KUALA LUMPUR: As a regular in Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) over the last four years, Seremban-born singer-songwriter Aina Abdul has been described as the annual music awards show's "big dress girl".
Known for her oversized dresses and headdresses which resembled giant flowers, the 29-year-old Mentor Legend 2014 runner-up has sportingly embraced her moniker, since it makes her "stand out" amongst the rest.
"The 'big dress girl' nickname is good branding for me, as it makes music lovers pay attention to me and my music," she said at a press conference to announce the date and hosts of Anugerah Juara Lagu 37 (AJL37) at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre in One Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya today.
Citing the examples of American singer-songwriters Stefani Germanotta or Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish, Aina said that their over-the-top dresses and multi-coloured hair "caught the attention" of fans and made them appreciate their music.
"Lady Gaga and Billie are extremely talented, but were initially regarded as Plain Janes. However, once they transformed themselves by wearing colourful attires and hairdos, they became major stars," said Aina.
"I, too, was a Plain Jane and when I joined Mentor I was not regarded as particularly attractive. That is why I gave myself a certain image that worked to my advantage."
In AJL37 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur on Feb 12, Aina will perform her self-penned song Terus Hidup.
The other 11 artistes in the three-hour song competition are Alif Satar And The Locos who will perform Anugerah Terindah, Amir Masdi and Dayang Nurfaizah (Debu), Ernie Zakri (Korban), Shila Amzah and Liza Hanim (Bahagiakan Dia), Joe Flizzow and SonaOne (Satu Malam Di Temasek), Marsha Milan Londoh (Kembali Terang), Iman Troye (Nang), Khai Bahar (Sengsara), Shiha Zikir (Irama), Noki and MK
(Payung Pelangi) and Naim Daniel (Mainan).
AJL37, broadcast live on TV3 and live-streamed on tonton, is co-hosted by Sherry Alhadad and Jihan Muse. Its theme is Dimensi Muzik and the top three songs will receive RM100,000, RM50,000 and RM30,000, while Best Vocals and Best Performance will win RM12,000 each.