Inside Star Awards 2025's fan zone, where the most diehard showed up 8 hours early
It would mean waiting for six hours, mind you – around the time that he estimated the post-event party would end.
He didn't have a ticket for the main show in The Theatre at Mediacorp, which was taking place after the red carpet, and staying late would mean an expensive cab ride home. But for the mere possibility of glimpsing the artistes as they left for the night? Why, it should be an easy call.
Earlier in the evening, I'd spotted him setting up a stool to prop his camera tripod, allowing him to film the entire red carpet show from the back of the crowd. He stood in the same spot for the whole hour, probably willing to be sooner burnt by the sweltering heat than miss personally capturing a second of the show … which he could watch live on his mobile device.
And yet, Overzealous Fan's mild hesitation to remain till the post-event party wrapped up rendered him less of a devotee than another I shall call Even More Overzealous Fan.
The latter scoffed when asked whether he was staying till midnight. He had shown up at 9am, even though the first segment began at 5pm, and there was no way he was leaving before he got what I reckon he came for: Some selfies and shoulder-rubbing.
'Yes of course I will stay! There are over 200 celebrities here! We must wait! It's worth it! How dare we not stay?' Even More Overzealous Fan declared in Mandarin, seemingly indignant that an alternative was suggested at all.
'There is no reward without hard work!'
CAMPING FOR CELEBRITIES
Forgive my apparent befuddlement. I understand strategising to score Taylor Swift tickets, hanging out at the airport to spot K-pop idols, and perhaps even queuing outside the Apple Store before a new iPhone drops.
To arrive at Star Awards eight hours ahead of time, though? I doubted there was a need to 'chope' or reserve one's spot when I was certain that supply would far exceed demand.
I ate my words at 4pm – an hour before the red carpet segment began – when I came face to face with around 200 fans happy to bake in the heat while awaiting their idols.
There was a dizzying array of fan clubs, including some of celebrities whose existence I was learning about for the first time that evening.
Among the more creative club names on display were Elvinology (Elvin Ng), The Beckers Team (Rebecca Lim), Carrieteristic (Carrie Wong), DesTheWay (Desmond Ng), Felicity (Felicia Chin) and The Juliet Club (Romeo Tan).
Then there were fan clubs whose coordinated signs and T-shirts simply showed their idol's name: Zoe Tay, Ya Hui, Yvonne Lim, Joanne Peh, Bonnie Loo, Lee Teng, Tyler Ten and Paige Chua, to name a few.
But like any interviewee, they were more than happy to talk about their passion. It just so happened this passion was a person, in this instance.
Olivia Lee, a first-time Star Awards attendee and new member of Elvinology, said she just discovered the fan club this year. The 38-year-old started watching Elvin Ng's shows eight years ago, and found him 'very natural'.
She has since met Ng twice in person, including once on a fan club outing to Melaka, and remembers him to be 'very gentlemanly' in how he spoke.
'When you interact with him, you can feel the warmth. He's very down-to-earth. You don't feel like he's a celebrity.'
If anything, it seems having no airs is why other fan clubs like their celebrity idols too. Some members of the Yverlasting Yvonne fan club – for Yvonne Lim, who else? – expressed similar reasons they were enamoured with the 48-year-old actress who took home the All-Time Favourite Artiste trophy on Sunday night.
Part-time administrative worker in her 60s Catherine Pang has always watched Lim's movies but only recently started being more invested in her career. Lim is 'very sincere' when interacting with fans online too, said Pang.
With her on Sunday was Tan Lay Tin, who has attended Star Awards five times as Lim's fan. The actress is 'very thoughtful' towards her fans, Tan said, recalling the time Lim bought her Milo when she wasn't feeling well, despite it being their first meeting.
And when I caught up with a small group from The Beckers Team, one of the fan club's longest-serving members Louisa Tan said she's lost count of the number of times she attended Star Awards as Rebecca Lim's fan.
Although the actress received the All-Time Favourite Artiste trophy in 2023 and wasn't up for any award on Sunday night, 'we just come support', said Tan, 28, who joined the fan club when she was in secondary school.
