JAKARTA: Singapore's Hady Mirza has been crowned Asian Idol in an inaugural contest held in Jakarta.
The 27-year-old beat five other contestants from host country Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and India in Asia's largest talent showcase in terms of size of audience.
Millions of viewers in the six participating countries watched the Asian Idol competition live on television.
Competition was strong as all six contestants had won their own country's Idol contest.
Asian Idol Hady said: "Seriously, I didn't think it was going to be me. Looking at their vocal prowess and the things that they have achieved – they have achieved so much more than me - I'm just happy to be there, you know. I'm just enjoying the moment, hoping that I gave a sincere performance."
All six contestants performed two songs each on the performance show held on Saturday.
Anu Malik, one of the judges of Asian Idol and India Idol, said: "When Hady sang the second song, I remember telling him that I liked his attitude, his personality... he's not concerned whether he would win or lose. This kind of thing appeals to the public – the people out there."
Hady clinched the highest number of votes sent via text messaging. Apart from his singing talent, the judges believe the 27-year-old's good looks also appealed to viewers throughout the region.
Ken Lim, one of the judges of Asian Idol and Singapore Idol, said: "I think the strategy here is very simple. We have somebody who is able to sing and has the balance in terms of appeal. I think that stood out for the audience across Asia because it's important."
The organisers have revealed that all six contestants pulled in similar percentages of votes from viewers in their respective countries. But as all voters are required to pick one other winner from another country, the majority made Hady their choice.
To Hady's fans, who had travelled from Singapore to Jakarta to support their idol, the trip was very worthwhile.
The newly crowned Asian Idol said throughout the competition, he was always mindful that the hopes of his fans and the country rested on his shoulders.
"I take pride in being a Singaporean. Being Singaporean, you always want to do your country proud," he said.
With the Asian Idol title under his belt, Hady is now poised to further penetrate the region's culturally diverse music scene.
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