#SHOWBIZ: The nation's gracious rock queen delivers her best
AN icon and an institution, Malaysia's rock queen Ella Aminuddin always delivers her best.
And her first major concert in Genting Highlands was a blast, attended by 5,000-odd fans who packed the Arena Of Stars recently.
Beautiful and youthful as ever, the music legend belted out 20 of her songs, including medleys, and got everyone partying non-stop for two hours.
That extravaganza, which featured six talented musicians led by music director Datuk Acis, was the Ella USA 30th Anniversary Concert which kicked off at 8.30pm and was power-packed throughout its run.
AMERICAN
Ella began with the most "American" of songs from the 13-track 'Ella USA', her best-selling 1994 album which she recorded in California, the United States titled 'Ala Amerika'.
'Ala Amerika' spoke to fans about striking a balance between American and Malaysian ways,
This was followed by 'Itulah Saya', a song which summed up the rock queen's philosophy of being herself.
Ella's third song 'Risau' spoke to fans about examination worries during her schooldays.
She ended it with a Happy Teachers Day greeting.
"Without our teachers, we would not be standing tall," said Ella to roaring applause.
ORPHANS
Ella continued with 'Esok Lusa Selamanya', about reaching out to orphaned children.
"I've visited them many times and it's great that many are my big fans," said Ella, before belting out a "love triangle" song.
'Aku Kau Dia,' was about her feeling "left behind" after witnessing her elder siblings getting married.
"Thankfully, I found my life partner, and he is a wonderful man!"
Next up, 'Rindu' was a poignant tune about Ella missing her loved ones whenever she goes overseas.
This also included her month-long stay in Japan when she recorded 'Ella USA'.
Ella continued her heartfelt tunes with 'Penawar', a plea to care for people in pain.
"There are many people who suffer in silence. Please be their friends," said Ella.
'Nuri', an anthem of freedom, was easily recognised by Ella's cooing prelude.
This song was paired with 'Permata Pemotong Permata', a motivational song about aiming high in life.
It has always served as Ella's clarion call for Malaysians to reach for the stars and she led by example by working with Japan's guitar legend Kyoji Yamamoto.
YAMAMOTO
In fact, Kyoji rocked the stage throughout and when Ella introduced him, he waved and smiled at the audience before shouting "Apa khabar Malaysia?"
Ella's next song, 'Mungkin', was one of the 10 in 'Ella USA' which Kyoji composed for her.
"I love you forever, ladies and gentlemen!" said Ella.
After a power-packed song about peace, 'Bendera Damai', Ella introduced her longtime collaborator Datuk M. Nasir who appeared in a special video on the large screen overlooking the stage.
Nasir, who smiled at Ella and congratulated her, said that he and Kyoji were the producers of 'Ella USA', and its songs were "modern, yet full of heart and soul".
Ella's Mr Right finally appeared on stage, dashing as ever.
Muar-born Azhar Ghazali wore a black outfit that complimented Ella's white dress, and they sang 'Peace Love Rindu' which began with "miss you so".
They followed this with the adventurous 'Kembara Kita' and here Azhar showed that he could hold his own.
Ella and Azhar wished all firemen Happy Hari Bomba, and paid tribute to all Abang Bomba as the country's unsung heroes.
CLIMAX
The climax of the evening finally arrived when Ella pointed her microphone at the crowd, who sang the entire chorus of 'Layar Impian'.
Ella also sang five "sad songs" with them, about longing, breakups and lost love.
'Pengemis Cinta', 'Sembilu', 'Pedih', Retak', and 'Sepi Sekuntum Mawar Merah', marked the height of sing-alongs and everyone was standing up and waving.
Ella wished everyone goodnight and safe driving home, but the crowd began chanting for an encore.
They had their wish and Ella returned with Azhar and Kyoji to sing four upbeat, motivational and Malaysia Boleh songs.
These were 'Permata Biru', 'Kitalah Bintang', 'Standing In The Eyes Of The World' and 'Gemilang'.
Ella has been rocking since she was 18. Forty years on, she remains unbeatable.
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