The grand finale of Bintang Search Season 5 took place in a spectacular celebration of talent, music, and passion, as five remarkable finalists—Basy, Danyel, Diana, Edry, and Fuad—gave it their all in a bid to become the Bintang Search Season 5 Champion. The competition reached its peak as the finalists showcased their versatility by performing three songs across various genres: Pop, Ballad, and Rock, testing not only their vocal abilities but also their showmanship and stage presence.
Adding to the excitement, the legendary Indonesian diva, Kris Dayanti, joined the panel as a special guest judge. Known for her iconic songs ‘Menghitung Hari’, ‘Mencintaimu’, ‘Cobalah Untuk Setia’ and a collection of albums that have long been a staple in Bruneian households, Kris Dayanti’s presence made the event even more unforgettable. As one of Southeast Asia’s most respected musical figures, her insights and feedback were highly anticipated by both the finalists and the audience.
Hosted by Ian Zulkifli, the Bintang Search Finals saw the five contestants deliver captivating performances that demonstrated their growth and versatility throughout the competition. From powerful ballads to high-energy rock anthems, the finalists wowed the judges and viewers alike. However, as resident judges Dayat Ahim and Izat Ramlee pointed out, this season’s contestants are so unique in their vocal styles and personalities that judging for a winner was a truly difficult task.
Dayat Ahim shared. “They’re all unique, and in fact, there’s a place for each of them in the Bruneian music industry. However, as this is a competition, there can only be one winner. To the champion, I hope they continue to pursue their passion for music, and I encourage all of them to keep striving to be part of the industry.”
Izat Ramlee echoed these sentiments, emphasising the tremendous progress the finalists had made. “This year, the competition has been particularly intense for all the Bintangs. However, what stands out is their remarkable progress and growth. They have evolved into more refined performers, not only enhancing their vocal abilities but also improving their stage presence and demonstrating the discipline necessary to become the artists they strive to be.”
Siti Kamaluddin, the showrunner of Bintang Search, expressed her gratitude to the judges for their dedication to the show and their commitment to guiding the contestants. “I’m very thankful and grateful to judges Dayat and Izat for their commitment to the show and for working alongside vocal coach Marieta del Mar to help these talented individuals become the best versions of themselves,” she said. “I would also like to thank all of the guest judges who contributed their valuable insights, making Bintang Search Season 5 an even greater success. Their guidance has been instrumental in preparing the Bintangs for a successful future in the music industry.
Kris Dayanti, special guest judge, also shared her excitement: “I thank OOPs! for having me here to join in the mission of building and nurturing Bruneian artists. Together, we are shaping the new generation of artists who will shine on the world stage and bring Brunei’s musical talent to a global audience. It’s an honor to be part of this incredible journey.”
This year’s guest judges featured Brunei’s own music icons Maria and Dila Junaidi, as well as some of Malaysia’s most popular and sought-after celebrities, including Marsha Milan, Aisha Retno, Ziana Zain, and Ayda Jebat.
Their involvement was instrumental in realising Bintang Search’s vision of expanding into a regional platform. These esteemed artists offered invaluable mentorship and support, playing a key role in the competition’s success and guiding the contestants as they prepare for the next phase of their musical careers.
Siti Kamaluddin also shared her vision for the future of Bintang Search “I truly hope that Bintang Search will continue to serve as a platform that uncovers and nurtures hidden musical talents in Brunei Darussalam and Borneo. Our goal is to provide these incredible artists with the opportunities, and the support they need, to perform on an international stage. It’s important for us to cultivate local talent and ensure they have the resources to reach their full potential, making their mark on the global music industry.”
The stakes were high for the finalists, as the winner of Bintang Search Season 5 will take home the prize of BND10,000 and a single produced by the renowned Indonesian band, Ungu. This major prize is a huge step toward launching the winner’s career on an international scale and further solidifies the importance of Bintang Search as a key platform for discovering and promoting emerging talent in the region.