Lim is 'very easygoing', putting her 'whole heart' into fan interactions, Tan added. 'You won't feel like there's a gap between fans and her.'
Still, apart from the sporadic cheer whenever fan clubs heard their respective celebrity's names being announced, the red carpet reception felt considerably muted. Many seemed happier to watch the event livestream from their phones – as it was happening, yes, right in front of them.
That is, until nominee and eventual winner of the Best Rising Star award Tyler Ten showed up.
Judging by the deafening screams for this man who – despite his evidently strong fanbase – I wouldn't recognise if my life depended on it, I realised I was officially out of touch with this new generation of Mediacorp artistes.
I was no longer in primary school, when the daily 7pm and 9pm dramas on Channel 8 were my reward for finishing my homework; when I could depend on the one and only Ivy Lee to helm every show worth following; when local celebrity culture was revered, not ridiculed.
But I swear I felt nine again, the minute I saw OG legends Fann Wong, Christopher Lee, Zoe Tay and Li Nanxing walk the red carpet – and once more when most recipients of the All-Time Favourite Artiste award since 2004 gathered on stage to kick off the Star Awards main show.
Then I understood the diehard fans around me. Kind of.
I, too, held my own reverence for the celebrities whose works I loved. The subject of our affection may differ, but the essence of our admiration remains universal.
In the end, how different were modern Mediacorp celebrity fans, really, from Swifties, political party advocates, football supporters or even myself? Maybe not so, for the American writer Mark Twain once famously said: 'Fame is a vapour, popularity an accident; the only earthly certainty is oblivion.'
Maybe every fandom is, at its core, about seeking something greater than oneself to stave off such oblivion.
An hour before the show ended yesterday, I spotted fans who didn't manage to get tickets still milling around the theatre lobby. Among them was Even More Overzealous Fan from earlier, apparently keeping his promise to stay until midnight.
Another was 21-year-old Vincent Lim, an F&B worker who'd specifically requested a day off to attend Star Awards, he'd told me earlier in the evening. He wasn't there for any particular celebrity; he carried no signboard or elaborate gear, just excitement at finally attending the event he'd only ever watched on TV as a child.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
2 hours ago
- CNA
Forget dusty cellars and sommelier jargon. Gen Z drinks with intention, not intimidation
Far from relying on long held tropes about wine drinking, today's youngest drinkers of legal drinking age are rewriting the rules of what it means to enjoy a good tipple. For this curious generation, savouring an alcoholic beverage is often less about status and more about storytelling. Whether it is a biodynamic sake from Japan, a juicy red from an under-the-radar wine region like Greece or Georgia, or a lesser known Italian white varietal, Gen Z wants bottles that reflect their identity, not their parents' palate. No surprises that social media aesthetics matter to this generation. For many of them, a bottle is not just judged by what is in it, but also by whether it is post-worthy. This is why eye-catching design, compelling backstories and a dose of cool factor can go a long way with digital natives who spend up to 42 per cent of their waking hours in front of screen. Consequently, even though wine brands still lag behind the slick marketing of big beer and spirits players, the rise of AI creative tools is already helping to level the playing field. With more accessible ways to craft engaging content, winemakers may soon have a better shot at capturing Gen Z's attention — and earning a spot on their feeds as well as their tables. As it is, while only about half of Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) is currently of legal drinking age, their influence was impossible to miss at Vinexpo Asia 2025, a major wine and spirits trade show held in Singapore in May. The event, with over 1,000 exhibitors from 30 countries, highlighted a new wave of drinkers who value authenticity, sustainability and connection over tradition for tradition's sake. From masterclass tastings to panel discussions, producers and industry insiders alike acknowledged the rise of the next generation of drinkers who will shape what's in and what's out in the years to come. We take a closer look at what is actually filling Gen Z's glasses these days. THEY ARE CONSUMING LESS BOOZE First up, some sobering news for the industry: Alcohol consumption is on the decline globally and Gen Z is leading the charge. According to a March 2025 YouGov survey presented at a panel discussion at Vinexpo Asia, this generation is drinking significantly less than their predecessors in a shift driven by economic caution as much as lifestyle choice. In challenging economic times, young consumers with limited disposable income may not feel inclined