Over 200 aspiring singers attend auditions

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GOOD PERFORMANCE: A stellar performance from Akmal gave him the ticket to enter Akademi Fantasia 2013.

KUCHING: More than 200 aspiring singers belted their hearts out on the last day of the Akademi Fantasia 2013 auditions held at a leading hotel here yesterday.

There were tears and shouts of joy when only three were selected on the first day of the Sarawak auditions on June 15.

Making the cut early were Mohd Akmal and Nor Damia from Kuching who convinced the three judges on the jury led by Cikgu Shafi that they had the vocal strength and performance style to hit the big stage.

“It was nerve-wrecking to sing in front of the jury, but I managed to keep my composure and give it my best shot,” said Akmal who is no stranger to the local music scene.

The lead vocalist in a band sang near pitch perfect and with good intonations two hits in English and Bahasa Melayu respectively.

Akmal said he entered the audition to find out his limits in the music and entertainment industry.

Nor Damia who sang hits from Amy Winehouse and P!nk was unveiled as a born performer with outstanding vocal range.

“We actually do have a lot of unearthed talent in Sarawak. This audition is a chance to uncover that, and for aspiring candidates to get valuable experience,” said Nor Damia.

She said her interest in music and performance drove her into the audition.

“I will try to go as far as I can in this competition,” said the second contestant to receive the nod into the academy.

The next stop for the Akademi Fantasia 2013 auditions will be Sabah from June 22 to 23 before the final leg at Shah Alam Convention Centre from June 29 to 30.

The auditions were held in Johor on Jun 1 to 2 and Pulau Pinang (Jun 8 and 9).

After a year’s absence, Akademi Fantasia 2013 is expected to be aired on Astro after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

With a huge fan base since its debut in 2003, Akademi Fantasia is one of the best reality shows designed to groom participants into stars in the entertainment industry.