YES 933 Jeff Goh Responds To Debate Over Radio DJs In Star Awards Top 10: “DJs Are Marketed As Artistes Too”

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From those who got snubbed, to who voted for themselves at the Star Awards 2026, the debate on the Top 10 Most Popular Artiste category is always one for contention.

Among the discussion this year: Should DJs be competing with actors in the “Top 10 Most Popular category?

Since 2023, the format for the Top 10 awards has included all eligible artistes, including DJs, hosts, and content creators.

Six jocks made the cut this year across the male and female categories. 

YES 933’s Jeff Goh and Chen Ning both clinched their fourth Top 10 trophies, while LOVE 972’s Chen Biyu also notched her fourth. Veteran Marcus Chin picked up his sixth.

Joining them is The Daka Show host Gao Mei Gui with her second win, and Hazelle Teo, who scored her first.

Some netizens have even argued that DJs should have their own category instead of competing directly with actors, suggesting that the playing field isn’t the same.

8days.sg reached out to YES 933's Jeff. The usually-blunt jock gave a measured response this time, saying he understands why they feel that way.

“Most audiences have grown up watching actors and actresses compete in the popularity category. But the media landscape has changed [since], and DJs are also marketed as artistes too, and are engaged across TV, video, and social media, just like actors,” he says.

“We even have chefs who are nominated this year,” Jeff points out.

Over the years, DJs have also begun taking on acting roles in dramas.

Take YES 933's Zhu Zeliang, who appeared in Emerald Hill and even landed a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Or Chen Biyu, who is one of the leads in micro-drama Please Fall in Love Ms Pan alongside Ayden Sng.

Jeff also points out that cross-pollination goes both ways, with many actors also dabbling in radio, and hosting gigs too.

“While some awards are determined by judges, I'm happy that audiences get to play their part, voting in the popularity categories. As artistes, we are honoured to be nominated each time, as it supports and motivates us to work harder for them every day,” he says.

In a separate interview with #JustSwipeLah, Chen Ning echoed the same sentiment.

“The entertainment industry today has evolved in a 360-degree way, and we are developing in all directions too. We are not just DJs; we do many other things”.

Photos: Mediacorp

Catch Jeff's winning moment as he made it into the Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes on mewatch or in the video below: