Despite their tight schedule and with their concert tonight, they were scheduled to play a round of golf this morning.

Looking gorgeous and cool on arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 2pm yesterday from Jakarta, Indonesia, tehy were sporting enough to pose for a few pictures for The Star.

With a large entaurage, the group, comprising members Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough, A.J. McLean and Nick Carter smiled and promised an excellence show at the Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach tonight.

"We excited to be here and are looking forward to meeting our Malaysian fans," Howie said. "It is good to be back."

The concert is part of the foursome's Unbreakable World Tour 2008 which follows the release of their sixth album Unbreakable.

Tickets are available at the Sunway Lagoon Ticketing Counters (Surf Beach and Main Enterance).

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is the official venue while The Star is the official newspaper. Close

According to production namager Andrew Warren, the boys themselves had promised a fantastic show.

"Fans will not be shory-changed and definietly will not go home dissapointed," he told The Star.

In fact, the stage is said to be the biggest stage ever to be set up at the venue (Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach).

Measuring 60ft x 50ft, such a big stage is usually cenceptualised for stadiums, said Warren.

"It is a huge production for Sunway itself, too," he said. "This is definitely something very new and big, and the venue sponsor has definitely been very supportive and helpful.

"We have also drained out the surf pool for the audience. That will serve as the floor."

There will be huge projection screens on stage showing images and playback videos of the boys.

Warren said the group, comprising Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough, A.J. McLean and Nick Carter, had prior to the show insisted on only systems and lighting being used.

"The boys insisted and reminded us to use only the best lighting and sound equipment for the concert. We have constructed everything in accordance with their request and there is definitely very heavy lighting coupled with the besr sounds," he said.

Warren said production work started on Saturday evening involving some 50 crew members.

The concert tonight is part of The Backstreet Boys' Unbreakable World Tour 2008.

The show starts at 8pm. Tickets are available at Sunway Lagoon Ticketing Counters. Sunways Lagoon Theme Park is the official venue. The Star is the official newspaper. Close

The artistes were veterans Datuk Ahmad Jais and Andre Goh, as well as five other young vocalists like Wang Meng Lee, Muthukumaran, Nadia Haswani Hasnan, Hazeq and Nur Ernie Shahirah Zakri.

There was also guitarist Rafi.

The OSK comprises 30 musicians with Mustafa Fuzer Nawi as conductor.

The three-hour performance entertained more than 1,000 people.

The guest of honour was Arts, Culture, Tourism and National Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan, who was accompanied by state broadcasting director Fakhur Razi Ismail.

Ahmad Jais sang two numbers titled Berpisah Jauh and Umpan Jinak di Air Tenang - popular songs from his albums produced in the 1960s.

Andre Goh sang twi numbers as well - Hiburkanlah Hati Ku and as asli song titled Seri Kedah.

Wang Meng Lee rendered a song titled The Truth followed by a Chinese number.

Nadia Haswani sang Aint No Body and Mencintai Mu while Hazeq performed selected numbers titled Tanam Tebu and Zapin Budi.

Nur Ernie Shahirah sand Dealova while Muthukumaran sang Tamil and Hindi songs.

Guitarist Rafi plucked his guitar to the tune of the song My Heart.

OSK was formed in 1989. It was officially launched four years later by the then Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister.

It has performed overseas including in Singapore's Esplanade in 2003 and in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, in conjunction with the Asia Orchestra Week in 2004.

Conductor Mustafa Fuzer ha dled OSK since 1999.

He has also been a guest musician with the Cologne Chamber Orchestra apart from being guest conductor of Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra in 2001, Esplanade Singapore in 2003 and Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra, Bosnia, in 2004.

He has been invited as guest concert master at several concerts in Bangkok, Thailand and the Asia Japan Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo.

Mustafa Fuzer is currently music director at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur. Close

Currently riding the waves all over the world with their Black Parade tour, the American group played for about an hour after local punk band One Buck Short and rapcore Pop Shuvit pumped up the crowd with the opening acts.

Formed in 2001 and reputedly the hottest name after Linkin Park, the quintet of Gerard Way (vocalist), his brother Mikey (bass guitar), guitarists Ray Toro, Frank Iero nad drummer Bon Bryar were here as part of the world tour.

The atmosphere was electrifying as they belted out their hits like Famous Last Words, Helena and I Don't Like You.

The tour has been taken them to Japan, Australia, Britain and Mexico. Close

"We're used to playing indoors. Playing live outdoors would be a completely different experience altogether," said bass guitarist Mikey Way, in a phone interview from Sydney.

The band, comprising elder brother and lead singer Gerard, guitarist Ray Toro and Frank Iero and drummer Bob Bryar, was formed in 2001 and had been on the Black parade World Tour 2007 since February.

