KOTA KINABALU: A new star is born (or a rough diamond sparkled) as Carlsberg Diamond Idol 2014 (CDI) crowned the champion of CDI Grand Finale who shone throughout the two-month talent search in Sabah and Sarawak.
Tai Chun Leong (far left) beaming with pride as he receives the CDI winning trophy and RM12,000 cash prize from Teoh Nar Teik.
Tai Chun Leong, a 20-year-old karaoke DJ emerged as the champion with his strong soulful voice. He did not expect to win.
“It’s like a dream come true! I never thought I would emerge the Carlsberg Diamond Idol champion. I am absolutely elated and extremely thankful to Carlsberg for creating such a platform for us aspiring singers,” he said.
Originated from Tawau, Tai entered the competition via the Kota Kinabalu audition as he is currently based in there.
The first runner-up, Rachel Wesley Pai, is also from Kota Kinabalu and second runner-up from Miri, is Vivian Wong Tzuu Hsien.
Tai received a RM12,000 cash prize, Rachel RM5,000 and Vivian RM2,000.
Running in its fourth consecutive year, CDI 2014 presented by Carlsberg, the country’s most loved beer brand, attracted over 100 aspiring singers or music lovers at auditions that were held in Miri, Sandakan, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. The auditions and area finals culminated into the grand finale with 12 finalists eyeing for the champion title with cash prizes of RM12,000, whilst total cash prizes of the competition is over RM30,000.
“The 12 finalists this year are some of the most talented contestants that we have seen in this competition since it started four years ago. Their performance tonight was impressive, showed a great sign of improvement after the CDI camp where they improved their vocal, dance skills and overall showmanship. I want to congratulate all of them for giving their best and put forward a great entertaining show,” said Teoh Nar Teik, regional sales manager of Carlsberg Malaysia at the CDI finale held at The B.E.D, Waterfront.
The Diamond Idol Camp held in Kota Kinabalu was organized to groom, train and build the confidence of the grand finalists through a series of workshops, so to better prepare them in the grand finale. The camp was led by Professor Dr Fred Chin as the motivational trainer, whilst Skyler Liew was the dance instructor.
The panel of judges this year was made up of prominent celebrities, including homegrown well-known singer/song writer, Z-chen, who has gained fame in Taiwan and Hong Kong; Marsha Milan Londoh, the third runner-up of Akademi Fantasia Season 3; and singer/songwriter and music producer, Jonathan Tse.