20 Rising Stars Come Together to Launch Official Theme Song and Unleash a New Sound Wave
Malaysia’s leading Chinese-language TV singing talent show, Astro Star Quest 2026 新秀 崛起吧! 2026《新秀 崛起吧！》– The Next Wave, premieres on 17 October 2026 and airs every Saturday at 8.30pm on Astro AEC (Channel 306), Astro GO, On Demand and Sooka.
Ahead of the premiere, the Top 20 contestants have already stepped into the spotlight with a fresh new identity, officially launching the show’s theme song, “The Next Wave”. With the release of the song and its official music video, the 20 rising stars are making their presence felt and declaring that a new generation of music is ready to take over.
This season goes beyond the traditional singing competition format, evolving into a 360° talent development platform focused on “building the stars of tomorrow.” With “WAVE” as this year’s core DNA, the show aims to redefine what it takes to become a future star by discovering and nurturing young talents across multiple areas — from vocal ability and individual identity to stage presence, content appeal and commercial potential.
The show also introduces a fresh creative direction this year. Instead of simply telling the story of “20 contestants competing in a singing competition”, the focus shifts to “20 newly signed artists releasing their debut single.” The Top 20 do not have to wait until the end of the competition to earn their moment in the spotlight. From the moment they enter the show, they take on the identity of rising artists, gaining stage experience, developing their own personalities and discovering their unique voices along the way.
The 20 rising stars are Chenyu 辰宇 (23, Selangor), Chermaine 傅愉雯 (22, Melaka), Eric 葉慧倫 (21, Selangor), Felicia 林欣怡 (21, Johor), Fishball 谢晶绚 (22, Penang), GiGi 莫滢颀 (22, Penang), Izzo 张赫麟 (23, Kuala Lumpur), JE 陈洁怡 (17, Kelantan), Jian Xu 廖健旭 (18, Selangor), Jienny 陈婕儿 (21, Kuala Lumpur), Jonathan 李浩然 (24, Selangor), Jonas 林佳源 (20, Johor), MJ 李苠俊 (20, Pahang), Shanhui 严杉缋 (24, Kuala Lumpur), Sharky 谢诗莹 (23, Perak), Xuan 周禹绚 (23, Johor), Ysabell 陈嘉怡 (21, Selangor), Zent G 刘哲宇 (19, Kuala Lumpur), Zi Xuen 陈锦烜 (22, Kuala Lumpur) and Zoey 蒙昕玥 (26, Melaka).
As the Top 20’s first collective release, the official theme song and music video of “The Next Wave” was released on 7 October on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. The 20 rising stars made their first full-line-up appearance, giving audiences a first taste of this new wave of sound that is ready to make its mark.
Produced by resident judge Gaston Pong 庞加斯顿, who is also a singer-songwriter and music producer, “The Next Wave” features a powerful melody and lyrics that capture the attitude of a younger generation that refuses to be defined by labels. The song also injects a distinct youthful energy into this new generation of singers.
More than just the show’s theme song, “The Next Wave” is a debut declaration from the 20 rising stars to the music industry. Faced with uncertainty and the changing tides of the times, they refuse to hold back or simply follow the crowd. Driven by their passion and commitment to music, they are ready to take on the challenge, break free from labels and conventions, and find their own place in the music scene — while giving more people a chance to hear the sound of The Next Wave.
This season sees Hui Mei 萧慧敏 as the New Star Witness, Priscilla Abby 蔡恩雨 as the host, and Yise 罗忆诗 and Gaston Pong 庞加斯顿 as resident judges. Together, they will witness the transformation of the 20 rising stars, from their first steps on stage to their journey towards becoming more confident and accomplished performers.
Throughout the show, the 20 contestants will take on a series of challenges covering stage performance, music and artist development. Through competition, growth and constant self-discovery, they will push beyond their limits and compete for a place on the final debut stage.
Before they officially make their television debut, the 20 rising stars are already ready to meet their audience in person. On 10 October 2026 (Saturday) at 6pm, they will make their first public appearance at Sunway Velocity Mall, Kuala Lumpur, giving fans an early taste of the new wave that is about to hit the stage.
The 20 rising stars will then take to the stage at “MY FM BIG SHOW: Project 18”, marking their first major public performance. The event will be held on 17 October 2026 (Saturday) at 6pm at Resorts World Genting’s Arena of Stars. On the same day as the show’s television premiere, they will make a strong live debut and showcase the stage presence and potential of the next generation of artists.
20 names. 20 voices. 20 personalities. One new musical force.
As the competition gets underway, the 20 rising stars will take on different challenges to discover their individual identities, step outside their comfort zones and prove themselves on stage. With every performance, they will take another step towards transforming from newcomers into the next generation of artists who can stand on their own.
Astro Star Quest 2026 – The Next Wave premieres on 17 October 2026, airing every Saturday at 8.30pm on Astro AEC (Channel 306), Astro GO, On Demand and Sooka.
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For more information, visit astro.com.my or WhatsApp 03-9543 3838.