However, said Way, Iero and Bryar are "on hiatus" and the guys who would be filling in for them are two of the band's best friends.

And they are set to rock fans at the Merdeka Stadium with the group's string of hit songs, including Welcome to the Black Parade, Famous Last Words and Helena.

The band, currently touring Australia, had been to Japan, Mexico and Britain, among other countries.

"Generally, audiences in Asia have been one of the craziest we've ever had!"said Way, who promised fans here some delightful surprises.

Local bands One Buck Short and Pop Shuvit will feature ad the opening acts for the KL concert organised jointly by Arianna Event Management and Galaxy Group.

For enquiries, call 03-78807999, 03-22822020 or visit www.ticketpro.com.my.Close

Up-and-coming artist Hazami warmed up the crowd with his slick brand of smooth R&B, proving that he can hold his own with the best.

The Los Angeles-based Ingram sang ballad after ballad, delivering his tunes with perfection. His most famous songs Just Once, I Don't Have The Heart and One Hundred Ways were greeted with shrieks of delight from the audience.

The Grammy winner even surprised the audience bu making his way into the crowd and singing to select members, many of whom wrere thrilled to be so close to teh singer.

The highlight though, clearly seemed to be Kool & The Gang. Certain sections of the audience could be heard singing their numbers even before the band came on.

When the New Jersey band finally hot the stage, the crowd became wild with excitement. Kool & The Gang's groovy rhythms encouraged the young and old to dance the night away.

While extended instrument passages were part of the band's set, the goods were also delivered ad the band pleased the crowd with Fresh, Joanna, Cherish, Jungle Boogie, Get Down On It and more. Close

France's Sebastien Izambard, Spaniard Carlos Marin, American David Miller and Urs Buhler from Switzerland sang from the heart with those powerful vocals that have now become their trademark.

Accompanied by a small orchestra as well as a live band, Il Divo performed selections from three of their four albums - Il Divo, Ancora and Siempre - to an adoring audience during the two-hour concert.

The songs include Senza Catene (Unchained Melody), Heroe, Feelings, My Way, Solo Otra Vez (All by Myself) and Regresa a Mi (Unbreak My Heart).

Singing in Spanish, Italian, French and English, their delivery was both subtle as well as soaring.

In addition, the quartet presented reworked versions of old rock and pop classics like Nights in White Satin and Without You.

It was a good night for Malaysian music lovers - this concert being the first of the quartet's World Tour, they were privillaged to get a taste of Il Divo's music from the new album Siempre live before anyone else.

The concert was one of the major kick-offs for Visit Malaysia 2007.

Sponsors for the event, brought in by Arianna Event Management, were CIMB, Tourism Malaysia, Shangrri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, ntv7, BMW, Channel V and SonyBMG. The Star was the officeial media. Close

"I had wondered why we didn't have a Malaysian version, so when 8TV approached me, it was like deja vu and I thought, 'Why not?'" said Bernard at a recent press conference to launch the programme.

The show, in Bahasa Melayu and English, will be hosted by Bernie Chan. Like the international edition, it will give aspiring designers the opportunity to showcase their talents. Participants will face weekly challenges designed to test their creativity.

"Project Runway Malaysia offers potential designers the support needed to compete in today's fast-moving fashion world. We are providing training and resources for these hopefuls. That is why we are incorporating the international format," said Airin Zairul, GM of Brand Management for 8TV.

The winner will receive RM100,000 to spearhead his/her career. The show, slated to begin in August, will culminate with the chance for a designer to show his work at a local fashion week.

"They don't have to have formal training," said Bernard when asked about his expectations for the show. "They must be able to think ahead translate their style into reality.

"They must be good with their skills and their designs must be aesthetically pleasing. They must be flexible when adapting to a client's tastes, and willing to take risks."

To kick off Malaysia' first fashion reality show, 8TV is inviting all Malaysians and permanent residents aged 21 and above to sign up for the challenge.

Walk-in auditions are scheduled for April 12 to 14 at the Theatrette, Sri Pentas, Bandar Utama, Selangor, from 9am to 4pm.

Candidates should bring along their design portfolio, outfits of their own creation, as well as other relevant work materials. For more information, visit www.8tv.com.my/PRM or call 03-7728 8282. - By Rubin Khoo. Close

A shot in the arm from the Vancouver native has done wonders and INXS is now riding the crest of popularity once again, blazing trails with its brand of rock on its heady world tour. Switch is the new album since 1997's Elegantly Wasted. Though it took the band a reality rock show to mine its new golden boy, Rockstar : INXS wasn't to be the double-edge sword the band worried it might have been. Thankfully, Fortune brings a familiar feel to an utterly familiar sound.

