Malaysian singer Aina Abdul was the biggest winner at Anugerah Juara Lagu 37 (AJL37) which was held at Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur yesterday (Feb 12).
Aina, who composed and performed the song Terus Hidup, won the top prize, bagging the 30-year-old RM100,000 and a trophy.
The powerhouse singer also walked away with the Best Vocal prize of RM12,000 and a trophy.
"Thank you to my mum who is watching (this show) at home. Thank you to my fan club. You guys made all these possible... you made me strive to compose my own song," Aina, whose real name is Nurul Aina Abdul Ghani, said while accepting her awards.
Aina revealed that the production for her showstopping performance at AJL37 – from outfit to stage setting – came up to almost RM85,000.
"Yes, it is true I spent a lot for my dress, the set and everything you saw on stage. At this point in my career, I want to present something that's worthwhile. So, I know this is quite an investment," Aina, 30, told mStar, The Star's Malay-language portal.
Aina added that she brought along 30 team members to assist her at AJL37.
Looks like her investment paid off as Aina's haul for the night came up to RM112,000.
Aina said her all-white outfit and ethereal set were inspired by clouds.
"In 2022, I travelled a lot (for work). And if I was travelling on a plane, I would usually be seated by the window and I took many photos of clouds on my phone. So, it was from these photos that I had the idea for this cloud-themed performance," Aina said, adding that she dedicated her performance in AJL37 to her late father who passed away when she was 15.
The list of winners at AJL37
1. Winner – Aina Abdul (Terus Hidup)
2. 1st runner-up – Joe Flizzow & SonaOne (Semalam Di Temasek)
3. 2nd runner-up – Alif Satar & The Locos (Anugerah Terindah)
4. Best Vocals – Aina Abdul (Terus Hidup)
5. Best Performance – Shiha Zikir (Irama)