ASTRO’S best known reality talent show Akademi Fantasia (AF) has had its biggest achievers between the fifth and ninth seasons.
Singer-songwriter Aizat Amdan (AF5), Stacy Anam (AF6 winner), Hafiz Suip (AF7 winner), Akim Ahmad (AF7 runner-up) and Hazama Azmi (AF9 winner) are household and award-winning names.
Despite being the show’s “megastars”, they are conspicuously absent from AF’s special 14th edition, AF Megastar, which reunites contestants from 13 seasons.
Even inaugural champion Vince Chong, one-time pop
phenomenon Asmawi “Mawi”
Ani (AF3 winner) and award-winning actress Ayda Jebat (AF9) are absent. Out of the 173 graduates, only 24 are contesting in AF Megastar.
Astro Malay channels head Raqim Ahmad, however, said the word “Megastar” in the show’s title does not refer to AF graduates being “A-listers” in the music industry.
“We’re calling the 14th AF season ‘Megastar’ because it crowns only one from the participating alumni as the star among the stars of our long-running show.
“And as for ‘star’, it may be true that not everyone is a big name of the industry, but all of the alumni are rightfully stars of the 13-year-old show who have built up fan bases.
“They are stars in their fans’ eyes.”
Raqim said all winners and alumni were invited to participate in AF Megastar, but some of them were not able to commit themselves to the eight-week show as a result of prior engagements.
“It’s unfortunate that some big names can’t make it, but nevertheless we respect their decision, and furthermore, they gave their approval and support for the show.”
Raqim, who was interviewed at the launch of AF Megastar at Zouk in Kuala Lumpur last Tuesday, said all was not lost for fans of the missing champions because every week, there would be cameo appearances by former instructors, principals, judges, and contestants.
“They may appear as guest judges, performers and guest hosts, or even communicate with fans via televised messages.
“After all, AF is all about springing surprises in every weekly concert,” Raqim said.
The eight champions in AF Megastar are Zahid Baharuddin of AF2, Faizal Ramly (AF4), Mila Jirin (AF5), Shahir Zawawi (AF8), Faizul Sany (AF2013), Firman Bansir (AF2014), Sufi Rashid (AF2015) and Amir Masdi (AF2016).
Instead of relying 100 per cent on short messaging service (SMS) votes, 60 per cent of the contestants’ score will be from professional judges.
And they will not undergo lessons with professional instructors since their student days are over.
Datuk Aznil Nawawi, who hosted the first five seasons and the ninth one, is back as host.
A total of RM100,000 awaits the winner, but four other top contestants will also receive prizes.
AF Megastar will be broadcast live from Shah Alam’s Royal Theatre on Astro Ria (104) and Ria HD (123) at 8.30pm on Sundays, beginning Sept 3.