KUALA LUMPUR: Anugerah Juara Lagu 37 (AJL37) top winner Aina Abdul spent RM85,000 for her wardrobe and stage props last Sunday.
The 29-year-old singer-songwriter who won Best Song and Best Vocals for her original composition Terus Hidup told Berita Harian Online yesterday that she spent "quite a lot" on her large white costume and giant cloud stage props.
"I wanted something memorable and it needed a bit more investment.
"I got a crew of 30 people to handle the performance and I'm glad that I had extra savings to spend," she said.
Terus Hidup which earned Aina RM112,000 was dedicated to her father who died when she was 15.
Aina chose clouds as her performance theme because she had photographed them on board several flights.
Meanwhile, singer-actress Shiha Zikir who won Best Performance chose to combine neon lights, glow-in-the-dark costumes and energetic choreography for her song Irama.
Shiha spent over RM100,000 for her performance in Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil that night.
Although the 36-year-old did not expect to win, she had faith in her brilliant team that contributed fresh and original ideas.
"The most expensive element was the lighting. The cost was divided between my company, Shiha Zikir Empire and Todak Music.
"The RM100,000 investment did not match my RM12,000 cash prize, but I am okay with it because it was still rewarding," she said.