Gelaran Juara American Idol 4

Penyanyi rock Bo Bice akan bertemu penyanyi "country" Carrie Underwood di konsert akhir American Idol 4 minggu depan.

Tahniah kepada mereka berdua. Semoga penghibur yang terbaik akan menang.

Tahniah juga kepada pemenang tempat ketiga, Vonzell Solomon.

True Ladies & Gentlemen - Joanne's Tribute To Some Special Pop Idols

This post is available in English only.

It's yet another labour of love from my sister, Joanne Chua.

True Gentlemen


- Vince Chong (Akademi Fantasia Season 1)
Vincey Baby is the best man to be our musical ambassador of goodwill.
What I like best about him is his tender and compasionate side.
He's so much like a "kor" to sweet and adorable Linda Nanuwil and always wishes her well.
He addresses her as "di di", a Chinese term of endearment for one's kid sister.


- Burn Thevandran (AF1)
Vincey's old pal is so sweet and compassionate. He and his lovely elder sister Sharmila helped Mas Ghani adapt to life in "wild" West Malaysia.
They have also helped her speak better English. She knew close to nothing about the language before she came to KL.
Handsome Burn is also the hero of single moms.
He dedicated a wonderful Bahasa Malaysia song to all of them.


- Azizi Mohamad (AF1)
This lion king from the elephant state (Pahang) cares for our homeboy Vick Teo in the same way Vince cares for Linda. He's given us lots of hope in our collective quest for Bangsa Malaysia.


- Zahid Baharuddin (AF2)
He's a rebel with a heart of gold. When Jaclyn Victor won Malaysian Idol, he chose to congratulate Dina Nadzir first.
Zahid remembers family friends and cares for them, especially if they are close chums of his kid sister Farihan.
Dina is one such friend. Zahid has high regards for her and has pointed out that she is a beauty in her own special way.
If "abang" Zahid hosts his own variety show, he says "adik" Dina will be the first lady he'll invite upstage.


- Adam Mat Saman (AF2)
I'm glad he sees beauty in William Hung. He once said that William may not be a great singer but he is one who knows how to have a good laugh and entertain others by being true to himself.
Adam sees in William a man who thinks positively and turns failure into success.
Adam's great love and respect for his "kakak", Rydee Rahim, makes him a gentleman, too.
He always says that "kak" Rydee is a natural beauty inside and outside, and that she has what it takes to be a successful entertainer.


- Fitri Zainal Abidin (AF2) and Anding Zaini (AF2)
They are true Malaysians. They care for Victor Lee, and always wish him the best in his career.


- Zamil Idris (Malaysian Idol)
He is a real sweetie. Loved it when he wished Linda get well soon, and how he was moved by her reverence for Jaclyn, the beauty who pipped her to be the top woman in reality show pop music.
If Linda misses "Kor" Vince, hopefully, "Kor" Zamil will be there for her.

True Ladies


- Edlin Rahim (AF2), Zarina Zainoordin (AF2), Liza Ismail (AF1) and Nija Tahar (AF1)
Andrew Tan, the sweet and shy guy who loves poetry and nature, dreams of fireflies lighting up the skies.
If the lovely fireflies could turn into beautiful fairies, who can cure Andrew of pain, loneliness and his feeling blue, they would turn into these four AF beauties, who have given his family and mine so much hope in this beautiful nation we call home. God bless them.


- Nana Mahazan (AF1) and Sufiah Mohd Noor (MI)
My hat off to both of you for your love and care for Kaer. He thinks Opie is a natural beauty who rocks while Nana is a fun-loving cutie who doubles as his rock.


- Atie Abu Bakar (AF1)
I adore you for your love of Saipul Bakeri. He ain't macho but he's your hero. U R a remarkable lady from the village of good women (Janda Baik).
If any beauty from the middle of the country were to peck him, it's got to be you.
Saipul should always be forgiven if he mis-spells "beauty" as "Atie".
You are his ideal of beauty any day.


