2008/01/10
Some of the artistes and composers who will be battling for the crowning glory of AJL Song of the Year. |
With a new venue and an exciting theme, Anugerah Juara Lagu 22 promises to give a definite boost to the ratings. RADIN SRI GHAZALI finds out what’s on the cards.
ANUGERAH Juara Lagu 22 (AJL 22) is going to be bigger and better this year.
On Jan 27 at Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Misha Omar and Jaclyn Victor will headline the event, and bands Estranged and Jinbar are making a comeback.
Veteran crooners Aishah and Ramlah Ram (both of whom have won the competition) also make their return to the music industry.
“We want to provide a different atmosphere from past years. Music brings many magical moments and this is what we want to create in the finals,” said TV3 General Manager of Entertainment, Sports & Recreation Azhar Borhan, explaining the theme this year — “Music Magic”.
Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil will undergo a makeover to reflect the theme.
“We want to ensure that the audiences at home and at the stadium are able to feel the magical ambience,” said Tengku Sahilawati Tengku Jehori, the producer of the final.
The regular hosts of the Muzik-Muzik weekly series, Cheryl Samad and Faizal Ismail, will act as hosts for the final, accompanied by Ally Iskandar of Malaysia Hari Ini fame, and Melodi’s Farah Fauzana.
Wouldn’t the affair be too “crowded” with four outspoken hosts?
“It has been done before and I do believe with a 21/2 hour show, we can accommodate four presenters. They each have a unique way of presentation and the combination will be something rather exciting to watch. Imagine having four bubbly presenters on one stage,” said Azhar.
When asked about Siti Nurhaliza’s change in image — wearing the hijab (veil) after her return from the Haj, Azhar said: “We have not received any information. Thus, we are a bit uncertain on what to expect from her for the event.”
Siti’s “new” image may give an extra boost to the ratings of the show.
“The whole image issue might aid in boosting the ratings but I do believe that this year’s strong line-up of finalists is sufficient in getting ratings up,” he added.
The grand finale will be opened by Jinbara (Farhana-Puteri Bumi Kenyalang). Then come Nora (Samudera), Fazli Zainal (Harapan), Siti Nurhaliza (Destinasi Cinta), Faizal Tahir (Mahakarya Cinta), Aishah (Kasihnya Balkis), Misha Omar/Andy Flop Poppy (Sembunyi), Sofaz (Janjiku), Shari (Izinku Pergi), Mawi (Angan Dan Sedar), Jaclyn Victor/Lah VE (Ceritera Cinta), Estranged (Itu Kamu), Ramlah Ram (Dirgahayu) and the closing by Faizal with his song Kasih Tercipta.
Ramlah Ram returns to the music scene after seven years of non-participation in the finals of AJL.
“I am thrilled to be back in the competition and I am indeed overwhelmed with the response towards my comeback and album,” said the songbird, who won the competition in 1988 with her hit song, Kau Kunci Cintaku Di Dalam Hatimu.
“We have at least two weeks to prepare and I am bent on giving my best for the night’s performance,” she added.
Meanwhile, Faizal Tahir, 28, of One In A Million fame says of his songs, Kasih Tercipta and Mahakarya Cinta, which he will be delivering for the finals: “I do not have a favourite. I would love to have both songs win the competition because each has its own diversity and strength,” he said.
“I love being spontaneous and just seizing the moment.”
Akademi Fantasia 1 graduate Shari is more than willing to fill in the shoes of Kaer with the hit ballad Izinku Pergi.
“Kaer is not able to give his full commitment to the show as he is occupied with his studies in Indonesia. But I am very grateful for the opportunity to sing the song both in semi-finals and finals,” he said.
“I will start a workout regime to gain good stamina and I will also be attending vocal classes,” he said.
As for rock outfit Jinbara, the boys are not tensed about delivering a grand opening performance.
“We do not really want to burden ourselves by thinking about it. We just want to give our best and rock the audience with the song,” said Ahtan, the drummer of the band.
But what can the fans expect to see from a band that often gives electrifying live performances?
“There will be something different, of course, a musical collaboration. Not with singers but fellow musicians,” he added, saying Farhana (Puteri Bumi Kenyalang) will go changes in music arrangement.
AJL 22 will be aired live at 8.30pm. It will be preceded by AJL X-Klusif at 7.30pm.
source: the new straits times
