The New Paper
By Sheela Narayanan

Anugerah winner not worried at being last to bring out album. He says: I am keeping best for last.

Usually, it's the winner of a talent contest who gets first crack at recording an album.

For Khairul Anuar (above), this hasn't been the case.

The 21-year-old media and communications polytechnic graduate won Suria's Anugerah contest last year but he is trailing behind his fllow Anugerah finalists in bringing out an album.

Khairul has only just released his first single Pertama (The First) while the other finalist have already started work on their debut albums.

Khairil, who was third in the contest, was the first of the four finalists to release a single. He released Nadia earlier this year. His debut album will be out soon.

Fourth place contestant Fauzie Laily released his single, Selalu (Always), last month. It is No. 2 on the Ria charts while Khairul's is at No. 17.

Syed Azmir, the first runner-up, is in the process of recording his first album.

As his fellow contestants are starting to make in-roads in the industry, Khairul admitted it was not how he would have wanted to go.

He said: "The first album should have been done after the won. But there was no recording deal... which is a waste."

Since Khairul is represented by MediaCorp TV 12's Artiste Management Unit, he has been in the limelight.

He is performing at the National Day Parade today.

He was also in three Suria-driven vehicles with the other finalists: the Anugerah karaoke VCD which was launched in the beginning of the year, the television drama Teman Anugerahku (My Friend My Gift) and a concert organized by Suria for the finalists was held at the Esplanade in April.

He has been featured quite prominently in Suria's station promotions.

Which is why the young man doesn't feel left out in the album race.

Khairul said: "I am really eager about releasing my album but I don't want to rush it. I am being patient about it. Keep the best for the last, as my manager says."

But there is a hitch. Since he has to serve his national service in September, the release of his debut album will be delayed even further.

"I am worried about that but we (I and my management) have a strategy to keep reminding the audience that I am still here," he said.

One is to use his blog, www.soulconfession.blogspot.com, to keep his fans updated on his progress. His managers are coming up with a website as well.

His second single, Kesal (Regret), will be released at the end of the month.

While Khairul intends to wok on his album in between his NS duties, he is aware how fickle showbiz is.

Next year, the next season of Anugerah will throw up a new Malay singing star.

Yet, he is not losing any sleep over the prospect of a new winner taking over from him.

He also denied that there was rivalry between him and the three Anugerah boys.

"There is a healthy competition. It's all about helping each other. If somebody comes up with fresh ideas, we can learn from that."