The first single, Pretty Vegas, penned by Fortune, instantly put INXS banck in the rock consciousness with its raunchy riffs and catchy chorus but Afterglow quickly displayed the band's ever-present softer inclinations.

Flying in from Singapore, the band made a pit stop in Kuala Lumpur last week, where bass player Garry Beers and guitarist/saxophonist Kirk Pengilly enthused over the band's new lease of life.

"The tour has been wonderful ... the crowds are crazy," Pengilly and Beers chorused. It's has been 12 years since the band's last visit to Malaysia and change is something it has noticed.

"Things have changed around this part of the world, I mean, Kuala Lumpur looked very different when we were last here," said Beers in an interview hours before the band's gig at Stadium Negara last Friday.

INXS is pleased with its most recent end product and feels it has retained the band's identity. "We love the new album, we really do and what's great about it is it's still INXS music ... you hear all those defining elements in our sound," revelaed Pengilly.

One all important element has ... breath in anticipation. The stuttering harmonica of Andrew Farris pulsed in time with the lights as the band launced into a pile-driving rendition of Suicide Blonde.

Mystify and By My Side offered moer poignant moments with the band's razor-sharp sense of the balladeeing. Really, there are moments when you close your eyes and you almost hear the late Hutchence.

The rock-o-meter had its needle bearing down on the red zone through the rocking and infectious Pretty Vegas and INXS anthem assault of brothers Tim and Andrew Farris, and Pengilly kicked up a storm accross these cuts.

Glow sticks and lighters took to the air, predictably, during the new single Afterglow's turn. Though not destined to be an INXS gem, it had its moments in a live context.

The utilitarian musician in the band is without a doubt Andrew Farris, who comfortably switches from guitar to keyboard to harmonica and hand precussion, but keeping everything tght at the back were the thumping bass lines of Beers and the rock solid drumming of Jon Farris.

It's no surprise that the tunes from 1987's Kick (INXS' highest selling album to date) fared the best, .... Close

According to the station's chief executive officer Ahmad Izham Omar, four candidates were short-listed bit the ultimate choices were Paul Moss and Syafinaz because of their talent and credibility.

"It was a difficult tast selecting the judges. We have to choose carefully because of the show's concept and prizes, which amount to RM1 mil.

"The judges are experienced and can guide contestants and viewers right through to the finals," said Ahmad Izham during the One in a Million press conference recently.

Moss and Syafinaz will play a vital role in giving their comments about the participants' performances. Ahmad Izham is expecting some fireworks as both hail from different fields of music and may debate on which contestant qualifies for the finals.

One in a Million, which will be aired on May 26, is different from other talent search shows as the aiditions are open to both amateurs and recording artistes.

The prizes consist of cash and recording contract, including, production with top-name producer, collaboration with top-name artistes and a marketing campaign.

The competition will see the contestants singing songs in English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Ahmad Izham expalined that several artistes have voiced their interest to participate in the competition, but declined to reveal who they are.

"Recording artistes are invited to join but they have to take risks. Paul and Syafinaz will choose 12 finalists. Following that, viewers can vote for their favourite finalists via SMS."

Paul, best known as one of the judgs for Malaysian Idol, was one of the key members of a popular New Zealand band, Aishah and the Fan Club, in the 1980s. The band is now defunct.

This multi-award winning producer/writer/arranger was also involved n the production of albums by succesfull artistes such as OAG, Too Phat, Innuendo, Poetic Ammo, Ella and Taiwanese singer Elva Hsiao.

Syafinaz, on the other hand, is an acclaimed recording artiste and music lecturer at UiTM. She clinched the gold medal at the World Championship of Performing Arts in Los Angeles in 1999 and is an advisor/vocal master of the national choir in Kuala Lumpur. She also has two albums, Ingin Bersamamu and Syyh...Syafinaz, under her belt.

"I'm looking forward to the show as I expect lots of suspense. I can foresee Syafinaz checking on me throughout the show," said Moss, who is noted for his harsh criticisms on Malaysian Idol.

Syafinaz said: "We are looking for finalists who are unique. The competition is in search of a singer with his/her own style. We hope the winner will be able to make a different in the industry."

Ahmad Izham also announced that model Awaluddin Ashaari and 8TV Quickie presenter Marion Caunter will be the hosts.

"Awaluddin has been hosting severeal TV programmes and has appeared in several drama series and movies. In fact, Awaluddin is no stranger to reality TV shows, having made it to the Top 30 in the first season of Malaysian Idol.

Caunter, who holds a degree in broadcast an electronic communications from Marquette University in Milwaukee, the United States, is no stranger to the entertainment scene. Apart from being a TV presenter, she is also 8TV's urban content executive in charge of pre- and post- production of the station in-house shows, Latte at 8 and Flava. Close