Borneo Rising: Dabra and Petrova in Tight Race, Afiq Fails to Reach Semifinals

PENAMPANG, SABAH, 12 OCTOBER 2026 —

Borneo Rising: Dabra Takes Lead as Petrova and Joy Cling to Top Three, Afiq Eliminated in High-Stakes Week

The victory, secured through a near-perfect blend of high-energy covers—What It Sounds Like by Huntrix and Oh Huminodun by Elica Paujin—earned Dabra a total score of 69.63% from the panel of judges, while Petrova and Joy settled for second and third places with 67.63% and 65.89%, respectively. The week’s standout moment came when Dabra also claimed the Persembahan Paling Power award, sponsored by CelcomDigi, netting an additional RM1,000 in prize money.

Meanwhile, Harvard and Syukri found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard, while Afiq faced the harsh reality of elimination in the high-stakes reality show.

The week’s results mark a pivotal moment in Borneo Rising, a talent competition that has captivated audiences since its launch on 6 September 2026, broadcast live every Sunday at 9:00 PM from the ITCC Mall in Penampang, Sabah.

Hosted by Zizan Razak and Sherry Al-Hadad, the show blends professional judging with audience participation, with 80% of the score determined by a panel of experts—including Noh Salleh, Marsha Milan, Shila Amzah, and guest judge Datuk Syafinaz Selamat—and 20% based on viewer votes.

The elimination of Afiq, a participant who had previously been a frontrunner, adds a layer of unpredictability to the competition, leaving Petrova and Joy as the only contenders still vying for the top position ahead of the final week.

Dabra’s triumph was not just a matter of raw talent but also strategic execution. The contestant’s ability to deliver two distinct yet powerful performances—What It Sounds Like, a high-tempo track, and Oh Huminodun, a soulful rendition—demonstrated versatility that resonated with both the judges and the audience. "Dabra’s energy was electric tonight," remarked Datuk Syafinaz Selamat, the guest judge, during the live broadcast.

"The way they blended the two songs while keeping the audience engaged was truly impressive." The Persembahan Paling Power award, a highlight of the week’s theme, further cemented Dabra’s dominance, with the contestant’s dynamic stage presence earning them the RM1,000 prize from CelcomDigi.

Petrova, who had previously led the competition, narrowly missed out on the top spot but secured second place with a total score of 67.63%. The contestant’s performance of a themed mashup—likely a creative fusion of popular tracks—was praised for its originality, though it fell short of Dabra’s commanding lead. "Petrova’s creativity was evident, but Dabra’s execution was flawless," observed Noh Salleh, one of the show’s permanent judges.

"The audience felt it, and so did we." Joy, in third place with 65.89%, also delivered a strong performance, though the judges noted that while her emotional delivery was commendable, the technical execution of the mashup lacked the same level of polish as her competitors.

At the other end of the spectrum, Harvard and Syukri struggled to make an impact, finishing with scores that placed them at the bottom of the leaderboard. While the exact figures were not disclosed, the contestants’ performances were described as "lacking the necessary energy and precision" by the judges, a sentiment echoed by the audience’s lower engagement scores.

"It’s a tough week for them, but this is how the competition works," said Marsha Milan, another permanent judge. "Every week, we see who can rise to the challenge."

The elimination of Afiq, however, sent shockwaves through the competition. After six weeks of consistent performances, Afiq’s departure leaves Petrova and Joy as the sole contenders for the top prize, with the final week scheduled for 25 October 2026. "I’m disappointed but not surprised," Afiq told reporters after the elimination announcement. "This is what it takes to win.

I’ll take what I’ve learned and move forward." The contestant’s exit underscores the high stakes of Borneo Rising, where even the most promising talents must prove their mettle week after week.

The show’s ratings and cultural impact extend beyond the competition itself. Borneo Rising has become a weekly cultural phenomenon, drawing viewership from across Malaysia and beyond, with live broadcasts available on Astro Ria (Channel 104) and TV Okey (Channel 146), as well as on-demand through platforms like Astro GO, Sooka, and RTMKlik.

The competition’s blend of local talent, high-energy performances, and strategic eliminations has resonated particularly strongly in Sabah and Sarawak, where regional pride in musical talent is deeply felt.

Industry analysts suggest that Borneo Rising is not just a reality show but a catalyst for regional music trends. "This competition is doing what few others have—it’s giving a platform to Borneo’s next generation of artists," said Encik Razak bin Ismail, a music industry consultant based in Kota Kinabalu.

"The mashup theme this week is a reflection of how young artists are blending traditional and contemporary sounds, and Dabra’s win is a testament to that evolution." The show’s sponsorship by CelcomDigi, a major telecommunications player in Malaysia, also highlights the growing intersection between digital engagement and local entertainment, a trend that could influence future talent development initiatives in the region.

As the competition enters its final stretch, Petrova and Joy will face the ultimate test: delivering performances that not only meet but exceed the high standards set by their peers. With Dabra’s recent dominance and Afiq’s elimination, the pressure is on for the remaining contestants to redefine their strategies and capture the audience’s imagination in the final week. "The next two weeks will be decisive," predicted Shila Amzah, another judge.

"The winner will be the one who can connect with the judges, the audience, and the theme in a way that feels fresh and unforgettable."

For now, the stage is set for a clash of titans in the final episodes of Borneo Rising, with the fate of the competition hanging in the balance. Whether Petrova or Joy emerges victorious, one thing is clear: this season has already cemented its place as one of the most unpredictable and exciting in the show’s history.

The final verdict will be delivered on 25 October 2026, live from Penampang, where the next chapter of Borneo’s musical journey will unfold.

Related: CelcomDigi · ITCC Mall · Datuk Syafinaz Selamat · Penampang, Sabah