Melly Goeslaw's prom-themed concert served nostalgia and some disappointments
03 Jun 2025 11:53am
Melly brought her popular concert series back with Prom Nite, following two crowd-favourite editions. Photo: Bangsawan Pictures
Dubbed as Indonesia's queen of soundtracks, Indonesian singer-songwriter Melly Goeslaw once again took centre stage at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur as she performed at the Ada Apa Dengan Melly Concert – Prom Nite Edition.
This concert marked the third instalment of her popular concert series, following the earlier Ada Apa Dengan Melly...? (Back to School) and Ada Apa Dengan Melly & Friends (Malam Graduasi). For many hard-core fans and those who missed out on the previous two events, this was their golden opportunity to finally witness Melly live in action.
Celebrated for her remarkable contributions to the Indonesian and Malaysian music scenes, Melly performed not only her own songs but also those she had written for numerous other vocalists. From sweeping ballads to youthful anthems, her setlist showcased her lasting impact as a songwriter whose work has stood the test of time.
However, while the show was filled with heartfelt moments and high-energy performances, it wasn't without its drawbacks.Throughout the evening, many fans noticed that Melly's vocals were not at their best, with several moments where she encouraged the audience to sing along—or more accurately, sing for her. While this created a communal concert vibe, it also subtly pointed to a performance that was vocally underwhelming. Melly encouraged fans to sing along throughout the night, creating a lively crowd vibe, though some felt her vocals didn't quite hit the mark. Photo: Bangsawan Pictures
The redeeming moment of the night came in the form of Malaysia's powerhouse vocalist Aina Abdul, who took to the stage and stole the spotlight with her stunning rendition of Cinta, a song originally performed by Melly and Kris Dayanti. Aina's commanding vocals and stage presence earned her roaring applause and left a lasting impression.
Melly also took a moment to honour her Malaysian fans with a medley of iconic local hits: Janji Manis by Aishah, Betapa Ku Cinta Padamu by Siti Nurhaliza, and Isabella by Search. Aina Abdul delivered a show-stopping version of Cinta, leaving the crowd in awe. Photo: Bangsawan Pictures
The crowd went wild, especially as both Siti Nurhaliza and Amy Search were spotted in the VIP section, singing along with evident joy. Also in attendance were Indonesian stars Rossa and Raffi Ahmad, lending their support to the beloved songstress.
But the highlight many fans had been eagerly anticipating was the appearance of Indonesian heart-throb Nicholas Saputra, who graced the stage to deliver the iconic poem from the cult classic Ada Apa Dengan Cinta.
Emotions ran high as three lucky fans—women who admitted to having recently endured heartbreak—were invited on stage to meet Nicholas in person alongside Melly. The moment was a fangirl dream come true, and the screams from the audience were deafening.
Although Melly's vocal performance didn't quite hit the mark, the night was a triumphant celebration of nostalgia. Fans were transported back to the golden era of Indonesian movie soundtracks, with songs that defined the adolescence and memories of a generation. Prom Nite gave fans something deeper: connection and nostalgia. Photo: Bangsawan Pictures
The setlist was a mix of legendary hits and crowd favourites, including:
Ku Bahagia (opening with a full string and orchestral arrangement), Ingin Mencintai dan Dicintai, a medley of Bimbang and Denting, Di Mana Malumu, Hanya Memuji, Tentang Seseorang, Berdua Lebih Baik, Jangan Pernah Berubah, Bunda (with rising Indonesian star Dinda Ghania), and many others.
All in all, Ada Apa Dengan Melly: Prom Nite may not have delivered a perfect vocal performance, but it offered something just as valuable—a shared experience of music, memory, and the emotional resonance of growing up with Melly Goeslaw's legendary soundtracks.