- Linda Nanuwil (AF2)
You are the baby sister both Vince and Jaclyn never had. I'm so moved to tears by your devotion to both of them.
They may live in the heart of the country while you live close to the rooftop of the country.
So far yet your heart is so near to them.
Batman had Robin. Charlie Chaplin had Jackie Coogan. P. Ramlee had Bat Latiff.
Vince and Jaclyn have "Udoi" Linda.


- Mas Ghani (AF2)
Great vocalist you are not. But you have more than redeemed yourself by being a loving and caring "kakak" to Burn and a sweet Sabahan soul sister to Sharmila.
I salute you for being the first singer from a reality show to congratulate Jaclyn in print.
Pretty sure that you have a special place in Maggie Victor's heart.
She's a super mom, so are you.


- Nurul Hamid (AF2)
A Borneo beauty who has nothing but passionate love for and great pride in the cute little brother she never had.
She loves adorable Saipul just the way he is, and calls him her hero, handsomest guy and favourite pop idol.
Nurul has given a whole new meaning to Tammy Wynette's Stand By Your Man.


- Rydee Rahim (MI)
Substitute the Nurul above with Rydee and the Saipul with Adam and here's a beautiful story of two beautiful cousins who are the "kakak" and "adik" that were not meant to be.


- Jaclyn Victor (MI)
"Udoi" Linda always thinks of you as The Ideal Malaysian Lady. I'd agree with her to a large extent.

Opie Rocks, Nana Is My Rock - Kaer

Akademi Fantasia Season 2 (AF2) sixth placer Wan Mohamad Khair Wan Azami (Kaer) sees "two very special ladies" in Season One's (AF1) seventh placer Nurul Hana Che Mahazan (Nana) and Malaysian Idol (MI) 11th placer Sufiah Mohd Noor.

Kaer, 19, thinks that Sufiah, 27, whom he fondly calls Kak Opie, will be Malaysia's new queen of jazz.

"I'll be most honoured to collaborate with Kak Opie. She is a true beauty with great talent, not to mention a dear friend of my family," he said.

Kaer said that Nana, 21, who is a DJ with radio station Era.FM, was a "rock" to him, because she readily listens to his problems and gives him good advice.

"Kak Nana is always there for me. She is very loving and caring, and guides me along the path of stardom as best as she can," he said.

"She's also got a great sense of humour, and keeps me happy when I'm down."



BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION

Opie & Nana Wanita Istimewa Dalam Hidup Kaer

Pemenang tempat ke-6 AF2, Wan Mohd Khair Wan Azami (Kaer) menyifatkan pemenang tempat ke-7 AF1, Nurul Hana Che Mahazan (Nana) dan pemenang tempat ke-11 Malaysian Idol (MI), Sufiah Mohd Noor, sebagai wanita istimewa dalam hidupnya.

Kaer, 19, berkata Sufiah, 27, yang juga dipanggilnya Kak Opie, bakal menjadi ratu jazz negara.

"Saya akan berasa amat bangga jikalau dapat berduet bersama Kak Opie. Dia sememangnya jelitawan yang berbakat besar, serta kawan keluarga saya," katanya.

Kaer menyifatkan Nana, 21, iaitu DJ di stesen radio Era.FM, sebagai penyokong terkuatnya dalam keluarga AF.

Katanya, Nana sentiasa bersedia mendengar masalahnya, serta memberikannya nasihat yang berguna dalam hidup.

"Kak Nana sentiasa bersedia membantu saya dan membimbing saya dalam dunia hiburan. Dia amat prihatin dan penyayang.

"Dia juga seorang yang periang dan pandai buat lawak. Dia sentiasa menghiburkan hati saya jikalau mood saya tak bagus," katanya.

Zamil Interviews Jaclyn On TV

Adi Fashla

Talk show Hello On Two (HOT) host Zamil Idris interviewed his fellow Malaysian Idol (MI) finalist Jaclyn Victor on May 15, 2005 on air at Angkasapuri (headquarters of Radio Television Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur.

It marked the first time Jaclyn was interviewed by a fellow MI finalist.

Exactly a week ago, on May 8, Jaclyn and Zamil performed a duet at the Berjaya Times Square Shopping Centre (a Malaysian Idol audition venue). The song they performed was Andrea Bocelli's The Prayer.

