READY TO BATTLE IT OUT: Some of the finalists who will be taking to the stage.
KOTA KINABALU: Nineteen talented contestants will battle it out at the grand final of ‘Cowboy Idol’ tonight which will see eight male singers pitting their vocal prowess and showmanship against 11 girls in what is expected to be a thrilling and intense finale for the coveted title and the cash prize of RM1,000 that goes with it.
Held over a period of six weeks and with 75 contestants being auditioned, the 19 finalists are an interesting mix of new faces, veterans, models, dancers and one magician and clown.
They are Hilfiazri Halim, Daina Francisca Romana, Mohd Redzuan Awang Asah, Sarah Marie, Chelcie Angel Joe Kitingan, Rosie Disuil, Mohd Izzdihar @ Ezed, Robert Edward, Jacqueline Thomas, Normi Jamil, Norfaizah bte Tinus, Dominic Mcewen Chin, Mohd Khairuddin Hannan, Felicia Ngoh, Fauzi Manaf, Maxine Antoinette Yapp, Pheadra Chin, Shaidatul Izawanna Ismail and Erwin Estrop.
Cowboy Bar spokesman Aderick Chong said: “The first season of Cowboy Idol is such a huge success with contestants and audience alike that we have decided to have a second season next year to unearth the wealth of hidden talents that abound in Sabah, particularly among the girls.”
“Our next event is a beauty pageant for both males and females between 16 to 28 years old. Sabah is blessed with beautiful people and this will be an avenue for them to pursue their dreams of making it in the beauty and modelling industry” Aderick added.
The finals tonight will start at 8pm where each contestant will sing two songs, one slow and one fast.
“This will show their versatility not just vocally but also in their showmanship and stage presentation,” said Asmin Mudin, a famed composer/singer synonymous with the local hit “Sayang Kinabalu”.
Asmin will sit in the panel of judges which will also include local celebrity Peter Dicky Lee and hip-hop artistes Terry Peter and Atama.