As we come to terms with the start of 2025, let us not forget one of Singapore’s key highlights last year – our vibrant music scene, which culminated in a showcase of musical talents at Mediacorp Let’s Celebrate 2025 Countdown on 31st December 2024.
Other than the electrifying energy brought by the event’s hosts, Joakim Gomez and Munah Bagharib, audiences were treated to an impressive lineup of performers, such as singer Alif Abdullah, better known by his stage name of ALYPH (@alyphland), as well as Caroline Cornelius-Jones (@cjthebubblegirl), a bubble artist.
Overcoming the hurdles of 2024
Like any other local artist, ALPYH struggles with his sleep due to his busy schedule. People think that artists are always flowing with confidence but he too, occasionally gets plagued by bouts of self-doubt.
Singer-songwriter ALYPH (@alyphland) has built himself a strong reputation through collaborations with top Malaysian rap artists, consistently delivering hit music throughout his career. (PHOTO: NME)
As he welcomes the new year, he tackles these challenges by cutting out irrelevant things. He also tries to remind himself that “time moves on anyways, so don’t let it stop you”.
While their current performances are captivating, our talented performers continuously push boundaries to evolve as artists. Driven by the challenge to grow, they ensure their craft remains dynamic and keep audiences coming back for more.
As CJ Bubble Girl puts it: ‘As performers we always need to evolve, otherwise we become stagnant. So I’m looking into some new routine ideas that I can add into my shows.’
Prepping for the Big Day
Let’s Celebrate 2025, organised by Mediacorp was a total blast. As Singaporeans welcomed the new year, artists, including the likes of ALPYH and CJ, wowed the audiences with their stunning performances.
When asked about the secret to his performance, ALPYH attributed it to his smooth preparation process. “If there’s good chemistry with the people you’re working with, it feels like you were ready all along,” said ALYPH.
While ALYPH graced the stage with his presence, CJ Bubble Girl also gave an equally impressive performance on the 100PLUS running track. She shifted her performance there due to the rain and lack of shelter on the stage.
For CJ Bubble Girl, performing at Let’s Celebrate 2025 was a great honor, a significant step up from the smaller-scale events and parties she typically takes part in. Reflecting on her preparation for the big show, she shared, ‘There’s not much difference, especially for outdoor shows. For outdoor shows because of the breeze, I always have to adapt on the spot. For countdown 2025 because I knew it was raining, so I had to bring some extra equipment on my own sound system, so that I could still perform my shows undercover on the 100PLUS running track instead.’
Bubbleogist CJ Bubble Girl has performed since 2009, and has worked her magic for royalty and countless different wide-scale events by Disney, F1 Grand Prix and more. (PHOTO: CJ Bubbles)
Evolution of the Local Performing Arts Scene
The local performing scene will continue to grow gradually over the next decade or so, with rising stars emerging and increasing support from fellow artists, the performing arts industry and Singaporeans.
CJ Girl encourages local artists to find themselves, and how they belong in whatever niche they perform in. The key point is to persevere and not let critics bring you down, even if you are facing self-doubt.
A word of advice from CJ Girl to local artists, ‘Listen to their applause and the thank yous at the end of your show to lift you up and keep you going – because you are going in the right direction.’