Zamil, who became HOT's co-host on May 2, interviewed Jaclyn on the impact of reality television shows on the lives of Malaysians.

HOT is an English talk show on RTM's TV2 channel, which shows mostly English language programmes.

Jaclyn won the first Malaysian Idol competition last year, while Zamil finished seventh. Both Jaclyn and Zamil are from Kuala Lumpur.

Zamil recently celebrated his 27th birthday and one of the first pop reality show stars to send him a greeting was Akademi Fantasia Season One 11th placer Adi Fashla Juraimi, who is a DJ with radio station X-Fresh FM.



BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION

Zamil Menginterbiu Jaclyn Di TV2, RTM

Hos rancangan Hello On Two (HOT) di TV2, RTM, Zamil Idris, telah menginterbiu rakannya dari finalis Malaysian Idol (MI), Jaclyn Victor, di Angkasapuri pada 15 Mei, 2005.

Ini adalah kali pertama Jaclyn, juara MI, diinterbiu oleh rakan seperjuangannya dari MI.

Zamil, pemenang tempat ke-7 MI, telah menjadi hos bersama HOT, sebuah rancangan diskusi isu semasa dalam Bahasa Inggeris, pada 2 Mei, 2005.

Interbiu Zamil dengan Jaclyn itu berlaku seminggu selepas mereka berdua menyanyi bersama dalam konsert MI di pusat beli-belah Berjaya Times Square pada 8 Mei, 2005.

Berjaya Times Square juga adalah tempat audition untuk peserta musim baru MI.

Zamil dan Jaclyn telah berduet dalam lagu The Prayer yang dipopularkan oleh Andrea Bocelli.

Kedua-dua Zamil dan Jaclyn berasal dari Kuala Lumpur.

Zamil telah menginterbiu Jaclyn pasal rancangan hiburan realiti serta impaknya ke atas kehidupan rakyat Malaysia.

Zamil baru-baru ini menyambut hari jadinya yang ke-27.

Antara finalis dari rancangan pop realiti yang pertama mengirim salam hari jadi kepadanya ialah pemenang tempat ke-11 Akademi Fantasia Musim 1 iaitu Adi Fashla Juraimi.

Adi Fashla juga adalah DJ di stesen radio X-Fresh FM.

Strive To Be The Best - Zainal Abidin To Jac, Vince & Linda

Veteran pop star Zainal Abidin of Johor Baru wishes Jaclyn Victor, Vince Chong and Linda Nanuwil all the best in their entertainment careers.

He has called on the trio to strive to be the best in entertainment.

Zainal says that he is confident that Jaclyn will emerge as a great pop star and do the country proud in World Idol.



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Zainal Abidin Ucap Selamat Maju Jaya Kepada Jaclyn, Vince & Linda

Penyanyi pop veteran dari Johor Baru, Zainal Abidin, mengirim salam maju jaya kepada Jaclyn Victor, Vince Chong dan Linda Nanuwil.

Zainal Abidin berharap mereka bertiga akan sentiasa memberikan persembahan yang terbaik serta menambah ilmu di dada.

Katanya, dia amat yakin Jaclyn boleh menjadi ratu pop negara yang baru serta mengharumkan nama negara di World Idol.

Best Wishes, Farah - From Dia Fadila

Best wishes to Farah (Breep! Breep!) Anuar from her university mate Dia Fadila.
Dia, who is an up-and-coming pop star and Bintang RTM (talent show) host, also sends "lots of love" to Atie Abu Bakar (her senior in university), Nurul Hamid and Saipul Bakeri.


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Dia Fadila Kirim Salam Kepada Farah

Dia Fadila, penyanyi yang kini melonjak naik serta hos Bintang RTM, mengirim salam kepada rakan universitinya Farah (Breep! Breep!) Anuar dan Atie Abu Bakar, serta kawan Farah dari Sarawak, iaitu Nurul Hamid dan Saipul Bakeri.

