Backstage at Star Awards 2025: Zhang Zetong was worried about his breath, Pierre Png made us blush with his outfit
But of course there's more to the show than what you saw on stage. 8days.sg was right there in the thick of things, watching the stars get all dolled up, secretly memorising their acceptance speeches and snacking on guava, all just to get some exclusive backstage gossip for our readers.
YVONNE LIM'S RED CARPET DRESS BELONGED TO SOMEONE SPECIAL
The 48-year-old actress, who received her All-Time Favourite Artiste award on Sunday night, revealed that her black and white polka-dotted dress belonged to her godmother.
"Back in 2014, she told me to wear it if i ever became an All-Time Fave. And at that time, I didn't think it was possible," Lim said with tears in her eyes.
DESMOND TAN'S DINNER WAS... SAD
Desmond Tan was finishing up his protein bar when we approached him.
"One of my friends gave it to me because she knows I'm on a diet for a new show. I'll have to go shirtless for it. That's probably my dinner 'cos I still need some energy for the day," said Tan with a smile.
Guess we will be seeing thirst-traps from him again.
PIERRE PNG MADE US BLUSH WITH HIS SHORTS
The actor drew many glances when he arrived wearing really short shorts. He later told us he had actually come from a Hyrox team lunch, though that doesn't actually explain why his shorts had to be that short.
Sadly, he didn't allow us to snap a pic of him in the shorts, but he seemed to really like wearing them and even paired them with the black button-up shirt he would wear on the red carpet.
When we told him that he should just strut out in those shorts, he chuckled: 'If I really went out looking like that, the missus (Andrea De Cruz) would ask me not to go home tonight!"
JERNELLE OH WAS PUT IN A NAUGHTY CORNER... KIND OF
While other celebs milled about the hair and make-up area, Jernelle Oh appeared to be stuck in the corner.
The 31-year-old actress, who was already all glammed up by the time 8days.sg arrived at 1pm, said she was told to just wait there for the final touches to be made to her outfit.
But the poor girl ended up being cemented to the spot because her dress was too long and hence "cannot move".
ZHAI SIMING WAS THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL
Mirror, mirror on the wall... Every single time the 8days.sg team looked in Zhai Siming's direction, he was staring into a mirror.
When we asked if he had to look at his own reflection whenever he had the chance, he said: "I've lost count [of the number of mirrors I've looked at], but I need to make sure I look good!"
ZHANG ZETONG WAS WORRIED ABOUT HIS BREATH
We guess The Most Popular Rising Star winner's best pal that evening was a Fisherman's Friend... you know, the mint.
"I had Subway for lunch and I did not know there were raw onions in it," he laughed.
CARRIE WONG IS LITERALLY TALL GIRL
We caught sight of the 1.75m-tall actress, who was probably 1.8m in her heels, towering over everyone who was interviewing her.
We overheard someone comment: "Wah look at the height difference between Carrie and [the interviewer]."
Wong heard the quip and immediately responded with: "It's okay. Confidence does not come from height."
Well, guess that's easy for her to say, right?
WE CAUGHT JEREMY CHAN DOING SOMETHING SNEAKY
After going around greeting fellow celebs like the social butterfly he is, we espied Jeremy Chan quietly snacking on guava while huddled in the corner of the make-up area.
We later found out he was eating secretly because he was told that no food was allowed.
Hmm, we could've sworn we saw many people snacking. Joanne Peh was even tucking into her lunch box while getting made up!
HUANG SHINAN WAS JUST HAPPY TO BE THERE
Is the former Mediacorp actor into vlogging now? That was our first thought when we saw Huang Shinan walking around with his phone in hand, speaking to the camera and occasionally getting a celeb pal to join him for a two-shot.
When we caught up with him, Huang said: "I really treasure this moment. It's my first time being involved in this ceremony, and I want to keep [these videos] for the memories."
It was 1pm then, and Huang, who was already in his red carpet outfit, told us his call time was supposed to be at 1.30pm. He said he showed up earlier so he could fully immerse himself in the vibe and catch up with old friends.
He also said he would find a day to edit the videos, so guess we'll have to stay tuned for the finished product?
