New Melodi co-host Sherry Alhadad is on cloud nine at being compared with Adibah Noor, writes Nur Aqidah Azizi
SHE is hailed as the next Adibah Noor, but Sherry Alhadad, 30, isn’t uncomfortable about being compared with the actress, comedian, singer and host.
Instead, she thinks it’s a blessing and is humbled that fans think so. “There’s no way I can replace Adibah. I look up to her for her talent and she has been my idol for as long as I can remember. She can act, make people laugh, host and has beautiful vocals. Me? Well, I can never be a singer so there’s no way I can match her,” says Sherry, laughing.
“The last time I met her was at the Shout Awards and we had a good time, laughing and talking about almost everything. I love her confidence and the way she carries herself... that really inspires me to be confident in my own skin too,” she adds.
Although she has never worked closely with Adibah before, Sherry hopes that one day she will be given the opportunity to do so.
“Just the mere thought of working with her excites me. If I get the chance, it will be the most memorable time in my life,” she says.
Sherry, who broke into the entertainment scene in the stage play Ibu Zain in 2006 and recently Mak Dara Nyonya, made headlines when she was appointed host of long-running entertainment show, Melodi, on TV3.
She and co-host Zulin Aziz were brought in to accompany Awal Ashaari after Zizan Abdul Razak left the show in June. Almost a month after her first much publicised appearance on Melodi, Sherry says she is still learning the ropes.
“I never expected to be a part of Melodi. The opportunity is unexpected and I am grateful,” she says excitedly.
Although she has hosting experience over the years, co-anchoring Melodi is not something she can take for granted.
“It’s different when you are hosting a live show like Melodi. I have to be careful with my words and remember the sensitivity of viewers. I salute those who make hosting live shows look easy,” she says.
Chemistry-wise, Sherry says she has no problems with Zulin and Awal.
“Zulin and I have hosted several events, including the recent Anugerah Skrin, together. Awal has been very helpful since day one,” she says.
Feedback on Sherry and Zulin performances on Melodi has been positive, giving them the encouragement to continue to deliver their best.
“Everyone — from the production team to the media — shares tips and advice in hosting the show with me,” she says.
While hosting takes the front seat at the moment, acting is still her priority and she has just completed filming several TV series and dramas, including Astro TV IQ’s Oh My English Season 3 in which she plays Cikgu Bedah.
“I have few more episodes left to film. Oh My English has been fun and I am glad to have been a part of it,” says Sherry, whose movies include CEO and Goooollll!.
That’s not all. Word has it that the popular series Oh My English is expected to be made into a telemovie.
However Sherry says: “I can’t say anything yet. Details are still sketchy but let’s hope that it will come true.”
When she is not busy with acting and hosting, Sherry appears in Projek Disko Baldi, a comedy ensemble which has won various awards including Boh Cameronian Audience Choice Award (Theatre).
“Normally, the group only holds a big show once a year. This is due to our work commitments,” she says.
“At the moment, one of our group members is in New York pursuing his studies. So if anything comes up for Projek Disko Baldi, we will have to wait for his return, probably next year.”
