Anugerah Planet Muzik in Singapore - Part 2

No, we didn’t fly to London. That’s Harrods in Takashimaya. Yes, we’re into Day 2 in Singapore and what better way to start the day than with shopping.

Yanie wanted shoes, skirts, accessories and all things girlie. So Orchard Road it was. Accompanied and led by our very own personal tour guide Sopi who kindly took 3 days off just to spend time with us (THANK YOU SOPI), we started at Ngee Ann City, meandered our way through Wisma Atria and ended up at Heeren. Any Singaporean would know that’s a good slow walk. And Yanie was in the mood to pose for my camera.

Then it was lunch time. “Stop feeding me! I’m supposed to be thin, remember!”

After lunch, we returned to the hotel just in time to deposit our shopping bags in our rooms and then scramble onto the coach that was waiting to take us to the stadium.

At the stadium, we had segmented rehearsals. This meant we didn’t have to wait around for too long. Up first was Irwan Shah and his girlfriend Acha, singing a medley of their hits from the soundtrack to their movie, Heart. Now everyone knows that both kids are not singers but gorgeous and lovely and sweet actors trying their best to sing. So we forgave them. How did they do?

Sorang ke laut, sempat singgah kat New Zealand dan balik, siap bawak biri biri. Sorang lagi shoot ke angkasa lepas. Best.

Then the DIVA arrived. A hush fell over the hall and we all looked and followed her every move with awe and excitement.

“Diddy and Yanie up next!” yelled the producer.

The song began and the DIVA made her way to the side of the stage. Diddy and Yanie looked nervous but I gave them a re-assuring smile and mouthed the words, “Do or die.” You can’t get a more caring manager than me.

"Hmmm. Banget. Bisa menyanyi."

"Tuan Produser, STOP. She is overshadowing me."

Walaupun lirik terabur dan melodi ke utara dan selatan, nevermind. It’s Kris Dayanti. The DIVA. I am honoured that she’s singing Yanie’s song, even if what she’s singing doesn’t sound remotely like the song at all. Heck, she can sing whatever she likes. It's her prerogative. She’s the DIVA!

KD: VerNON, mana dia? Mana dia?

Me: Dia di Kuala Lumpur. I'm sorry. She’s got a show tomorrow night in Penang.

KD: Banci! Dan yang ini satu lagi siapa?

Me: Anak didik dia. Yanie.

KD: Sungguh manis ya. You have a lovely and big voice, Yanie. Kamu tulis lagu itu?

Yanie: No, no! Audi Mok dan Nur Fatima. Kak KD, saya suka lagu baru Kak KD.

KD: Anang, sila hadiahkan Yanie sekeping album. Now. Let me sign it first. (30 seconds later...) VerNON, ini buat kamu dan ini buat dia. Nanti kita jumpa di Jakarta next week for the other show, right?

Me: Yes. You’re fine with the duets we chose for the big show next week?

KD: Kita goreng saja. Kalian harus call me when you check in at the hotel ok. Then supirnya akan pick you guys up for dinner at the same place. Bilang sama dia ok.

Me: You’re too generous, darling.

KD: No, I’m just crazy like you both! Banci!

After rehearsals, we hung out the back waiting for the coach to pick us up. It’s always heartening to see famous faces just chilling by the stage door like normal people waiting for the bus. There’s hope for mankind yet.

Irwan and Acha hadn’t eaten, so we offered to take them to Nasi Padang River Valley. Makan lagi.

During the meal, the girls bonded.

Yanie: I need to get a pair of stockings. And socks, maybe.

Acha: Shopping?

Yanie: Ya.

Acha: Ayuh.

Three hours and several more shopping bags later, we found ourselves back at the stadium for the full dress rehearsal. More famous faces arrived, and the show began. I particularly enjoyed this segment featuring Taufik, Geeta Gutawan (Erwin’s daughter, and she can whistle!) and Datuk Siti.

Yesterday I mentioned that SALING TERPESONA was a special feature. Actually, I got it wrong. Or rather, I was misinformed. The duet is the FINALE! What an honour! So, we had to sit through the entire show before it was Diddy and Yanie’s turn to close the night with Hady and KD.

Diva tetap Diva. Lirik lagi belum dihafal. Nevermind. She can sing anything she wants for all I care. It’s the DIVA! You don’t complain when a DIVA acquiesces to sing your song. Period.

Meanwhile, I was the social butterfly. I love awards shows. It’s one of the few times when industry insiders, artistes and the people who matter are actually gathered in one place with nothing better to do than talk shop. And talked shop I did, gathering juicy insider information and gossip as I went along. Soseh-Soseh, if only you knew what I know. Bliss.

Jac, Tom Saufi and me.

If you think we had eaten enough, you’re wrong. After rehearsals we went to Newton Circus for supper. I was disgusted. The food was bland, touristy and over-priced and the place has lost its charm ever since the refurbishment. I am never, ever coming back here again.

And if you think Yanie has done enough shopping, you’re so wrong. We went to Mustafa, the 24 hour department store at Arab Street. At 1am in the morning.

This trip has made me realise one very important fact: Yanie, Ning and I have one thing in common. We are serious about our shopping. Good.

But on a serious note, I am really, really proud and happy for Yanie. How many singers in Malaysia can claim to have sung a duet with Kris Dayanti? Not many. But Yanie can. How many singers can claim to have had Kris Dayanti sing their songs? Probably none. But Yanie can too.

It’s now 4am and I’m still paying far too much money for internet connection. Nevermind. I hope to win the Blogger Paling Gigih Award next year. Yang penting, Hady autographed a copy of his album for me and that made my day. Yeay!

ANUGERAH PLANET MUZIK, tonight, Friday 8th June, live on Astro RIA (channel 4) at 9pm.

Note: Some of the dialogues are REAL whilst others are more or less FICTIONAL. Go figure.