KDM M’sia Idol: 29 vie for eight final spots today

0

KOTA KINABALU: A total of 29 contestants will be battling for the top eight spots that will see them competing in the final of the KDM Malaysia Idol Singing Contest 2013.

They will compete in the semi-finals at Buhavan Square in Donggongon, Penampang near here this evening.

Mohd Rifanzie Ruji, Sarma Sitim, Rachel Wesley Pai and Afiezal Fahmi Iggu @ Amir initially did not have the required points to feature in the semifinals but a surprise announcement by the organisers, meant they are through and are still in the running for top prizes.

The other 25 are Andrew Poininting, Zilamaria Juhara, Sherlly Josh, Hazlinda Mohd Haniff, Ordella May Denis, Hendry Francis, Ranjit Rasid, Sitipa Jahamin, Lauridson Liaw Fu Kang, Mary @ Norasiah Intang, Evana Yusep Hera, Malvin Kalbin,Johnnetry Pingut, Edwin Sintiu, Lindra Sylvia Selvister, Jon Gavis, Deffny Pearl Tanggar, Azlee Mualif, Arie Famree Sius, Aivin Clint Lim, Jenny Gaising, Christopher Sham, Judith Daulip, Brenda Anura Lundo Juanis and Fred Joane Asoon.

They are the participants from last week’s quarterfinals which featured 50 of the top contestants selected from auditions conducted earlier this year.

Malaysia Kadazan Dusun Murut Organisation (KDM Malaysia) president Datuk Peter Anthony said the decision to include the additional four contestants was made at a post-mortem after the quarterfinals.

“Contestants relied mostly on votes to make it through to the semi-finals. There were some who we felt have the potential to win the Idol title but did not receive enough votes to make it into the top 25.

“We eventually decided to include them in the list based on evaluations made by our professional jury,” said Peter.

And as a gesture of goodwill, Peter said the journey of contestants who failed to make it to the semi-finals would not end in despair.

“KDM Malaysia will assist all quarterfinal contestants for job placements (for those unemployed), while some may become ambassadors for our organisation.

“This is the objective of this programme…It is not merely about singing and prizes but also about helping the people. We will help as much as we can to pursue their ambitions of becoming singers.

“And tomorrow (today) will be the biggest chance for them to shine where the country’s biggest recording company, Nova Records, will evaluate their (contestants) performances,” he said.

Voting cards will continue to be sold up to the finals, whereby five per cent of the proceeds will go to the Sabah Education Department for its hardcore Poor Students Fund.

The KDM Malaysia Idol Singing Contest 2013 is offering arguably the biggest prize money in the history of singing competitions in the country, whereby the champion will receive RM100,000, runner-up RM50,000, third place RM30,000, fourth place RM15,000 and RM10,000 to fifth to eighth place winners each.