Professional Career
While a university student, she successfully auditioned for Malaysian Idol in Kuching, Sarawak, impressing the judges with her rendition of Mariah Carey's Emotions. She eventually progressed through to the 'Final 12' of the competition. After six weeks, Nikki was voted out on September 12, 2004 to some controversy, as she had been seen as a favourite to win by Malaysian Idol judge, Paul Moss.
The following lists Nikki's Malaysian Idol performances:
- Audition - Emotions - (Mariah Carey)
- Workshop - One Moment in Time - (Whitney Houston)
- Wildcard - The Voice Within - (Christina Aguilera)
- Top 12 - Crazy in Love - (Beyoncé)
- Top 10 - I Want You Back - (The Jackson 5)
- Top 8 - Against All Odds - (Phil Collins)
- Top 7 - I'm with You - (Avril Lavigne)
- Top 6 - Emotion - (Destiny's Child)
Originally planning to continue with her studies after her exit from the competition, Nikki secured a recording contract with Artistes United Records and released her debut album, Maharani, in Malaysia on November 28, 2005. The title means 'Empress' in Malay. This album showcases Nikki's abilities in the whistle register, with one critic mentioning it as "whistling a la Mariah Carey." The ballad 'Pinta' marked Nikki's official debut in the music industry.
The music video for Nikki's second single, Caramu, has been criticised for bearing similar themes and choreography to various music videos of South Korean singer, BoA. This same song won Nikki and collaborating artist, Zahid, an award for best vocal duo at Anugerah Era 2006, a Malaysian music awards ceremony.
Following Caramu, Nikki teamed up with fellow Malaysian singer, Yanie, and both featured in Ning Baizura's August single release, Drama.
On 28 December 2008, Nikki released her second album, Hawa featuring the singles "Relakan" and "Selamat Tinggal".
Read more about this topic: Nikki (Malaysian Singer)
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