Nikki (Malaysian singer)

Nikki
Birth name Nicolette Louisa Palikat
Born 1 November 1985
Berrien Springs, Michigan
Origin Tambunan, Sabah, Malaysia
Genres Pop
Years active 2004–present
Labels Artistes United Records
Website Official Website

Nicolette Louisa Palikat (born 1 November 1985, in Berrien Springs, Michigan), better known by her stage name, "Nikki", is a Malaysian singer from Tambunan, Sabah, and a finalist in the first season of Malaysian Idol. She is known for her vocal belting and her ability to sing in the whistle register.

Personal life

Nikki is of Dusun descent. She is fluent in her native tongue of Bahasa Dusun as well as English and Malay. Prior to entering tertiary study at Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan, Nikki attended St. Francis Convent Secondary School in East Malaysia.

Nicolette is married to Audi Mok, a talented and young music composer on Saturday 27 June 2009 at 2:00pm in St Francis Xavier Church, Petaling Jaya, presided by Rev Father Simon Yong. Nikki also gave birth to a boy named Liam.

Professional career

While a university student, she successfully auditioned for Malaysian Idol in Kuching, Sarawak, impressing the judges with her rendition of Mariah Carey's Emotions. She eventually progressed through to the 'Final 12' of the competition. After six weeks, Nikki was voted out on 12 September 2004 to some controversy, as she had been seen as a favourite to win by Malaysian Idol judge, Paul Moss.

The following lists Nikki's Malaysian Idol performances:

Originally planning to continue with her studies after her exit from the competition, Nikki secured a recording contract with Artistes United Records and released her debut album, Maharani, in Malaysia on 28 November 2005. The title means 'Empress' in Malay. This album showcases Nikki's abilities in the whistle register, with one critic mentioning it as "whistling a la Mariah Carey."[1] The ballad 'Pinta' marked Nikki's official debut in the music industry.

The music video for Nikki's second single, Caramu, has been criticised for bearing similar themes and choreography to various music videos of South Korean singer, BoA. This same song won Nikki and collaborating artist, Zahid, an award for best vocal duo at Anugerah Era 2006, a Malaysian music awards ceremony.[2]

Following Caramu, Nikki teamed up with fellow Malaysian singer, Yanie, and both featured in Ning Baizura's August single release, Drama.

On 28 December 2008, Nikki released her second album, Hawa featuring the singles "Relakan" and "Selamat Tinggal".

Discography

Albums

Singles

References

  1. ↑ http://www.nikkimusic.com.my/press_article4.html MAHARANI CUKUP SELESA, retrieved on 2 November 2006
  2. ↑ http://www.era.fm/oap/06/AE06/buletin.asp ANUGERAH ERA 2006, retrieved on 2 November 2006

External links