KUALA LUMPUR: Pop queen Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza kept some 24,000 fans glued to their seats and singing along to her hits at Stadium Merdeka last night.
The two-and-a-half-hour concert titled The Journey Of Sound: Judika & Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza was organised by Universe Gateway and began at 8.30pm.
Siti's final concert for 2024, aimed at promoting Malaysia-Indonesia cultural exchanges, saw the Biduanita Negara serenade fans with 14 of her greatest hits, some of which were duets with popular Indonesian crooner Judika.
Among the songs Siti sang with active fan participation were Ku Milikmu, Bukan Cinta Biasa, Kesilapanku Keeoganmu, Hati Kama, Ya Maulai, Balqis and Percayalah.
Siti's co-star for the evening Judika sang 14 songs including Bukan Rayuan Gombal, Sampai Kau Jadi Milikku, Mama Papa Larang, Aku Yang Tersakiti, Tak Mungkin Bersama and Cinta Karna Cinta.
He also sang eight duets with Siti including Kisah Ku Inginkan, Bukan Dia Tapi Aku, Wajah Kekasih, Setengah Mati Merindu and Nirmala.
The opening act for the evening was popular singer-songwriter Faizal Tahir who sang Mahakarya Cinta, Sampai Syurga, Santai and OK.
The guests at the concert included Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, singers Marsha Milan Londoh and Hael Husaini Razmi, actor Fattah Amin and actress Mira Filzah.
Judika, a former Indonesian Idol runner-up was excited about performing with Siti.
"It's an honour to share the stage with someone I've admired for so long. Journey Of Sound is an extraordinary experience," he said.
Siti showcased her latest single Sejarah which she described as a song with deep, personal meaning.
Composed by Indonesian maestro Erwin Gutawa with lyrics by his daughter Gita Gutawa, the song features music by the Czech Symphony Orchestra.
"This song reflects my journey as an artiste, from the beginning until now. Each lyric feels like a memory unfolding.
"I'm incredibly thankful to Erwin for creating a piece that evokes such profound emotions. And I must thank Aubrey Suwito, who assisted with the vocal recording process here in Kuala Lumpur."
Siti added that the track was not just a song, but a celebration of her nearly 30-year-long career.