GV12 Champion Iskandar Ready For Malaysia

By Bernama Lifestyle Reporter

SHAH ALAM, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Singapore-born singer Iskandar Ismail lived up to expectations when he was crowned champion of the 12th season of Gegar Vaganza (GV12), in a lively finale held at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Auditorium here last night.

With the win, Iskandar took home RM100,000 in cash, a living room set, and a trophy, bringing to a close a journey he described as one of the most challenging phases of his artistic career.

Iskandar said the success was the result of hard work, focus and discipline throughout the 12-week competition.

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“Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly tonight. All the effort and preparation we put in has finally paid off.

“I truly did not expect to win because at first I didn’t want to join GV, but with encouragement from my wife I decided to continue, and thankfully I emerged as the champion,” he told a press conference after the final concert.

In the grand finale, the 47-year-old singer impressed the audience with a solo performance of Madah Berhelah, followed by a duet with renowned singer Jaclyn Victor in Senja Nan Merah, before competing in the ‘battle’ segment with Cerita Kedai Kopi and Pink Venom alongside Nubhan and Mell Sakura.

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He said that if his late father, R. Ismail, a singer from the 1970s era, were still alive today, he would surely be proud of his achievement.

“My late father was one of the people who gave me a lot of encouragement and guidance from the very beginning of my career in this industry. If he were here, he would have hugged and kissed me — this victory is also for my father,” he said.

For the record, Iskandar is the third singer from Singapore to win Gegar Vaganza, after Aliff Aziz (GV8 champion) and Hady Mirza (GV6 champion together with Naqiu).

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Commenting on his direction after GV12, the father of three said he is now ready to relocate and expand his career in Malaysia. — MORE

“If given the opportunity, I want to work hard here to break into the market, but I want to do it gradually and according to the plans set by the management, Mind Order, here.

“So far, we already have several projects lined up, including a drama soundtrack, a duet with singer Idayu titled Mahal, and a Hari Raya song,” he said.

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Meanwhile, GV12 runner-up went to Indonesian trio Mendua, while Nubhan placed third. Mark Adam finished fourth, followed by Mell Sakura in fifth place and Ruri Repvblik in sixth.

The programme was hosted by Nabil Ahmad and Sherry Al Hadad, and judged by permanent panel Datuk Ramli M.S, Datuk Syafinaz Selamat and Hetty Koes Endang.

-- BERNAMA