KUALA LUMPUR: Popular entertainment portal XTRA is back with the latest season of its hottest digital talent search campaign, XTRA XSTAR 2025, aimed at spotlighting fresh faces in Malaysia’s music industry through social media platforms.
The initiative follows the success of its debut season last year, which crowned 19-year-old Zahra as the first-ever winner.
She has since signed with Alternate Records & Talents and released her debut single, ‘Janjiku Padamu’, composed by Amsyar Sabri and Emeer Bakri.
Zahra’s breakthrough has paved the way for more young talents to make their mark in the mainstream music scene.
For 2025, XTRA XSTAR welcomes all Malaysians — regardless of age or background — to showcase their vocal abilities.
With just a TikTok singing video upload, participants have the chance to be elevated to a professional platform without the limits of geography.
Campaign manager and XTRA editor-in-chief, Muhammad Kamaruddin Mohd Razal, expressed confidence in the impact of this season.
“The first season proved that talent can emerge from digital spaces. Zahra started with busking before submitting her singing video, and eventually became the champion. Seeing her journey, we believe season two will uncover even more new stars,” he said in a recent statement.
Entries are open until Sept 15.
Only 20 contestants will be shortlisted by a panel of professional judges to advance to the Top 20 stage.
From there, fan voting will determine the Top 5 finalists, who will compete live at Studio Balai Berita Bangsar, Media Prima Berhad, with the event streamed on XTRA’s official TikTok channel.
Contestants will be judged on creativity, vocals, and performance uniqueness by an experienced panel including Marsha Milan, Puteri Khareeza, and Bob Yusof.
The grand winner of XTRA XSTAR 2025 will secure an exclusive recording and management contract with Alternate Records & Talents, alongside extensive exposure across Media Prima platforms.
Beyond the champion’s title, finalists will also gain wide media coverage, exclusive interviews, and appearances on popular entertainment programs.
For full details, visit the official website at www.xtra.com.my/xtraxstar2025 or follow XTRA on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads at @xtra_my.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
