A memorable Last Dance

Singapore Idol’s first winner Taufik Batisah put on a sold-out show at The Star Theatre, his first and last headlining concert

- Eddino Abdul Hadi Music Correspondent

Alittle over two decades ago, Taufik Batisah made history as the first winner of Singapore Idol (2004 to 2009), a reality show that broke viewership records on local television.

In recent years, the 43-year-old has dialled back on his music career to focus on his real estate and food and beverage businesses. But his sold-out concert at The Star Theatre on Oct 25 showed that he still has what it takes to be a top draw.

The three-hour gig was a landmark show in more ways than one. It was the singer-songwriter and actor’s debut major headlining concert, and it was the first by a solo Singaporean Malay pop singer at the 5,000-capacity venue.

It will also be his last big show, as he intends to focus on his businesses, including a new interior design company, as he told The Straits Times in an interview in July.

All the tickets were quickly snapped up by Fiknatics - as his fans are called — less than an hour after they went on sale in July.

Taufik, dressed in several different coloured suits, was his usual charismatic self, cracking jokes and connecting with his fans with ease.