By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
PENAMPANG: Sept 7, 2026 – Dabra emerged as the top performer in the first week of the Borneo Rising 2026 reality programme, securing an overall score of 78.95 per cent with her rendition of Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game during the competition held at ITCC Mall, Penampang, yesterday.
Dabra was followed by Petrova in second place with 76.92 per cent, Syukri (72.28 per cent), Havard (71.36 per cent), Harris (67.66 per cent) and Joy (66.91 per cent).
Dabra’s performance also earned her RM1,000 after she was selected as the winner of the Most Powerful Performance award, sponsored by CelcomDigi, in the final segment of the show.
However, the first week, themed “This Is Me,” saw no elimination, as the three lowest-scoring contestants – Faris (58.11 per cent), Rizzani (49.03 per cent) and Aadel (45.27 per cent) – faced a reprieve.
The judges decided to save Faris, while Rizzani and Aadel will determine their fate through a battle round in the first segment of Week 2.
Borneo Rising 2026 features Noh Salleh, Marsha Milan and Shila Amzah as judges, with Zizan Razak and Sherry Alhadad hosting the programme.
The eight-week competition runs from Sept 6 to Oct 25, 2026, and is broadcast live every Sunday at 9pm on Astro Ria (Channel 104) and TV Okey (Channel 146).
Borneo Rising is also available for viewing via On Demand, Astro GO, Sooka and RTMKlik.
Additionally, Borneo Rising has RTM as its strategic broadcast partner, Astro Gempak as its Digital Partner, and ERA, ERA Sabah and ERA Sarawak as its Official Radio Partners.
Judging is determined by 80 per cent professional judges’ scores and 20 per cent audience votes.
The grand winner of Borneo Rising will receive a new single and music video, digital content development, marketing and promotional support, exposure across Astro’s television, radio and digital platforms, as well as cash prizes and a trophy contributed by Astro.
