KDM Idol talent contest resumes next week

KOTA KINABALU: The KDM Malaysia Idol 2013 will resume after a short hiatus on Aug 24 at Buhavan Square in Donggongon, Penampang, to select 25 aspiring contestants for the next round.

President of Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) Malaysia, Datuk Peter Anthony, said 50 singers would be vying for the 25 slots during the quarterfinals on that day.

According to him, voting by members of the public will make up 60 per cent of the points while public jury, 20 per cent and professional jury, 20 per cent.

Dubbed as the most lucrative singing competition, with RM100,000 waiting for the winner, the KDM Malaysia Idol was stopped after the audition tour series following the 13th General Election nationwide, he said.

“But we took the opportunity during the short break to conduct in-depth selection of 50 participants for the quarterfinals,” he said during a media conference at a hotel here.

He said that despite some obstacles, KDM Malaysia treated it as mere challenges and part of the job in organising the event.

“And I am proud and happy that we can continue organising the event, thanks to the organising team and individuals who have helped us,” he said.

The KDM Malaysia Idol was aimed at harnessing singing talent from among the Kadazan, Dusun and Murut community.

He said that the Idol audition process saw 694 KDM people including from other ethnic groups taking part.

He said the jury panel headed by Asmin Mudin with Betsy Michael and Mohd Yusof have been very impartial in selecting the 50 participants for the quarterfinals.

He said the semi-finals would also be held at the same venue at Buhavan Square on Aug 31.

“During the semi-finals we will select only eight competitors for the final concert in September during which the event would be either shown live by a television station or delayed telecast,” he said.

The winner stands to win RM100,000 while first runner-up, RM50,000, second runner-up, RM30,000, fourth place, RM15,000 and fifth until eighth winner, RM10,000.

Anthony said the KDM Malaysia Idol not only aspire to bring out the best among the contestants but also produce an “idol” with balanced personality and an example to the younger generation.

Prior to the quarterfinals, Prof Dr Tengku Naufala will be conducting a “Dynamic Motivation” workshop for the participants.

Also present were vice-president, Michael Ubu, secretary-general, Azie Kaying and programme manager, Jasnin Suman.

Sumber : Borneo Insider