AFTER being named champion of 'Indonesian Idol' Season 10 four years ago, Lyodra has become well-known in her country.
The 21-year-old artiste, whose full name is Lyodra Margareta Ginting, is among a set of new singers who keep churning out new hit singles.
Despite her age, she is already riding high in her career due to hard work and some luck.
Admitting that it's like a dream come true, she sometimes finds it unbelievable to be where she is now.
"My career development has been extraordinary.
"I never imagined it'd be this good and to be in the position where I am now," she recounts humbly when met in Kuala Lumpur recently.
"I'm very grateful and excited that my songs have become hits and are received well.
"I'm glad to have more fans now and also aware that more people are listening to my songs on social media," she says.
With four million followers on Instagram alone, it is not impossible for her to one day join the ranks of legendary Indonesian singers, such as Ruth Sahanaya and Krisdayanti.
Lyodra says that she feels honoured to be compared with such A-listers. But it also creates a little pressure for her.
However, she says that the situation has made her want to double her efforts in proving and improving her talent and performing skills.
"I don't think I've reached the peak yet. There is still much more for me to explore and experience.
"But I'm still very grateful for all those flattering comments from fans and supporters.
"My aim now is to be more productive and always make myself available to take up new challenges.
"Not just to keep on churning out new songs, but also to perform at more places, be they big or small concerts."
Lyodra says that in the past four years, her chosen career has made her more confident, especially when she's in front of a crowd.
"I'm actually an introvert. When I started singing, I was already fully aware that being shy would put me at a disadvantage.
"So I forced myself to step outside my comfort zone and become more outgoing and approachable."
When she's not working, Lyodra prefers to keep to herself, enjoying a quiet time at home.
"This shy girl still prefers to spend her free time relaxing at home, instead of going out having fun," she says.
Hoping to try another genre
Although she sings ballads and pop songs, Lyodra likes listening to R&B tunes and hopes one day to record and release songs of that genre.
"I love listening to singers, such as Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars and Travis Scott," shares Lyodra, who usually listens to these singers' music while in the car.
She admits that despite liking the genre, the demand in Indonesia is still largely for ballads and pop tunes.
"So, I have yet to try recording R&B songs, to see if I could carry that off. It'll be interesting to find out."
Asked if she'd be willing to relocate overseas to reach a wider audience, she says she hasn't thought about that as there is still much for her to explore in the Indonesian music industry.
"I'm sure it'll be a difficult journey. Even in Indonesia alone, it had not been an easy one, let alone trying to create a name on an international platform.
"But it'd be great if one day I could move on to that bigger arena."
Lyodra burst into the music scene in Indonesia at the same time as Mahalini, Ziva Magnoyla, Keisya Levronka and Tiara Andini.
As such, it is hardly surprising to see her name being compared with those singers by fans in Indonesia.
"Sometimes, it can get a little bit tiring," she says of such comparisons.
"Nobody likes to be compared.
"But of course, people can say what they want. You cannot control them from having opinions.
"It's up to you whether you want to let that affect you," she says.
First performance
Lyodra is set to stage a concert with fellow Indonesian singer Afgan here on Sept 28.
Titled 'Ada Afgan & Lyodra: Live In Kuala Lumpur', the concert is scheduled to take place at Mega Star Arena.
It will be a 2½-hour show with the pair set to entertain fans with a total of 20 songs between them.
They will be accompanied by 12 professional musicians who are fellow Indonesians.
Though this upcoming gig marks Lyodra's first performance in Malaysia, she says she is not nervous in anticipation of the performance
"Instead, I'm taking it as a sign that my career is growing," she says.
Lyodra is excited to work with fellow Indonesian singer Afgan. The pair released their duet, 'Ada', last October.
"Afgan has been my idol for the longest time.
"I never imagined that I would be recording a duet with him, let alone stage a concert together," she says.
Meanwhile, Afgan, whose real name is Afgansyah Reza, waxes lyrical about Lyodra.
The 35-year-old says: "I think she has one of the best voices of her generation in Indonesia.
"After listening to her song 'Sang Dewi', I knew I had to collaborate with her."