This week, the show started with the introduction of the 8 male Anugerettes. The theme for this Round is “Rentak Kita” where the Anugerettes are required to sing local songs. Noting also from the previous week’s show, the top 3 males, according to the combined score are as follows:

1. Wawan
2. Chirul
3. Ize Suliman

Wawan, with the highest score, was given the chance to choose his group mates for the group performance this week. He chose Kamsani Jumahat, Ize Suliman and Azhar Raz. Thus, his group performed the first half of the show.

Kamsani came out with a bang, singing Cintaku (by Merah). His confidence and stage presence were carried out well throughout his energetic performance. While his voice was heard all powerful at the TV Theatre, some notes were not hit well when reviewed on TV. Judge Ann Hussein liked his energetic peformance but noted that his facial expression was cramped. Judge Gani Karim thought that Kamsani wasn’t energetic enough for the song, Cintaku.

As if being allowed to be overshadowed by Kamsani’s performance, Ize Suliman emerged looking nervous this week. Noted by Judge Ann Hussein, it seemed as if Ize didn’t hear the tune and was rushing after the tempo of Kau Bintang Ku (by Jaliboy). We agreed with Judge Ann Hussein that Ize did pick himself up mid-song, showing off his clear melodious voice which Judge Gani Karim favoured. We noted that his articulation has improved.

When we were told that Wawan was going to sing Kasih Mengapa (by Rauzan Rahman), we were quite worried how he’d sing the rap parts of the song. Wawan, however, surprised us with his own rendition of the song. While Judge Eddy Ali praised Wawan for deserving the top spot, he remarked on Wawan’s articulation. Guest Judge Hassan Salleh disagreed as he felt Wawan’s voice was faltering, although he expressed the feel of the song well. We didn’t want to agree with Judge Hassan Salleh while we were at the TV Theatre, but after reviewing the show on TV, Wawan did fall flat a couple of times. We also feel that Wawan could do away emulating his idol, Man Toyak.

Keeping up with his steady performance, Azhar Raz was seen to be the most comfortable on stage belting out Adakah Mungkin (by Iskandar Ismail). His vocal control was surprisingly great during some difficult notes of the song. Judge Eddy Ali complimented Azhar saying he was the best so far this week. However he needs more interaction with the camera, engaging the audience watching from home to garner their votes. Judge Hassan Salleh applauded Azhar’s good perforance and felt that he did captivate the audience.

Chirul, ranked 2nd male favourite from last week, sang Selalu (by Fauzie Laily) nonchalantly. He seemed to be too comfortable or rather, as the disappointed Judge Eddy Ali noted Chirul’s performance was due to lack of practice. Judge Gani Karim agreed that Chirul needs to practise more though commended that he has the most male voice of the group.

Singing a fast “rockish” Andai (by Merah), was Izam who seemed to be having a good time on stage. Judge Gani Karim took notice of Izam’s improvement from last week. Judge Eddy Ali however disagreed as he noted Izam was “chasing” the chorus and his whole performance was rather lacklustre.

Sein Ahmad who brought Zaibaktian’s Lelaki Baru without much gusto could easily be drowned by the other guys who had already performed that night. It was hard to hear his vocal power with his entourage screaming out for him at the TV Theatre. However, back home on TV, his voice was flat out and much like Judge Ann Hussein mentioned, his pitching was off a number of times. Nonetheless, she applauded Sein for smiling more and looking more comfortable on stage this week.

The birthday boy didn’t emerge out of the huge gift box, instead Hydir Idris flaunted his deep vocals singing Nyala (by Aliff Aziz). Looking more assured of his stage presence, he awed not only his entourage but others including the judges. “The small boy with a huge voice” could simply be his title for this season of Anugerah. Judge Ann Hussein exclaimed “WONDERFUL!” and Judge Hassan Salleh thought Hydir was the best that night. We concurred with the judges’ views, however after reviewing his performance, Hydir could go easy with the waves at the end of his notes (is it called verbratto?).

As for the group performances, Group A (consisting of Kamsani, Ize, Wawan & Azhar) had a good group synergy, was favoured by the judges and dubbed the best group. Guest Judge Hassan Salleh singled out Kamsani & Azhar for their steady performance while he thought Wawan was outstanding.

Group B performance seemed lack of practise and there wasn’t chemistry among the members; Sein, Izam, Chirul & Hydir. However, Hydir stood out from the rest as he was seen to have improved, executing his steps well. Judge Eddy Ali saluted Sein that although he was rigid in his dance steps, he tried his best to keep up.

PHOTOS ARE HERE!

Voting lines are still opened and will only be closed on 23rd June at 6pm. Vote for the deserving ones and vote wisely!