Introducing New Idol Fellowship Members

American Idol Season 4

Bo Bice - This American rocker is a tough guy with a heart of gold. Bo befriends all decent pop idols, from his country and Malaysia.
Nemo has given him the power to cut any hard object on Earth with his hand phone, and the power to detect animal sounds from afar.
Bo's powers are terminated if Bob utters "Mesra" thrice.

Carrie Underwood - A sweet blonde who clicks well with Kelly Clarkson, Vince Chong and Linda Nanuwil. Carrie has been given the power to change the colour of her surroundings, to control the moods of individuals who interact with the Idols.
This power is terminated every time Linda calls out Vince's name in fear ("Kor Vince!").

Vonzell Solomon - Vonzell is somewhat like a "Shadow Of Sharmila In America" to Burn, not unlike Kelly Clarkson being a "Shadow Of Vanessa In America" to Vince.
Vonzell has been given the power to create firewalls, to protect the Idols from dangerous enemies.
Firewalls are electrified force-fields that surround the Idols.
Vonzell can give Burn the power to melt, puncture and bend metallic objects by merely brushing his hair.


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Kenali Member Baru Kekawan Idola

American Idol Musim Ke-4

Bo Bice - Rocker dari Amerika ini seorang yang gagah perkasa serta berhati mulia. Bo amat prihatin terhadap semua member IF.
Nemo telah memberikannya kuasa untuk memotong semua jenis pepejal dengan HPnya, dan kuasa untuk mengesan bunyi binatang dari jauh.
Kuasa Bo akan hilang jikalau Bob berkata "Mesra" tiga kali.

Carrie Underwood - Si jelita berambut emas ini amat akrab dengan Kelly Clarkson, Vince Chong dan Linda Nanuwil.
Nemo telah memberikannya kuasa untuk mengubah warna persekitarannya.
Ini membolehkannya mengubah mood sesiapa yang berinteraksi dengan member-member Kekawan Idola.
Kuasa Carrie akan hilang jikalau Linda memanggil nama Vince dalam ketakutan ("Kor Vince!").

Vonzell Solomon - Vonzell semacam kakak angkat Burn di Amerika. Jikalau Kelly Clarkson adalah Bayangan Vanessa Chong Di Amerika, Vonzell adalah Bayangan Sharmila Di Amerika.
Vonzell mempunyai kuasa untuk menghasilkan "firewall" ataupun perisai elektrik untuk melindungi member-member Kekawan Idola dari musuh.
Dengan memberus rambut Burn, Vonzell boleh memberikannya kuasa ajaib untuk meleburkan, memotong ataupun membengkokkan objek logam.

Welcome To The Idol Fellowship, Bo, Carrie & Vonzell

Carrie


Bo


Vonzell


Congratulations to Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood and Vonzell Solomon, the top three finalists of American Idol Season 4.
Looking forward to seeing the finals on TV, and including the 3 of you in Tales From The Idol Fellowship's next novel.
May the best of U win.



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Selamat Datang, Bo, Carrie & Vonzell

Tahniah kepada Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood dan Vonzell Solomon iaitu tiga pemenang teratas American Idol Musim 4.
Kami di sini memang menunggu konsert akhir American Idol Musim 4 di TV, dan kami juga menunggu saat bermulanya novel terbaru Kisah Kekawan Idola.
Tahniah, semoga perserta yang terbaik akan berjaya merangkul tempat teratas.

Best Wishes, Justin Guarini - From Dina

Justin

Malaysian Idol (MI) runner-up Dina Nadzir wishes Justin Guarini all the best in his singing career.

Justin is American Idol (AI) Season One's runner-up.

Dina said: "Justin may not be well-known in Malaysia, but he is a star in his own right. I wish him all the best in his career and hope he continues to progress in life."


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Dina Kirim Salam Kepada Justin Guarini

Naib juara Malaysian Idol (MI), Dina Nadzir mengirim salam kepada naib juara American Idol Musim 1 (AI1) Justin Guarini.

Katanya: "Mungkin Justin kurang dikenali di kalangan peminat AI di Malaysia.

"Tetapi bagi Dina, Justin adalah seorang penghibur yang berbakat besar.

