#SHOWBIZ: AJL40 kicks off with a spectacular opening led by Francisca and Siti

KUALA LUMPUR: TV3's Anugerah Juara Lagu 40 (AJL40) commenced around 9pm on this evening with an impressive opening featuring the show's inaugural winner, Sekadar Di Pinggiran, performed by Datuk Francisca Peter. Subsequent performances included Misha Omar's rendition of "Bunga-Bunga Cinta," Haqiem Rusli's hit "Jampi," and a medley of songs by Syamel (Isabella), Ernie Zakri, and Syamel (Gemilang).

Azlan Typewriter delivered "Lagu Untukmu," while Umairah and Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza delivered "Cindai." The evening was further enriched by the vocal prowess of the 10 finalists, comprising Aina Abdul ("Kamu"), Dayang Nurfaizah ("Lemah"), Marsha Milan ("Tangisan Seorang Pendosa"), Hazama ("Semacam Pandora"), Amir Masdi ("Nurcinta"), Aisha Retno ("Tak Adil"), Kmy Kmo/Luca Sickta/Salammusik ("Ke Mana Ni"), Ryenald Guntabid ("Lumangad Oku Dika"), Wani Kayrie ("Cak Cak Cekuk"), and K.O.I ("Tiwikarma").

The event, hosted by Naz Rahman and Sissy Imann, was graced by Fizi Ali and Fiza Frizzy, who documented the glamorous red carpet affair that began earlier that night around 8pm. The 40th-anniversary edition of the awards show, themed "Meraikan 4 Dekad: Evolusi dan Masa Depan Muzik Malaysia" (Celebrating 4 Decades: The Evolution and Future of Malaysian Music), carries a powerful message: "Love your legacy, elevate your future."