KUALA LUMPUR: Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 36 (ABPBH 36) is set to take place in the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Auditorium at 8.30pm tonight, and several household names have been cited as potential top winners.
Last year, comedian Bell Ngasri won Most Popular Artiste for his hugely popular character Barkoba, one of the late director Mamat Khalid's many creations for his Kampong Pisang comedy series.
As for this year, popular singers Aina Abdul and Khai Bahar as well as veteran singer-actress Siti Nordiana are three celebrities who have been predicted as the top winners.
Another celebrity who might walk home with the top prize is a relative "newcomer" to showbiz, Hot FM radio announcer and former Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin.
As for the "otai" celebrities, veteran comedy troupe Senario stands a strong chance of winning Most Popular Artiste, as they have been nominated in the Popular Comedian category in competition with Bell.
On social media, it appears that Aina stands the strongest chance as her fans known as Ainations have been very active in promoting her, especially on Instagram and Facebook.
Siti Nordiana, who has long been dubbed one of Malaysian music's "sweethearts" also has a strong social media presence.
As for Khairy, he is facing stiff competition from fellow radio announcers DJ Sonic and last year's Popular Radio Announcer winner, Tyzo Xander.
The same can be said for Khai, who is one of Malay music's foremost teen idols and who is known for his collaborations with Siti Nordiana, Aina as well as Adira Suhaimi and Nabila Razali.
In fact, the Kangar-born star has two nominations in the Popular Collaboration/Duo/Group category – one with Adira and another with Nabila.
ABPBH 36 carries the theme of Teguh and has 16 major award categories
The Top 5s were selected based on total votes for the earlier Top 20s, and voting took place between Aug 22 and 11.59pm on Sept 30.