#SHOWBIZ: A memorable evening with three dynamic songbirds

New Straits Times

10-07-2025

THE recent "An Evening To Remember" showcase, featuring three popular singers — Datin Alyah, Ayu Damit and Idayu Yaakob — was a resounding success.
The two-night event, held at the Park Inn by Radisson Putrajaya Hotel, was a sold-out affair which drew over 400 fans, including some who travelled all the way from Singapore.
Resounding success
After the final performance, Alyah, 44, whose full name is Noor Hasliah Abu Hasan, expressed her satisfaction and relief at the showcase's success, which exceeded her expectations.
"I'm grateful that a showcase of this scale successfully achieved its target," she said.
"Although we were saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of Raja Nurfatimah Mawar Mohamed, assistant editor of entertainment news at 'Berita Harian', earlier on Sunday afternoon, we carried the 'vibe' from the first night well into the second," she said after the second night's performance, which concluded at 11.30pm.
When asked about the trio's performance, Alyah believed the audience left feeling satisfied and entertained on both evenings.
"The three of us did our utmost best because the songs and segments were different for the first and second nights.
"We also received very positive feedback from fans and acquaintances."
The evening began with a lively opening act by host Kelly Azman, who performed his single 'No No No'.
This was followed by a brief moment of silence in honour of the late Raja Nurfatimah, before the trio took to the stage to perform two songs, 'Semua Jadi Satu' and 'Hanya Memuji'.
Impressive vocal work
Next was Idayu Yaakob's solo segment, which she kicked off with 'I Love You'.
The 40-year-old then delivered an impressive rendition of Jaclyn Victor's 'Di Bawah Pohon Asmara', impersonating several singers, starting with Jaclyn's distinctive style and voice.
The audience's reaction clearly showed their delight as Idayu flawlessly covered the song, mimicking iconic voices such as Ning Baizura, Ella, Noraniza Idris, Yuna, Wann, Datuk Sheila Majid, Datuk Sudirman and even Luciano Pavarotti.
Idayu continued her medley with 'Kasih Yang Terpisah' and 'Tiada Lagi Tangisan', the latter a tribute to the late composer Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan.
Captivating and poignant sessions
Alyah then took to the stage for her much-anticipated solo performance, opening with her popular hits 'Sesal Separuh Nyawa', 'Kisah Hati' and 'Jutaan Purnama'.
She concluded her segment with a captivating cover of Rihanna's 'Where Have You Been'.
Ayu Damit, 35, followed, enchanting the audience with 'Bukan Dia Tapi Aku', 'Hanya Di Mercu' and 'To Love Somebody'.
It was a touching moment when the three singers reunited to perform 'Dawai', a powerful tribute to the people of Gaza.
This segment was also a collaboration with the non-governmental organisation Karisma Humanitarian Outreach Mission (KHOM).
To conclude the evening, the trio performed a series of songs: 'Dia', 'Sekilas Senyumanmu', 'Akhirnya Kini Pasti' and 'Kesal', before returning for an encore with 'Simply The Best'.
Beyong the music
The showcase also featured a captivating fashion show, a collaboration with the Malaysian Fashion Business Development Association (PEFEM), highlighting collections from local designer brands Nina By Couture and Symplleen by Sharleen David.
There was also a dynamic dance performance by Adults & Kids by Dayana Production.
Beyond being serenaded by the talented singers, audience members had the chance to win exciting prizes if they had dressed up for the evening.
Lucky attendees walked away with gifts sponsored by Mandalay and Rafflesia, as well as two umrah packages courtesy of Izz Ikhwan Travel & Tours.