KOTA KINABALU: After eight hours of intense drama, excitement and suspense where 58 representatives from throughout Sabah were auditioned and scrutinized once again, the jury of judges headed by organizer Peter Dicky Lee and Malaysian Icon Datuk DJ Dave, after much discussion and argument, finally came to a consensus – 24 finalists will compete for the title, an additional four to the initial list of 20.
The finalists are Sheryll Josh of Tamparuli, Norbilin Abd. Jalil (Tuaran), Fauzi Manap (Penampang), Suib Zainin (Tuaran), Donovond Andreey Damianus (Tamparuli), Suzie Peter (Tambunan), Nurulhadha Zulkefli (Penampang), Marlina Kamin (Tuaran),
Norhayati @ Nory Alias(Tuaran), Sophiana Emmanuel Abdullah (Lahad Datu), Haslinda Haniff (Beaufort), Siti Asiah Supangat(Labuan), Azmi Abdul Majad(Tambunan), Joan Chen Tze Yan(Tawau), Mohammad Delik(Penampang), Hadi Jaidi Ariffin(Kota Kinabalu), Joveya Jeuning(Kota Kinabalu), Azwan Safwan Juhari(Kudat), Cherill Mitchell Henry(Sandakan), Khoo Wei Yong(Tuaran), Syarinawati Moilin(Tamparuli), Marcella Impui(Kuala Penyu), Diandra Justine(Kota Kinabalu) and Mohd Mujahid Halpi (Tawau).
Organized by BEP in collaboration with the Youth & Sports Ministry and officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman along with patron Datuk Peter Pang, the event will be recorded by official media RTM to be telecast and compiled to a two-hour entertainment program on Astro Channel 180 “TVi”. Official radio Suria FM will also broadcast the event live.
“I have never seen such fantastic talents before. I have judged so many competitions in my 40 years in the industry but this one really takes the cake. Peter and myself and the rest of the jury argued until late into the night to finally come to a consensus; 24 and not 20 will battle it out during the finals,” said iconic singer Datuk DJ Dave the chief judge who will also perform his trademark song “Ingin Bersua” and a duet with local celebrity cum judge Esther Applunius,”I Will Always Love You”.
Lucrative prizes await the top five winners including cash, Star Cruise holidays, All Fit one year free membership, holiday packages to Pulau Tiga, Air ticket vouchers worth RM500, a recording contract with Borneo Events Production and many more.
“The top five will represent Sabah in the inaugural Borneo Idol Search, a competition organized for the first time ever among the Borneo stars of Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan” said organizer Peter Dicky Lee.
“MASWings our official airline has kindly agreed to sponsor the airfares of all competitors from Brunei, Sarawak and Kalimantan,” Peter revealed.
“Thank you to all the YBs who have sponsored and supported this event in their districts during our roadshows, Datuk Peter Pang for agreeing to be our patron and Datuk John Ambrose as our advisor.
We also express our gratitude to all sponsors: Suria Sabah for holding the venue, MASWings, Star Cruises, Hoko, Airworld Travel, Gardenia, Taiko Media, Sounds Tech Production, Wilti Jos Sdn Bhd, Lakut Production, 51DC, Nip Ming Tat, D’ Maujings Dance Crew, City Grocer, Burger King, All Fit, Sipadan Dive Centre, Gaya Centre Hotel our official hotel, Snips Academy for the hair and make-up, Sapphire Bridal, RTM our official media , Suria FM, Damai Club, Wasabi and Cawan Cafe.
There will be lucky draws for the public during the event where hampers and food vouchers from Gardenia, City Grocer, Wasabi and Cawan Cafe will be up for grabs. Admission is free. For more info please call 0138651998 or follow our facebook page at “Sabah Idol 2012”.