More Like This
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Senior citizens to shine in ‘Voice in the Shadows' Concert
Eliza (seated, centre) flanked by Irene (right) and Tan (left) with some of the competitors. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 3): A wave of nostalgia will sweep through Sabah as 70 senior citizens from across Malaysia take the stage for the Voice in the Shadows – Our Concert, a Mandarin, Hokkien and Cantonese singing competition celebrating veteran performers. The event will be held on August 17 at the Putera Ballroom in Bukit Padang, with a 4D stage setup to recreate a mini concert experience. A preliminary round will take place on August 16 to select the finalists. Organising chairperson Datuk Eliza Goh said during a press conference that participants hail from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. Adding star power to the event is veteran Malaysian songstress Irene Tan, a former Astro talent, who will be launching her fourth album titled One Seed. The album symbolises her effort to plant a seed for the competition to grow in Sabah. 'One of the goals is to promote tourism in Sabah, especially to senior citizens from Kuala Lumpur who have never been here,' said Eliza. 'We'll also be showcasing Sabah's beautiful tourist destinations to our guests.' The event also aims to foster closer interaction between participants from Sabah, West Malaysia and Sarawak. Notably, several businessmen — including a Musang King plantation owner — are expected to attend. Eliza shared that proceeds from the sale of 40 to 50 banquet tables will go toward helping Primary Six students who have excelled academically continue their education at private independent schools. 'All profits will support underprivileged pupils and will be managed by the Kian Kok Alumni Association,' she added. Also present at the press conference were co-organiser Dato' Tan Seng Huat and Irene Tan. The event is expected to be officiated by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
The Star
9 hours ago
- The Star
Catch Malaysian film 'Angkat' in cinemas for just RM10; book before Aug 13
'Angkat' is set to start showing in cinemas on Aug 14. Photo: Feisk Productions/Instagram With cinema tickets becoming pricier, many Malaysians are hesitant to head to the big screen. But here's a deal that's hard to ignore: TGV Cinemas is offering RM10 tickets for the upcoming local film Angkat – that's half the usual price. This special promotion is available only until Aug 13 via the TGV app or website, and tickets can be redeemed once Angkat opens in selected cinemas nationwide on Aug 14. The dark comedy, produced by Feisk Productions and directed by Feisal Azizuddin, follows three estranged brothers who must transport their father's body back to their hometown for burial. When their van breaks down, the brothers are forced to carry their father on foot -- a journey that rekindles their bond and memories of the man who raised them. Producer Iskander Azizuddin shared via Instagram that this is the first time such an offer has been made for a Malaysian film. 'This is made possible through our collaboration with TGV Cinemas, who share our belief that local films should be accessible to all Malaysians,' he said.
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Dikir barat singer plans to immortalise Thai prison experience through song
KOTA BARU: Malaysian singer Eda Ezrin, who is being held at Narathiwat Prison, wants to compose a song dedicated to the staff and inmates of the prison, once she is released. The 30-year-old dikir barat performer said the song would be based on her experience in the Thai prison. "Since my detention here, I have received kind and respectful treatment from the prison authorities as well as from the other inmates. "The Thai authorities, including ministers and members of parliament, have also made regular visits to check on me and other Malaysian detainees. "I am touched by their compassion and care. Every moment I've spent here will be immortalised in a song, which I plan to dedicate to all of them. "InsyaAllah, if I am released, I will work with a composer to create that song," she said during a brief interview with Malaysian media on Friday. The mother of two said she had learnt to speak Thai during her nine-month incarceration and placed her fate, along with that of her husband and four friends, in God's hands. "If it is destined that we remain here for one year or even 18 months, we accept it as a test by God," she said. Eda Ezrin said both of her young children understood the situation she and her husband were in and continued to give her emotional strength from afar. "Even though they are still young, my children told me they understood what is happening to me and their father. "During their visit last week, they told me not to be sad or worried about them. They said they are being well taken care of by their grandparents, and that gives me peace of mind," she added. Eda Ezrin, whose full name is Wan Norshaheeda Azlin Wan Ismail; her husband Mohd Affendi Ahmad, 35; and their friends; Eridieka Mohd Noor, 33; Mohamad Alif Deraman, 33; Nur Aida Mamat, 33; and Zuhaira Nasrin, 26; have been imprisoned in Thailand for nearly nine months. They were arrested for allegedly possessing 6,059 methamphetamine pills in Sungai Golok town on Nov 1, last year. In March, the Narathiwat Court acquitted them of jointly possessing the pills with intent to distribute, but allowed prosecutors to appeal the decision.
