SHAH ALAM: The 3 Juara winners definitely heated things up on stage, putting on a powerful performance to fight for the Champion of the Champions title during 3 Juara's Pentas Epik held at Sri Pentas 2, Plaza Alam Sentral, last night.
Salmah A. Aziz, or Salma, who won the ballad category in 3 Juara's final concert last week, was crowned the ultimate champion title after winning the hearts of the judges as well as viewers at home with her powerful performance.
She beat two other winners, Azizzul Haqim Md Anuwar, who won the Irama Malaysia category, and Muhammad Areffuden Mohd Rafee (Kudien), who won the rock category.
"When my name was announced, I was speechless because hearing how loud the fans were cheering on for Kudien, I thought he would be the one to walk away as the winner.
"I'm so thankful for this opportunity. I would especially like to thank my mentor Ajai for believing in me and guiding me through this journey.
"This is for my family and everyone who had supported me throughout my time here in 3 Juara," said the winner, who won the grand cash prize of RM100,000.
3 Juara’s Pentas Epik, which was broadcast live on TV3 at 9pm, saw the trio winners do a solo, duet and group performance. Each winner had to perform songs from all three categories, namely rock, ballad and Irama Malaysia.
Singers Misha Omar, Azlan Typewriter and Jaclyn Victor also made special appearances to perform a duet with Azizzul, Salma and Kudien, respectively.
The permanent judges comprising singing icons Datuk Rossa, Noraniza Idris and Datuk Awie, also hyped up the show with their special performances.
Rossa opened the Pentas Epik show with a medley of Jangan Hilangkan Dia and Pudar, while Noraniza Idris performed Wangikanlah Harimu later on. Meanwhile, Awie sang Peronda Jacket Biru with Edrie Hashim towards the end of the show.
Last Sunday, Azizzul, Salma and Kudien emerged as winners of 3 Juara during its final concert, bringing home a cash prize of RM50,000 each.
3 Juara, a reality talent show which premiered in October last year, is aimed at unearthing singing talents for three categories - rock, ballad and Irama Malaysia.
Each category featured music producers as mentors such as Pak Ngah, Ajai and Edrie Hashim.
Votes to determine the winners came from TV viewers, the mentors and the permanent judges.