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It was tasteful, if a touch restrained, on the Star Awards 2025 red carpet. The 30th edition of local entertainment's biggest night had promised spectacle, but the artistes in attendance on July 6 overwhelmingly opted for trusty suits - mostly in penguin colours, though some dared a navy - safely pretty black dresses, lucky red ones and standard sequinned gowns. It felt like sober good sense taking over in the third decade of the awards show, teased by backstage pictures of the stars sipping bird's nest tonics from little flasks supplied by celebrity hairstylist David Gan. The upshot was competent, even relaxed looks, with few misfires. Fight through the polite applause and one might find interest in the details: host Quan Yi Fong's windswept tromp l'oeil tie, newbie Tiffany Ho's clover-shaped "bib" or actor Desmond Tan passing off a tassel for a tie. And with the likes of actors Li Nanxing, Sharon Au and Jeanette Aw making their Walk Of Fame comebacks, there was enough going on to keep oglers occupied. A new crop of actors from the hit series Emerald Hill (2025), as yet too fresh to keep it chill, also turned up the heat. Here are the most memorable hits and misses from the annual extravaganza. Tasha Low Like a true clothes horse, Low made no concession to the weather in this feathered Chanel jacket and skirt set. The charmeuse top, with its jewelled buttons, gave a sense of occasion. The spring green was bright, without being timid. The matching jacquard skirt with a Chanel camellia motif was faultless. Her Chinese period drama-esque hairdo might have tipped the look into costume, if not for the flash of those black velvet platform boots. All in all, a rock star look from the Emerald Hill star. Chantalle Ng Here was another Emerald Hill lead - and Low's bestie - looking to make an impression. Ng's divisive, barely there chainmail dress of 2023, and sports bra-flashing, white overlay fishing net number in 2024, showed her admirable scorn for quiet dressing. This time, she finally nailed it in her most conservative look yet. Her strapless white gown was a busy one, with ruffles round the bust, waist and fringing a fluffy-looking train. Look closer and some boning is visible in the bodice, as well as a charming criss-cross pattern in the skirt. Ng gets props for holding it all together, without looking too bridal. Zoe Tay Ah Jie made a queenly entrance in Chanel. With hair slicked back, in a floor-grazing black coat - naturally made of tweed - and a controlled explosion of flowers embroidered on the collar, she looked every bit the matriarch of Mediacorp. It was welcome relief from the ruddy dresses Tay reached for in 2023 and 2024. But do not mistake her for severe now - she still swished her coat playfully for the cameras and capped off the look with a fun pair of velvet and mirror platform sandals. Jeanette Aw Singaporean actresses Jeanette Aw (right) and Jesseca Liu walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO After a six-year break from the silver screen, Aw is making a leading lady TV comeback in 2026. For her red carpet return, she went for a prim Shushu/Tong number, with a flat bow detail on the neckline that added a dash of girlish sweetness. The woollen weight and full-hipped silhouette kept it classy. Her towering stiletto heels and crocodile-shaped open necklace added a welcome pinch of danger. Fann Wong Actress Fann Wong and her husband Christopher Lee at the Star Awards on July 6. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Wong famously turned up at the 2003 Star Awards in sneakers, a cropped top and ultra-loud floral red knee-length pants. Those who hoped she might reprise that spirit might be disappointed to learn she has retired from wacky, if her all-white look was anything to go by. But it was gauche to quibble. Her simple shift dress fell perfectly to her feet and, with only the most sparing of accessories - a thick silver bracelet, earrings and a thin necklace - she proved less is more. Chen Liping Chen Liping walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Chen arrived like a Roald Dahl character - specifically, the giant peach in James And The Giant Peach. Her linebacker shoulders in a pleated orange top, with an exposed zipper no less, was the most flammable look of the night. Still, it was difficult to say what clothes could carry the energy of the beloved on-screen teacher known as Aiyoyo, who somehow managed to overpower her screeching garb, looking easy-breezy above the noise. Li Nanxing Singaporean actress Zoe Tay and actor Li Nanxing on the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Ah Ge Li Nanxing was the one to watch on awards night as he made his long-awaited return to the ceremony. He could have come in the national service admin tee and it would not have made a difference, but he played nice and went for a baggy suit. His yellow-tinted sunglasses and metallic corsage - a brooch shaped like a spray of flowers - capped off the mob boss look. Ya Hui Singaporean actress Ya Hui walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO She dared to experiment with a denim fishtail dress. Alas, the intrepid actress was foiled by the casual-looking wash of the jeans, the randomness of her elbow-length black gloves and the truly bizarre lone silver bangle on one wrist. It might have been worth it if she could move in it, but the well-loved star was seen grappling with her skirt, stalled before the stairs up to the venue by the stiff material and awkward length. Xiang Yun (From left) Host Hazelle Teo, host-actor Guo Liang, actress Xiang Yun and actor Chen Shucheng at the Star Awards at Mediacorp on July 6. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO The veteran actress is not one to shy from colour. In 2023, she went full highlighter in a fluorescent yellow number. This year, she opted for fuchsia. But if her neon look two years ago worked because of its considered structure, her rosy collared dress this year was undone by its Office Lady sensibility. Think three-quarter sleeves, flared skirt and a sorrowfully misshapen bow tacked onto the waist. A haphazard ponytail that could only have been hastily done inspired the present suspicion - perhaps, she had not meant to attend. Pierre Png Actors Xu Bin (left) and Pierre Png walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO The Crazy Rich Asians (2018) heart-throb and best supporting actor nominee rolled up in an all-black paisley printed suit - and bedhead. Maybe it was an adventurous hairstyling choice, but the cowlick visible from behind suggested ambivalence. Then again, with nearly 30 years in the dog and pony show of show business, Png might be forgiven for taking a nap. Elvin Ng Mr Bandung - so named for his infamous pink ombre get-up circa 2021 - ditched the strictures of a suit altogether this time, favouring a belted cool grey jumpsuit, unzipped to mid-chest. His popped collar, silver ear studs, gold brooch and a wispy forelock added some glamour. But otherwise, his elevated loungewear looked the most comfortable of the night.
