Taipei - Singaporean singer-songwriter Tanya Chua bagged the
prestigious best female singer award at the 23rd Golden Melody
Awards in Taipei last night, her third award in this category in
six years.
Chua, 37, saw off strong contenders Hebe Tien, A-Mei and fellow
Singaporean Stefanie Sun to pick up the prize at what is seen as
the Chinese equivalent of the Grammy Awards.
Her third win in this category means Chua has equalled the
record of accomplished Taiwanese singers Sarah Chen and Stella
Chang, who each also has three to their name.
Chua, who first won the award in 2006 and then again in 2008,
said: 'I feel like I am dreaming, I didn't expect to win this award
again.'
This year, her album Speak Of Love led the field with seven
nominations, although she did not clinch any of the other
awards.
The Taiwan-based singer will be performing at The Straits Times
Appreciates Readers (Star) concert on July 15 at the Gardens by the
Bay in Singapore.
Taiwan's most popular rock band Mayday, the biggest winner last
night, carried home six awards, including the coveted Best Song of
the Year, Best Mandarin Album and Best Band.
'I want to thank our fans who have supported us for the past 13
years and I want to thank the judges,' Mayday lead singer Ashin
told a cheering crowd in the Taipei Arena.
Taiwanese rocker Luantan Ascent was the night's surprise winner
when he beat four better-known rivals - including Hong Kong's Eason
Chan and last year's winner, Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou - to be
crowned best male singer.
'I actually thought I'd lose. I want to thank Jay Chou... I want
to thank the judges and my family,' he said.
Performers from Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore
competed in more than 40 categories.
