27 Nov 2006

SHAH ALAM: As expected, pop sensation Datuk Siti Nurhaliza’s protege Siti Khatijah Hassan and rock fan Mohd Firdauz Abdul Halim stormed into the finals of TV3’s reality show Mentor.

But the surprise came when Nurul’s protege, Nuriylia Zailani, or Nieyl, was also picked to compete in the finals at Wisma MBSA on Dec 3.

The decision to include the Muar-born lass was made because of the razor-thin score separating her from second placed Mohd Firdauz, or Fiq, 24, of Sandakan, Sabah, who is the protege of Amy Search.

The results of the semi-final were broadcast live from Seri Pentas 2 in Plaza Alam Sentral here last night. Eliminated from the show was Hazami’s protege Rahayu Baharuddin (Ayu) of Malacca.

Heading the group was Siti Khatijah, or Kat, 19, of Penang, who is Amy’s sister-in-law, with 126.9 points, followed by Fiq with 118.5 points, Nieyl (117.5 points) and Ayu (97.1 points).

SMS votes from viewers account for 50 per cent of the points, with the rest from professional judges headed by singer Zainal Abidin, who mentored last year’s winner Pija.

The champion of Mentor will, among others, secure a recording contract with EMI and a ticket to compete with the winner of Indonesia’s answer to Mentor, Bintang Cari Bintang, in Kuala Lumpur. The showdown, Juara Antara Juara, will be held late next month.

Kat described her mentor Siti as a perfectionist who demanded 100 per cent commitment.

“She encouraged me to sing in different musical styles. She has taught me how to connect with the audience.”

Fiq, a die-hard Search fan, said he was blessed to be Amy’s protege.

“It is a pleasure working with him. He knows rock music like the back of his hand.”

On 27th November2006