The Juara of Anugerah 2005 has been crowned and it's none other than teen "sensation" Khairul Anuar... YES, I'm too astounded for words but hey, life goes on and seeing how I didn't lift a finger to aid the voting process (i.e. I didn't send out a single SMS), I shouldn't complain about who won or who didn't. Anyhow, this year's finals was a RAH-rah extravaganza thingy attended by our very own President Nathan! (like doesn't he have something better to do???)
Frankly speaking, I'm sick of hearing comments doled out by Kak Gerl and Pakcik Eddy Ali, both of whom are becoming rather yawn-inducingly predictable. Thank god then for the presence of Edry from KRU, whose critique was the most objective amongst the judges tonight, and Najip Ali's rapid-fire (and interesting) commentaries. (Err.. that Iskandar-somebody fella was quite redundant... waste money only, putting him up as a jury member! LOL)
Well, I'm sure the whole lot of you heard what they (ie. the judges) had to say -- So, here's MY two cents' worth of the show (as seen through the eyes and ears of a jaded cynic... ).
ANU 01: Syed Azmir -- the Taufik Batisah clone (minus falsetto-singing)
Sadly, our resident RnB prince does not have the vocal chops necessary to carry the pop/rock group and duo numbers. His voice sounded rather strained most of the time and even seemed drowned by the "live" band. However, he certainly outshone the rest on his solo number, Apa, which really showed him perform in his element... I had my bets on him becoming the Juara but runner-up is pretty close enough, rite?? HEhe. It's peculiar how audiences (my primary six niece and I included!) have compared him to Sg Idol Taufik without much assistance from the media; in fact, none of the panel of judges have uttered such a comparison before. Still, I think that label will stick with Azmir for quite awhile...
ANU 02: Md Khairul -- The Mamat rambut flat!
Since he's clearly not my favorite, I wouldn't say anything too risque lest I sound too biased but coming in fourth in Anugerah this year isn't THAT bad. Still got cash prize u know.. hehe. WHilst having the most typical Melayu-type of vocals, he didn't particularly stand out in a positive way during the group or duo performances; instead, he stuck out like a sore thumb!! He also came across as the most rigid performer tonight. Too bad lah... =p
ANU 03: Khairul Anuar -- The Kepit-boy and his cult
Plaudits goes to Khairul for being the only contestant who had managed to mobilise an entire battalion of loyal supporters (attired uniformly in red some-more) who are not afraid to embarrass themselves on national television to promote their "idol". Of course, I must concede that he was also the only contestant who demonstrated the sheer ability to upstage his peers during group/duo performances with his unique stage presence and unique vocals. In my honest opinion, however, his rendition of Hazami's Kata was rather disturbing... I dunno why I keep thinking that he looks like Siti Sarah Raisuddin! Weird, rite??
ANU 04: Fauzie Laily -- The bad boy NOt enough
Seeing how much potential I think he possesses (Najip Ali and I are unanimous about this =p ), Fauzie is a great disappointment tonight. Although he managed to display good vocal chemistry with his partners (while also managing to hold his own) during the group/duo perfomances, his uninspiring solo number was just not awesome enough to be a "finals" performance; I thought a slower song or a show-stopping ballad would be more advantageous for his "pop" vocals. Fortunately, his good showmanship was his saving grace and third placing isn't too bad considering how none of the judges really favored him tonight. With both judge Iskandar-somebody and Najip prophesying that this guy would go far, I don't think we've seen the last of Fauzie yet...
Worst performance(s)
Syed Azmir and Khairil on Maroon 5's She Will Be Loved. So tak kena...!
Best performance
Eka Mairina and Iskandar Ismail on Cinta Abadi. This is pure heaven to listen to! Anyone has the mp3???
Worst Fashion statement
It's a tie between the multi-layered Khairul Anuar and Khairil's bright lime-green undershirt during their solo performances.
Best Fashion statement
Syed Azmir during solo performance -- Belom menang tapi dressed like superstar oredi.. =p
Most Irritating moments
whenever the camera pans Khairul Anuar's manic supporters in the audience.
Most Jiwang moment
When Khairul Anuar was crowned Juara. Duh.
