SIBU: Avid singer Michael Yao not only won the heart of the judges but also the audience to win the Above 40-year old category in “I Want to Sing 2.0” singing contest.
The contest, held for the second consecutive year, was organised by Nirvana Alliance Sdn Bhd on Sunday.
Its Sibu branch business operation manager Bernice Wong, said the contest was gaining popular with a total of 53 participants for both categories. The other category was the Under-40 group.
Yao,45, who sang a Chinese oldie, gave a powerful performance with his strong vocal.
His prizes included RM1,000 and a hamper from Wong.
Placed second among the 10 finalists was a female contestant Tie Tick Chuo while Aron Lee, who donned a Michael Jackson’s outfit, was third.
Tie was RM800 richer while Lee received RM500.
Meanwhile, Chew Mei Mei, a regular guest singer at most functions in town, had to be satisfied with the second placing in the Under-40 group.
She was beaten by Lai Chop Ming, 38 for the first prize. Ling Sing Kiong was third.
“This year we have contestants not only from Sibu but also Kuching, Bintulu and Sarikei. They all gave strong performances that kept the audience glued to their seats from 2pm to 9pm,” said Wong.