"Dina ucapkan selamat maju jaya kepada Justin dan berharap dia akan teruskan usaha untuk menjadi penghibur terkenal."

Best Wishes To Edlin, Zarina, Liza & Nija - From Andrew's Parents

Reverend David Tan and his wife Irene Tan wish Edlin Abdul Rahim, Zarina Zainoordin, Liza Ismail and Nija Tahar all the best in their careers.

The parents of Malaysian Idol (MI) fourth placer Andrew Tan thank Akademi Fantasia Season 2 (AF2) finalists Edlin and Zarina, and Season One (AF1) finalists Liza and Nija for supporting their son in MI.

Edlin is Andrew's former school mate.



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Ibu Bapa Andrew Kirim Salam Kepada Edlin, Zarina, Liza & Nija

Reverend David Tan dan isterinya Irene Tan mengirim salam kepada Edlin Abdul Rahim, Zarina Zainoordin, Liza Ismail dan Nija Tahar dan mendoakan kejayaan dan kebahagiaan mereka berempat.

Ibu bapa Andrew Tan, pemenang keempat Malaysian Idol (MI), berterima kasih kepada Edlin, Zarina, Liza dan Nija kerana menyokong anak mereka dalam MI.

Edlin dan Zarina adalah finalis AF2 manakala Liza dan Nija adalah finalis AF1. Edlin adalah rakan sekolah Andrew.

It's OK, Sugar Bun, I'm Here With You - Rydee Stands By Adam

During a recent Akademi Fantasia 2 (AF2) road show in Penang, Mohd Aizam (Adam) Mat Saman, the AF2 third placer from Kota Kinabalu, was molested by a male fan.

The fan allegedly grabbed Adam by the breast with his fingernails.

Rydiana (Rydee) Abdul Rahim, Adam's loving "foster sister" and fellow Kota Kinabalu native from Malaysian Idol (MI), is here for him in his moment of fear.

She says that any attack on her "adik" is an attack on her.

"Adam, I'm sorry this happened. Don't worry, sayang. I'm here with you," she said.

Rydee said that she always wished Adam all the best in his singing and acting career.

Just as he calls her the "kakak" he never had, she calls him the "adik" she never had, and would love to cuddle him again.

"We may have our peculiarities. He may spend too long in front of the mirror, but that's because he takes the trouble to look presentable.

"I'm always proud of "adik", and love him unconditionally. I've never doubted him," she said.

Rydee paid tribute to Norman, Yusry and Edry Halim (KRU) for guiding Adam in entertainment, and to The Malay Mail journalist and film script writer Meor Shariman for helping Adam in his acting career.

She also sent her best wishes to American Idol Season 3 runner-up, Diana DeGarmo, who is Adam's favourite AI contestant.

While not a big fan of Diana, Rydee and fellow Malaysian Idol (MI) finalist Nikki Palikat (from Tambunan in Sabah), think that the Hispanic singer has great potential to shine in pop music.

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"Kak Sentiasa Di Belakangmu, Adik" - Rydee (MI) Kepada Adam (AF2)

Baru-baru ini, semasa konsert AF2 di Pulau Pinang, Mohd Aizam (Adam) Mat Saman, pemenang tempat ke-3 AF2 dari Kota Kinabalu, diperkosa oleh seorang peminat lelaki yang gila.

Peminat gila itu dikatakan telah memicit dada Adam dengan kuku jarinya.

Adam mendapat sokongan, simpati dan kasih sayang dari "kakak"nya dan rakan sekampungnya di kalangan finalis Malaysian Idol (MI) iaitu Rydiana (Rydee) Abdul Rahim.

Rydee berkata, sesiapa yang menghina Adam juga menghina Rydee, kerana Adam adalah "adik" kesayangannya.

Rydee berkata: "Sayang, jangan bimbang. Kak ada di sini."

Rydee sentiasa mendoakan kejayaan Adam dalam bidang seni serta mendoakan kebahagiaannya dalam hidup.

Dia amat menyayangi Adam semacam adiknya sendiri.

