FOR the third time, 'Anugerah Juara Lagu' (AJL) has welcomed soft-spoken singer-songwriter Amir Jahari up its big stage.
And in his comeback to AJL after a decade, Amir has finally "struck gold".
Last Sunday at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, 31-year-old Sarawakian Amir won the top prize in AJL38, reaching the pinnacle of his singing career which began after 'Akademi Fantasia 9' in 2011.
MOVIE THEME
Amir's self-penned and self-composed song Hasrat, which was the theme song of last year's hit science-fiction fantasy Imaginur became the RM100,000 Best Song of AJL38.
Amir wowed the 10 judges led by Datuk Mokhzani Ismail, not to mention the 5,000-strong audience at the Axiata Arena.
AINA STILL RULES
The first runner-up was 'Sutera', performed, written and composed by Aisha Retno.
The second runner-up in the Best Song category was 'Jangan Mati Rasa Itu', performed, written and composed by last year's top winner Aina Abdul.
The songs won RM50,000 and RM30,000, respectively.
FANS' CHOICE
Aina also won the top prize of RM12,000 in the Popular Singer category based on fans' votes and another RM12,000 for Best Vocals.
The other songs were 'Astana' (Ernie Zakri / Omar K, Syamel Fodzly and Syazriq Azeman), 'Bintang' (Hael Husaini), 'Santai' (Naqiu / Faizal Tahir), 'Inilah Jalannya' (Masdo / Noh Salleh), 'Darah' (Marsha Milan Londoh / Naim Daniel and Firdaus Rahmat), 'Kalam' (Shiha Zikir / Iqie Hugh, John Jeeves and Firdaus Rahmat), 'Kucuma' (Wany Hasrita and Afieq Shazwan / A Ramlee and Ezra Kong), 'Waktu' (Ziana Zain and Hasif Upin / Iqie Hugh, John Jeeves and Firdaus Rahmat), and 'Selagi Ku Ada' (Khai Bahar and Nabila Razali / Amylea Azizan).
MEDICINE MAN
Shiha kicked off the three-hour concert at 9pm with an enchanting 'Kalam' bending over backwards to the spells cast by a Javanese medicine man. She bore an uncanny resemblance to Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina in the music video for her 2004 hit single 'Asmara Dana', the theme song of 'Puteri Gunung Ledang The Movie'.
Donning a jet black dress, Ziana sounded hauntingly beautiful as she and Hasif Upin rendered 'Waktu', set in a Disney-style castle.
FAIRY PRINCESS
Aisha was magical with 'Sutera'. Dressed as a Javanese fairy princess, her mesmerising act enhanced by traditional chants and gamelan chimes.
She even floated up to the ceiling courtesy of cables harnessed to her outfit.
Naqiu wowed the audience with 'Santai', Faizal Tahir's folksy composition accompanied by 50 youngsters dressed in matching retro outfits reminiscent of host Wazata Zain of Radio Televisyen Malaysia's (RTM) 'Rasa Sayang' variety show from the 1980s.
IMAGINUR
Amir had a touching motion picture theme song in 'Hasrat'. As he strummed his guitar, 'Imaginur''s main stars Beto Kusyairy and Diana Danielle made a surprise appearance on stage.
Wany gave an enjoyable Bollywood-ish performance as she sang 'Kucuma' with singer-actor Afieq Shazwan within the walls of a brightly-lit mansion.
TRIBUTE TO NATURE
Marsha, who emerged in a long, red dress with fire around the stage, hit the high notes effortlessly as she sang a tribute to nature titled 'Darah'.
Hael, with his short-sleeved suit, had the "oomph" factor written all over him when he delivered the moving Bintang. His power-packed vocals made the sad song sound like a message of hope.
AUTUMN FOREST
Aina, in an elaborate costume became the "Autumn fairy" moving between red-leaved trees that decorated the stage as she belted out the power-packed 'Jangan Mati Rasa Itu'. The reigning AJL37 queen had her fans cheering all the way.
Kugiran Masdo were cool with their melodious 'Inilah Jalannya', dressed in red suits like Alan Tam's supergroup The Wynners. Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan made a guest appearance as their emcee.
STANDING OVATION
Khai and Nabila's 'Selagi Ku Ada' saw them emerge in a Japanese garden complete with arching bridges and cherry blossom trees.
Ending the show with a blast, 'Astana' saw vocal powerhouse Ernie dressed in ruby red and surrounded by candles.
HONEST PERFORMANCE
Mokhzani, who admitted competition was stiff, said: "Amir created magic with his passionate vocals and honest performance. He is a super singer who can go far."
He also said that the three top songs in AJL38 gave each other a "tough fight" and that the new generation of artistes ought to be commended for singing and creating their own compositions.
DREAM ACHIEVED
Amir said he had achieved his dream of winning AJL and thanked his loved ones, fans and mentors for believing in him throughout his 13 years in the music industry.
"I've worked hard to prove myself. Thank God my day has come and I dedicate my win to all new singers who create their own music," he said.
REFLECTIVE SONG
Aina said: "My song's message is for all of us to forgive ourselves for past mistakes. We are all human but we become winners if we learn from our mistakes."
Aisha, who has been in music for six years, said: "It's my first win in AJL and I'm overjoyed, I guess it is never too early or late to be a winner."
RED CARPET
AJL38, broadcast live on TV3, was hosted by compatible and witty Sherry Alhadad and Alif Satar with Fiza Saad and Fizi Ali handling the red carpet segment at 8.30pm.
The show, with Genervie Kam as music director, featured a commendable medley of performances by Shila Amzah and Vanessa Reynauld (A Sky Full Of Stars, Hilang Naluri, Jangan Khianati Aku and Beribu Sesalan), Dayang Nurfaizah (Seandainya Masih Ada Cinta and Lelaki Teragung), Ella (Tiada Tangis Lagi and Permata Pemotong Permata) and Datuk Zainalabidin (Manis and Ikhlas Tapi Jauh).