Nikki | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Nicolette Louisa Palikat |
| Born | 1 November 1985 Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States |
| Origin | Tambunan, Sabah, Malaysia |
| Genres | Pop, R&B, soul |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Labels | Artistes United Records |
| Website | nikkimusic |
Nicolette Louisa "Nikki" Palikat (born 1 November 1985, in Berrien Springs, Michigan) 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.
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:
- Audition – Emotions – (Mariah Carey)
- Workshop – One Moment in Time – (Whitney Houston)
- Wildcard – The Voice Within – (Christina Aguilera)
- Top 12 – Crazy in Love – (Beyoncé)
- Top 10 – I Want You Back – (The Jackson 5)
- Top 8 – Against All Odds – (Phil Collins)
- Top 7 – I'm with You – (Avril Lavigne)
- Top 6 – Emotion – (Destiny's Child)
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.
Nikki's second single, Caramu, 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
- Maharani (2005)
- Hawa (2008)
Singles
- Caramu
- Imaginasi
- Drama
- Relakan
- Selamat Tinggal
- Cantik
- Belas-Mu
- Hawa
References
- ^ http://www.nikkimusic.com.my/press_article4.html Archived 4 January 2007 at the Wayback Machine MAHARANI CUKUP SELESA. Retrieved 2 November 2006
- ^ http://www.era.fm/oap/06/AE06/buletin.asp ANUGERAH ERA 2006. Retrieved 2 November 2006