Innocent attitude sees Mirza through

Ikram Putra
The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Hady Mirza said he could not believe it when he was named the first Asian Idol.

The audience of more than 5,000 at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran building in Central Jakarta – and the millions of other people huddled around their TVs in the six countries where the show was aired live – witnessed 27-year-old Mirza being crowned the first Asian Idol on Sunday.

Mirza, the 2006 Singapore Idol, secured the most SMS votes, beating out Indian Abhijeet Sawant, Malaysian Jaclyn Victor, Filipina Mau Marcello, Vietnamese Phuong Vy and Indonesian Mike Mohede.

None of the judges predicted Mirza would emerge the winner, assuming the Indian and Indonesian Idols would get more votes, because they come from countries with much higher populations.

Mirza got SMS votes from nearly all six countries.

Marcello, Victor or Mike had been tipped to win because of their refined vocal techniques.

But after Mirza sang Berserah (Submission), which was popularized by his predecessor Singapore Idol Taufik Batisah, many said he had won over the audience.

Shortly after the announcement was made Sunday night, emotions ran high and Mirza suddenly dropped to his knees, covering his face with his hands for a few seconds before his rivals lifted him up.

“I never thought about that (the win). Not even for a second,” Mirza said during a press conference after the show.

“I just came here to sing with these guys.”

To the surprise of many, Mirza won Singapore Idol on Sept. 25 last year, with more than 70 percent of the vote.

His debut album achieved platinum status within four days – it only takes 150,000 copies to go platinum in Singapore due to its small population.

He was also named the “Most Popular Artist” at the Anugerah Planet Muzik 2007.

“Well I don’t know, everybody says I deserve this and that but I guess what’s more important is the heart that you have,” he told The Jakarta Post.

“Up until now I still can’t believe I made these all because all I know is I am just doing my part.”

Anu Malik, one of the six judges, said Mirza’s strength lies in his attitude, which somehow drives people to vote for him.

“When he sings, he really does sing. He doesn’t care whether he wins or loses. Maybe because he already knew he couldn’t win,” he said.

“He doesn’t even look at us judges and I like that,” said the Indian judge at the press conference.

Paul Moss of Malaysia said the results were a reflection of public opinion. “You cannot reject that,” said Moss, who once said Mirza was too good-looking to sing a U2 song.

Malik pointed out that besides having a good voice and a bit of luck, Mirza won because he was determined to win. “When it has to happen, it happens.”

As judge Pilita Corrales of the Philippines put it, “God works in some miraculous ways.”