KUALA LUMPUR: The first of its kind in Malaysia, a singing reality show which is done virtually will kick off tonight, via live streaming.
Called COF Lockstar, it is aimed at seeking for a talent to be groomed as a recording artiste under COF Music.
"As this show is 100 per cent carried out online, it is a challenge for the production team since we are the first to do so here," said COF Music managing director Aman Nassim at a virtual press conference yesterday.
"When we opened for applications last month, we received more than 2,000 videos. However, only 12 of the best entries were chosen as the finalists who will compete in the pilot episode (tonight)."
He said the programme would run for five weeks, with two contestants eliminated each week until the fourth episode.
Subsequently, only six will battle it out in the finale.
Each week, the contestants will submit the video of their performances, which will be aired and judged during the weekly live streaming session.
The show's jury member Hazama said that with various limitations faced amid the Covid-19 pandemic, COF Lockstar would be a breath of fresh air for the music industry which had remained dormant for more than a year now.
"I believe this is one way to keep the industry going," he said.
"If their recorded performances are good enough for the show, that indicates a good start for anyone wishing to become a recording artiste someday," he said.
Joining Hazama as jury members are Akim, Ahmad Tomok, Altimet and Black Hanifah.
The champion will walk away with the grand prize worth RM50,000. It includes cash prize of RM8,888, a trophy and a three-year contract with COF Music.
The first and second runners-up will receive trophies and cash prizes of RM5,555 and RM3,333 respectively.
The pilot episode of COF Lockstar can be streamed live at 9pm tonight on YouTube and Facebook: COF Music.