"Mungkin Adam terlalu lama memandang paras rupanya di depan cermin. Tetapi saya tak kisah.

"Dia tu rajin menjaga imej dan penampilannya, semacam "perfectionist"," katanya.

"Saya selalu menyokongnya, sebagai penyanyi, pelakon, penghibur serta sahabat baik. Amat mudah untuk menyayanginya, sebab dia tu kacak lagi comel dan amat menghormati orang tua.

"Jika saya berjumpa dengan Adam, memang saya ingin peluknya. Kan dia tu adik kesayangan saya," katanya.

Rydee mengirim salam kepada Norman, Yusry dan Edry Halim (KRU) kerana banyak membimbing Adam dalam karier nyanyiannya.

Dia juga mengirim salam kepada wartawan The Malay Mail, Meor Shariman, yang juga penulis skrip filem, kerana banyak membimbing Adam dalam bidang lakonan.

Rydee turut mengirim salam kepada finalis American Idol kegemaran Adam iaitu Diana DeGarmo, naib juara American Idol Musim Ke-3.

Walaupun Rydee dan kawan karibnya Nikki Palikat, finalis MI dari Tambunan di Sabah, bukan peminat setia Diana, mereka berdua menganggapnya seorang penyanyi yang hebat dan berpotensi menjadi bintang pop yang terkenal di Amerika.

Happy Birthday, From Bentong Beauty To Kuching Cutey

"Kuching Cutey" Saipul Bakeri turns 19 on May 18.

And Saipul's "ideal woman" has beaten "Kak" Nurul Hamid (Saipul's foster sister of sorts from Kuching) to become the first Akademi Fantasia singer to wish him Happy Birthday.

"Bentong Beauty" Suriati (Atie) Abu Bakar, Akademi Fantasia Season 1's (AF1) 10th placer has sent her birthday greetings to her favourite Malaysian Idol (MI) contestant Saipul, who finished fifth in the contest.

Atie, 22, an ardent fan of Sudirman Arshad, Saipul's idol, said that she wished Saipul all the best in his singing career, and advised him to maintain moderation in life.

Atie describes Saipul as a cute and handsome pop star in the making, and admires his wholesome image.

She also admires his courage in the face of criticisms from contest judges and his detractors.

"I always wish him "senyum selalu" ("smile always"). I'm confident he will be a star, for he has what it takes to shine. He's so adorable, I just love him," she said.

Atie said that she would be most honoured to meet Saipul, and that she was impressed with his rendition of "Mimpi Laila", an Arab-style song made popular by Yassin Sulaiman.

She said that she had planned to meet Saipul at the Malaysian Idol finals in Genting Highlands last year, but unfortunately could not make it due to family matters.

Saipul recently said that Atie was a beautiful and talented Malaysian actress whom he admired greatly.

(Nurul and Farah wished Saipul happy birthday shortly after Atie)

BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION

Atie (Si Jelita Dari Bentong) Kirim Salam Hari Jadi Kepada Saipul (Si Comel Dari Kuching)

Saipul Bakeri, pemenang tempat kelima Malaysian Idol (MI), genap berumur 19 tahun pada Mei 18 ini.

"Wanita Ideal" Saipul iaitu Suriati (Atie) Abu Bakar, pemenang tempat ke-10 Akademi Fantasia 1 (AF1), telah menjadi finalis pertama AF untuk mengirim salam hari jadi kepada heronya dari MI.

Selalunya peminat Saipul berharap Nurul Abdul Hamid, pemenang tempat ke-8 AF2, menjadi penyanyi AF yang pertama mengirim salam hari jadi kepada Saipul.

Ini adalah kerana Saipul semacam adik angkat Nurul (Saipul dan Nurul adalah rakan sekampung dari Kuching, Sarawak).

Atie, 22, peminat setia Allahyarham Sudirman Arshad, idola Saipul, mengucapkan selamat hari jadi dan selamat maju jaya kepada Saipul dan menasihatinya mengamalkan kesederhanaan dalam hidup serta senyum selalu.

Atie menganggap Saipul seorang pemuda yang kacak, comel serta bersopan-santun dan berbudi-bahasa.