to spend on non-essentials such as wines and spirits or entertainment, said Rob Temple, managing director of Sinowine and a Vinexpo partner, who took part in a panel discussion as part of The Vinexpo Academy's programme. Additionally, drinking less could also be a deliberate health and wellness choice, leading to more sober-curious consumers and dry nights. Even when they do dine out, Gen Z's favourite F&B haunts may not offer a full alcohol menu, or they may lean toward more affordable options. This could be why beer remains the top choice, with 37 per cent of Gen Z drinkers naming it their go-to, according to the YouGov survey. Philippe Chan, general manager of YouGov Hong Kong and China also noted the rising popularity of sparkling wines like Prosecco, which deliver a sense of premium indulgence without the champagne price tag. 'That is a big draw for younger drinkers who are looking for something celebratory but accessible,' he said. Also, there has been a fundamental shift in how this generation spends its leisure time by putting in more hours online and socialising virtually than going out in the traditional sense, said Temple. Accelerated by the pandemic, this change means fewer spontaneous bar nights, further contributing to the drop in casual alcohol consumption. But that does not mean they are teetotallers. Rather, they are being more intentional about what, when and why they drink. 'Gen Z is drinking less, but they are drinking better,' said Mason Ng, group wine director at Park90. 'Rather than multiple bottles, they might go for one really nice glass or a rare producer they have read about.' Wine communicator Jessica Anne Tan, who curated the masterclasses and panel discussions at Vinexpo Asia 2025 for the Italy pavilion, observed that younger drinkers in Singapore tend to value the communal experience of clinking glasses. 'Price is not a primary concern for them, it is about enjoying the moment together,' she said. For instance, many are happy to split a bottle among a group of 10 friends for the shared experience of enjoying a drink together. This shift is prompting a serious reimagination of traditional wine bar menus and pricing. 'It means rethinking our by-the-glass lists and finally moving away from outdated three-times markups. The future is about access, quality and experience, not just volume,' said Ng. STORYTELLING OVER STATUS For a generation that values authenticity and resonance, what is in the glass does matter, but why it is in the glass matters even more. 'Grape varieties and terroir are interesting, but this is not the starting point,' said Mason Ng. 'They are definitely more focused on whether the wine speaks to something bigger than just what is in the glass. What really matters is why the wine exists — the people who made it, the style of wine, and the story behind the bottle.' Bonus points if a bottle can spark wanderlust, with Gen Z gravitating towards tipple from places they have visited or dream of exploring. With Japan currently one of the most popular travel destinations, the 'Japan effect' is especially evident in the growing interest in sake. Ironically, while sake carries an 'old-fashioned' or traditional image among many young Japanese, it is enjoying a renaissance in export markets where Gen Z sees it through a different lens as cool, craft-driven and culturally rich. Besides sake, Ng has also noticed that young drinkers are curious about wines from under-the-radar Hokkaido, which is a popular winter sports destination. Italian wines too have benefitted from the surge in travel, with red and sparkling wines, growing in popularity. 'There is an emotional connection to Italy's rich culture, art, and culinary heritage, which many young people already admire. Italian wines bring that lifestyle to life in a bottle as they tell a story of place, tradition, and craftsmanship that younger audiences value,' said Matteo Zoppas, president of the Italian Trade Agency. ADVENTUROUS PALATES Forget Grand Cru snobbery or collecting labels for clout. Instead, Gen Z tend to prefer seeking out drinks that are different from what their parents like. For instance, they show a stronger preference for white and rose wines compared to reds, a more traditional choice among older drinkers, said Chan of YouGov. But it is the drinks with offbeat intrigue that really captures the younger generation's imagination, such as a pet-nat from Australia or a red from Serbia, observed Temple. This adventurous streak is backed by data. According to the YouGov survey, 63 per cent of Singaporean drinkers expressed interest in biodynamic wines, 55 per cent in organic and 48 per cent in sustainable labels, suggesting that provenance, ethics and process matter just as much as taste. When it comes to taste profiles, younger drinkers tend to prefer more 'approachable' wines that are slightly sweeter and lower in acidity and tannins. For instance, Tan has noticed a preference for Amarone and Primitivo wines from Italy, which offer a riper, jammy character which can be more appealing to younger palates.
