KOTA KINABALU, 27 September 2012: East Malaysia’s most anticipated singing competition, the Carlsberg Diamond Idol has finally closed its curtains successfully at The Bed, Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu.

Kuching darling Esther Thian who has proven herself best among 11 other grand finalists, emerged as the champion, bagging RM8,000 cash prize and a trophy. Her winning songs include Chinese hit ‘Wo ting jian you ren jiao ni bao bei’ by Lin Jian Hui and To Love You More by Celine Dion. Rounding up the top three were 1st runner-up Andy Hadrian Mamong from Sibu and 2nd runner-up Ng Chien Chien from Kuching who also walked home with a trophy, RM5,000 and RM2,000 cash prize respectively.

Esther shared, “Being part of the singing contest was a wonderful experience. I was surprised to be crowned winner as the rest of the grand finalists were very talented as well. I would like to thank Carlsberg for giving us such as great experience!”

From nearly 200 entries were received throughout the audition round held in Miri, Sandakan, Sibu, Tawau, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, the 12 grand finalists (top two winners from each Area Final) were put to stay at the Diamond Idol Camp in Kota Kinabalu for one week prior to the Grand Finale.

Throughout the week, the grand finalists were groomed and polished through a series of workshop like team building, vocal and dance classes. Professor Dr Fred Chin led the training camp as the motivational trainer meanwhile Victor Lee, was the vocal trainer and was assisted by dance team Synergy, dance choreographer.

Carlsberg, Malaysia’s most preferred beer brand has been hosting the contest since 2011, with the objective of promoting young talents with singing skills will offer cash prizes worth more than RM30, 000 for the 2012 edition.

Panel of judges, Stephen Lim, Nikki Palikat and Eric Lim for the Grand Finale commented that the grand finalists line up this year performed very well and they all deserved their awards for their talent and creativity in their performances are sure to aspire the rest of the singers as well as youth.

Stephen added, “As you have seen the opening performance by the grand finalists, it was part of the hard work learnt at the Diamond Idol Camp”.