Last minute pull-outs by international stars could taint Malaysia's image

Beyonce was forced to cancel her October 2009, concert in Kuala Lumpur after wave of protests. The concert was supposed to be Beyonce's first ever show in Malaysia as part of her “I am….” World Tour, much to the dismay of her millions of crazy fans in Malaysia.


American Idol sensation Adam Lambert was fortunate. The Master of Glam King entertained and rocked 16,000 strong full-house Malaysian crowds at his 'Glam Nation Tour' Live in Malaysia, held at the Putra Indoor Stadium in Bukit Jalil on 19th October 2010.

Despite a pathetic attempt to stop the concert by an Islamic opposition party outside the Stadium, the openly gay Adam went on with his highly-charged concert, mesmerising the crowd with his costumes, theatrics and powerful, soaring vocals.

Numerous international artistes and mega stars have cancelled their performances in Malaysia solely on the basis of local protests.

They include Beyonce and Michael Jackson as well as Scorpions in the past.

Others include controversial Dangdut artiste from Indonesia, Inul Daratista, known for her povocative gyrating moves.

This has hurt the local music industry in Malaysia as well as depriving their millions of fans from Malaysia to see their idols live.

However certain international artistes were fortunate as they were welcome to perform in Malaysia.



And these include Michael Learns to Rock who has performed in Malaysia a dozen times including a sold out show in Kota Kinabalu in December 2009.

And now, on 9th June 2011, Jascha Ritcher and the gang are currently perfoming a series of concerts in Penisular Malaysia.

Justin Bieber also made it, he mesmerized thousands of his fans in his Malaysian debut on April 21 2011.


Teen sensation Justin Bieber performed in Malaysia for the 1st time on 21st April 2011.

In view of this, organisers of concerts involving international artistes in Malaysia should be well informed of the country's regulations, especially pertaining to dress code, said Malaysia Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

This would prevent last-minute cancellations by the artistes, despite approval from the authorities, which could taint Malaysia's image.

"When the private sector invites them to perform in Malaysia, all conditions must be stated very clearly," Dr Ng was quoted by the media on 9th June, 2011.

She said Malaysia aimed to become a favoured venue for international events in the entertainment industry, so invited artistes withdrawing at the eleventh hour because of pressure from certain quarters in the country could affect Malaysia's image.

Ng was asked to comment on the upcoming MTV concert at i-City Shah Alam being objected to by opposition party PAS.

Well as long as PAS which preaches strict Muslim pactices in Malaysia is still in existence, the protests will be heard over and over again. But interestingly, neighbouring Brunei which also practises strict Islamic pactices, did invite Michael Jackson to perform live at Jerudong Park, Brunei in 1996.



Brunei practises strict Islamic values, you will find no alcohoclic drinks or gambling outlets in Bandar Seri Begawan. There is also zero entertainment outlets there. No. not even underground outlets.

So Brunei and Malaysia, what are we talking about?

Double standards or indifferent treatments??

Kris Allen - 2009 American Idol winner - Season 8

KRIS ALLEN - AMERICAN IDOL CHAMPION 2009


FROM LEFT - ADAM LAMBERT, PAULA ABDUL & KRIS ALLEN


ADAM LAMBERT


KRIS ALLEN PERFORMING "HEARTLESS"


A VERY SHORT VIDEO OF KRIS ALLEN AUDITION ON AMERICAN IDOL


ADAM LAMBERT AUDITION RIGHT UP TO SEMIFINAL IN AMERICAN IDOL 2009

AMERICAN IDOL LIST OF WINNERS - SEASON 1 - SEASON 8

2002 - SEASON 1 WINNER - KELLY CLARKSON
2003 - SEASON 2 WINNER - RUBEN STUDDARD
2004 - SEASON 3 WINNER - FANTASIA BARRINO
2005 - SEASON 4 WINNER - CARRIE UNDERWOOD
2006 - SEASON 5 WINNER - TAYLOR HICKS
2007 - SEASON 6 WINNER - JORDIN SPARKS
2008 - SEASON 7 WINNER - DAVID COOK
2009 - SEASON 8 WINNER - KRIS ALLEN (RUNNERS UP - ADAM LAMBERT)

By LYNN ELBER, AP Television

Kris Allen beamed with disbelief, shook his head as if to reject that this was really happening and doubled over in shock.

The fact that he'd just beaten rollicking vocal powerhouse Adam Lambert for the "American Idol" title wasn't going to sink in quickly for the unassuming underdog from Arkansas. The only downside to this stunning victory: He was going to have to sing "No Boundaries" one more time.

"I'm sorry, I don't even know what to feel right now. This is crazy," said the 23-year-old from Conway, Arkansas, as he leaned on host Ryan Seacrest to keep from staggering.

Allen's smooth vocals and boy-next-door image gave him the edge after nearly 100 million viewer votes were cast, turning the theatrical Lambert into the most unlikely of also-rans. When the season started, Allen seemed unsure he had a right to take center stage, let alone stand there and snatch victory from such a formidable rival.

During his "Idol" audition last summer, Allen, hands in his pockets and a newsboy cap pulled down around his eyes, was asked by the judges if he was the best singer around.

"You know, there's probably people who are better than me," was Allen's response, offered in the quiet, low-key spirit he retained despite his growing profile.

Conversely, Lambert's commanding vocal range and stage presence -- and the judges' lavish adoration -- at times turned "Idol" into "The Adam Lambert Show," with the other contestants mere guests. But it turned out that "Idol" viewers could embrace a gifted performer like Lambert, one who sported black nail polish and bold self-assurance, only to a point.

Cowell tipped his hat to both contestants Wednesday night, who shared a moment of musical camaraderie when they joined with Queen on the rock anthem "We Are the Champions."

"To both of you, and I don't normally mean this, I thought you were both brilliant ... the future's all yours," the judge said.

"Adam did win. So did Kris. Nobody lost tonight. These are two champions," said Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley from backstage.

The comments from Cowell and Stanley aren't necessarily empty platitudes. Past contestants can testify that losing the title doesn't mean you're a loser, nor does winning mean you're a shoo-in for superstardom.

Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson, who finished fourth and seventh in their respective seasons, have gone on to huge success. As for "Idol" winners, they range from blockbuster artists like Carrie Underwood to the mostly under-the-radar Taylor Hicks.

Wednesday's outcome echoed last year's contest, which also looked at the outset like it was going the other way. Cowell all but crowned David Archuleta after the performance finale, calling his a "knockout performance" -- but the victory went to David Cook.

Lambert was such a powerful, unique performer that his fans were allowed a sense of entitlement on his behalf. But his triumph wasn't inevitable. When Allen and Lambert were declared the finalists last week, just 1 million viewer votes separated the pair out of 88 million cast.

Allen bloomed during the season, gaining more assurance onstage and winning viewers over with his heartfelt vocals, modest demeanor and well-scrubbed good looks.