Most Popular Rising Star Winner Gao Mei Gui’s Win Surprised Everyone, Even Herself; Says DJs Winning At Star Awards “Means A Lot For Radio”

A whopping 39 artistes with five years or less of showbiz experience were vying for three awards in the Most Popular Rising Stars category, a new accolade that’s just been introduced at this year’s Star Awards. Ayden Sng and Richie Koh were the first two winners announced at the awards ceremony today (Apr 9). But little did YES 933 DJ Gao Mei Gui think that she’d be the third winner.

“I was so surprised! Even [host] Lee Teng said that mine was an unexpected win [when he announced the winners], and I totally felt that way too,” Mei Gui excitedly chimed when we spoke to her post-show.

The YES 933 jock, who’s one-third of The Daka Show and hosts the morning show alongside Chen Ning and Jeff Goh, wasn’t just thrilled about her win. Nope, she was also elated that her fellow co-hosts won awards as well — Chen Ning and Jeff bagged Top 10 Most Popular Female and Male Artistes awards respectively. 

“I’m very thankful that a lot of radio and Daka listeners are rooting for us. It’s a really happy day for us!” Mei Gui said.

“Everyone keeps saying radio is a sunset industry and it’s very discouraging for us sometimes, ’cos we have so much passion for radio and YES 933. So getting the awards today means a lot for radio and for YES 933, so we’re all very happy. Maybe it’s time for us to get a raise and promotion!” she quipped.

To celebrate their wins and to thank their listeners for their voting efforts, Mei Gui revealed that the Daka DJs will be doing three special events for their listeners — Jeff will be taking The Mummy rollercoaster ride at Universal Studios Singapore, Chen Ning will helm a bowling event, and Mei Gui will hold a mass karaoke sesh for listeners. A fitting way to celebrate, considering Mei Gui's a Campus Superstar alum and the winner of SPOP Wave 2021.

But if Mei Gui had it her way, audiences will be seeing a lot more of her after this. She revealed at the Star Awards backstage interview: “Winning this award means I have to push myself to breakthrough and try more new things.”

Watch her backstage interview here:

Catch up on the Star Awards 2023 on meWATCH here.

Photos: Mediacorp Photo Unit