Nikki shows there's life after Idol
-by Joe Lee -
NICOLETTE Palikat was hardly a familiar name, even if her initial claim to fame was being part of the Malaysian Idol alumni.


Almost two years since she was eliminated from the top six in the first season of the show, Nicolette has clawed back into contention with her debut single, Pinta, that has stayed on the radio charts for three months, while her follow-up single, Caramu, is a certified hit in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

She has also chalked up a number of firsts. The launch of her album, Maharani, was a much-publicised affair when she stayed in a glass house in the heart of Kuala Lumpur for three days to prepare for the launch show.

Her second single, Caramu, was the first collaboration of products from the two most popular reality shows, featuring Akademi Fantasia’s Season Two champion, Zahid.

The music video for the song also marked the first from a former Idol, as well as the first from a female reality show contestant.

“Looking back, it’s amazing that so much has happened,” said Nicolette, or better known as Nikki.

“I am happy but there is no time for me to sit back and enjoy it as there is still much to do.”

Nikki is the first artiste to sign up with Artiste United Records, the label that also has the protege of R&B diva Ning Baizura, Yanie, in its stable.

“The best thing is, of course, the opportunity to work with a talent like Ning who is amazing,” she said.

Fans of the three vocal powerhouses can expect a collaboration in a single, titled Drama, to be exclusively released on ERA soon in conjunction with a spotlight performance at the radio station’s annual awards show, Anugerah Era ‘06, in September.

Meanwhile, fans of the winner of Anugerah Planet Muzik 2006’s most promising new artiste can look forward to the repackaged version of her debut album, Maharani, later this month.

“The bonus for the repackaged version will be a number of remixes and two music videos,” she said.

One is Caramu, featuring Zahid, and the other is the next single from her soon-to-be released album, Imaginasi.

Nikki will also perform two songs at The Malay Mail Big Bash at the Berjaya Times Square this Saturday.

Besides Nikki, other popular artistes who have agreed to entertain Malay Mail readers are Ruffedge, Yazer of AF2, Joe Flizzo and Radhi OAG.

Channel [V] VJs, Joey G and Maya Karin will also make special appearances at the event.

They will be joined by Sazzy Falak, Ashraf Sinclair, Sarimah, Rina Omar, Will Quah as well as the finalists of Mentor and One in a Million.