The Result

With 68% of the votes, Daniel’s victory was a resounding one.


Season 2 has been a success to 8TV. There was a 20% increase in votes, from last year’s one million to this year’s 1.6 million with Daniel taking home 1.2 million of the votes.


The concert, held at Genting Arena of Stars, was a success as well. When Daniel was announced as the next Malaysian Idol, the crowd, comprising mostly of Daniel’s supporters, burst into jubilant screams. But at the press conference after, the response was mixed.


The judges, 8TV CEO, Ahmad Izham Omar, and the Idols themselves were often called upon to explain why Nita, the more powerful vocalist, lost to Daniel. Paul said, “We’re here to make careers for these contestants. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s the life and blood of the industry. In fact Elton John once said ‘If 13-year-old girls aren’t buying your CDs, you’re history’”. Roslan added, “Everyone is good and talented. This year is no different just different type of talents. We’ll see after this. Does 1.2 million votes translate into sales? I have confidence because Daniel is talented.”


A caller asked Daniel, who wins a SonyBMG contract as well, if he has the confidence to tackle a competition like ‘World Idol’. “People voted me for my talent so I will try my best,” Daniel replied. “I will try to be more powerful. I never had the confidence before until I started singing three years ago. I can do more if I make it to World or Asean Idol.” And on whether Asean Idol will happen or not, Izham said, “We’re still in discussion. There are a lot of egos to pander to.”


About MI2 in general, Roslan said, “We can’t keep comparing MI1 with MI2 and each subsequent MI editions. Each talent is unique,” Paul added, “I thought we got good talent that fell through. But the season was passionate, intense and unpredictable.”


Nita and Daniel agreed on the show being unpredictable. “We started preparing to be eliminated anytime. As for predicting which one of us will win, I don’t care about the result because I think both of us are winners,” Daniel, whose idol is Jay Chou, commented.


On which of the judges’ comments affected the Idols most, Nita said, “I take their comments as a challenge. But of all the judges, I’m scared to look at Roslan most!” “Three of them sometimes break my heart,” Daniel admitted. “Roslan usually says if he likes something or doesn’t. Jee gives me confidence and Paul is very long-winded. I take the comments and try to improve from them.”


So now that Daniel has been crowned Malaysian Idol, what did he think was his responsibility as one? “I think it’s to be a role model for the kids, try my best and take things positively.”


Well said, Daniel! The rest of the country will be very interested in following Daniel’s career.


The Top 9…


The other finalists have been keeping busy too. Ash and Faizull, the rockers and best friends of the show, has decided to produce a single together featuring English and Malay rock songs. The single will comprise two or three songs, with Ash singing the English rock tracks and Faizull doing the Malay numbers.


It is well known that Ash had been in the midst of recording his solo effort, but this single will be out before his album is released.


3rd placed Idol, Farah, has been busy as well. So far, Tan Sri Lim Kok Weng has gone public in his announcement that he will sponsor his ex-student’s studies as well as album. Farah has also received offers to advertise for some well-known brands.


A PR agent who offered to represent him has approached Azam while Trish has received an offer from an independent recording label. All have been kept busy singing at functions. Those keen to catch up with Atilia can always visit the Selangor Club where she sings three times a week. All the Idols do not have any immediate plans as they still have gigs under 8 Unit to fulfill.