Atie juga kagum dengan keberanian Saipul berdepan dengan pengkritiknya.

"Saya amat tertarik dengan personaliti Saipul. Dia tu betul-betul comel, kacak dan berbakat besar sebagai penghibur. Atie amat yakin Adik Saipul akan menyinar dalam industri hiburan," katanya.

Atie berkata dia akan berasa amat bangga jikalau dapat bertemu dengan Saipul.

Seperti Nurul AF2 dan Farah AF2, Atie amat menyayangi Saipul semacam adiknya sendiri, dan amat kagum dengan kebolehannya menyanyikan lagu "Mimpi Laila" yang dipopularkan oleh Yassin Sulaiman.

Katanya, dia ada plan untuk hadir di Genting Highlands pada malam konsert akhir Malaysian Idol tahun lalu, tetapi terpaksa membatalkan plannya disebabkan hal keluarga yang penting.

Baru-baru ini, Saipul telah berkata bahawa Atie seorang aktres baru yang berbakat serta amat jelita. Dia amat mengkagumi imej, personaliti dan bakat lakonan Atie.

(Nurul dan Farah telah mengucapkan Selamat Hari Jadi kepada Saipul tidak lama selepas Atie)

All The Best, Andrew - From Nija (AF1)

Nija


Siti Harnizah (Nija) Tahar, the rock chick from the southernmost tip of Asia, Pontian Kecil in Johor, wishes Malaysian Idol (MI) "shy guy" Andrew Tan all the best in his studies and singing career.

She said that she admired Andrew for his courage in performing Bahasa Malaysia songs, especially "Kau Ilhamku", Man Bai's masterpiece.

"U rock, Andrew. I'd love to meet U," she said.

Nija said that while it was good for Andrew to complete his studies, she hoped that he would return to entertain his numerous fans, who include his former school mate Edlin Rahim, "Cinta Fotokopi" star Zarina Zainoordin, "Roda Impian" co-host Liza Ismail and herself.

"Courage is what makes people become heroes. And U have shown us just that, Adik Andrew," Nija said.

Nija finished fourth in Akademi Fantasia Season 1 (AF1) while Liza finished fifth in AF1. Zarina finished ninth in Akademi Fantasia Season 2 (AF2) while Edlin finished 12th in AF2.

Andrew finished 4th in Malaysian Idol Season 1 (MI1).



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Nija (AF1) Ucap Selamat Maju Jaya Kepada Andrew (MI1)

Nija (Siti Harnizah Tahar), puteri rock dari Pontian Kecil, Johor, mengirim salam maju jaya kepada finalis Malaysian Idol kesayangannya Andrew Tan Khin Huat.

Nija kagum dengan keberanian Andrew menyanyikan lagu rock dan pop Bahasa Malaysia seperti "Kau Ilhamku" yang dipopularkan oleh Man Bai.

"U memang hebat, Adik Andrew. Kak Nija ingin jumpa Adik," katanya.

Nija berkata adalah baik untuk Andrew menghabiskan kursus sains komputer yang kini diikutinya di sebuah kolej swasta di Kuala Lumpur. Tetapi ini tidak harus bererti karier nyanyian Andrew terhenti begitu sahaja.

Nija berharap Andrew akan terus menyanyi semasa musim cuti kolej dan terus menghiburkan ribuan peminatnya, termasuk Edlin AF2, Zarina AF2, Liza AF1 dan Nija sendiri.

Edlin adalah rakan sekolah Andrew di S M Taman Melawati, Ulu Klang. Dia adalah pemenang tempat ke-12 AF2.

Zarina adalah pemenang tempat ke-9 AF2 dan kini berlakon dalam filem Cinta Fotokopi.

Liza adalah pemenang tempat kelima AF1 dan kini adalah hos bersama Roda Impian.

Nija adalah pemenang tempat keempat AF1.

Andrew adalah pemenang tempat keempat MI1.

Nija berkata: "Hero yang sebenar adalah orang yang berani menghadapi cabaran. Adik Andrew telah buktikan bahawa dia adalah hero yang sebenar."