CNA
10 hours ago
- CNA
American saxophonist Kenny G to stage one-night show at the Esplanade on Jul 8
Smooth jazz legend and Grammy-winning artist Kenny G is set to serenade fans in Singapore. The American saxophonist returns for a one-night concert at the Esplanade on Jul 8. With more than 75 million records sold, he is among the most successful musicians of all time. In an exclusive interview with CNA, he opened up about how he stays profitable and relevant in an era where streaming dominates and payouts do not always match popularity.
AsiaOne
12 hours ago
- AsiaOne
Andie Chen admits 'traces of loss and loneliness' after 10th acting Star Awards defeat , Entertainment News
In a race, only one person can clinch first place. For local actor Andie Chen, the Star Awards race has become a standard affair, but one he has yet to bring home a trophy from. At the 30th edition of Star Awards held last night (July 6), the 39-year-old was one of five nominees for Best Actor, for his role in the Mediacorp drama Born to Shine. However, he lost to Christopher Lee, who won for his performance in the crime series Kill Sera Sera. The 53-year-old also brought home two other awards - Best Programme Host and the Special Achievement Award. Earlier today, Andie took to Instagram to reflect: "The ceremony ended and the music started. I sat in the audience, watching the liveliness on stage - no matter how strong the heart is, traces of loss and loneliness will still flow out in that moment. "But I didn't lose heart. Because all these years, I've had my family, team, friends and all of you who have supported me. Every time you speak up for me, it motivates me to keep working hard. Thank you everyone. "Setting aside my own little theatre, I really am happy to see my friends win awards. Who's not working hard for their dreams? "Finally, to my super handsome and capable idol Christopher Lee, I'm fully convinced losing to you. Thank you for letting me see my goal. I believe that one day, I will stand beside you and we'll create amazing stories together." [[nid:716772]] Andie had been nominated for Best Actor in 2012, 2017 and 2024. He was also nominated six times for Best Supporting Actor since 2011, and was also in the running for Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024 and this year. Despite all the nominations, he has yet to win a Star Award. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chen Bangjun 陳邦鋆 (@andiechen) In live footage captured during the awards ceremony, moments after veteran Hong Kong star Chow Yun Fat announced Christopher's win, the camera panned to Andie in the audience. He was comforted by local actress Ya Hui, who clutched his shoulder and spoke to him, to which he responded with a nod and smile while clapping for the winner. The two belong to the 2007 batch of Star Search, where Andie was crowned champion and Ya Hui a runner-up. Others also consoled Andie, with veteran actor Chen Hanwei dedicating an Instagram post to him today. In a picture where the two walked together backstage in their red-carpet outfits, the 55-year-old wrote: "It's not that you're bad, you're very good. Just down on a little bit of luck, Andie. "Don't be discouraged, keep up your attitude and positive energy, because your attitude is your best feng shui. Keep working hard, and one day there'll definitely be a piece of the sky for you. Believe in yourself. "Of course, I still have to congratulate Christopher Lee, it was well-deserved." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chenhanwei (@chenhanwei1969) Hanwei himself won Best Supporting Actor for his role in Unforgivable last night, which marks his third win in the category. On Andie's Instagram post, other local celebrities showed him their support in the comments section, including Aileen Tan, Apple Hong, Jeffrey Xu, Priscelia Chan and Xixi Lim. All were present at the awards ceremony last night. In a video posted by 8days, Christopher and Andie were seen interacting post-show. Andie was posing for the camera when he was spotted by the award- winner, who came over for a hug. Andie joked: "You not paiseh to come here?" before laughing and returning the embrace. Thereafter, Christopher said: "You'll surely get it next time, okay?" [[nid:719895]]
