Nicolette Palikat

Infobox musical artist 2
Background = solo_singer
Name = Nikki


Img_capt =
Birth_name = Nicolette Louisa Palikat
Born = Birth date and age|1985|11|1|mf=y
Died =
Origin = Tambunan, Sabah, Malaysia
Label = Artistes United Records
Years_active = 2004—present
Genre = Pop
URL = [http://www.nikkimusic.com.my Official Website]

Nicolette Louisa Palikat (born November 1, 1985), better known by her stage name, "Nikki", 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.

Personal life

Nikki was born in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and is of Dusun descent. She is fluent in her native tongue of Bahasa Dusun as well as English and Malay. Prior to entering tertiary study at Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan, Nikki attended St. Francis Convent Catholic schools in East Malaysia.

Professional 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 September 12, 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 November 28, 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." [http://www.nikkimusic.com.my/press_article4.html "MAHARANI CUKUP SELESA", retrieved on November 2, 2006] The ballad 'Pinta' marked Nikki's official debut in the music industry.

The music video for Nikki's second single, Caramu, has been criticised for bearing similar themes and choreography to various music videos of South Korean singer, BoA.This same song won Nikki and collaborating artist, Zahid, an award for best vocal duo at Anugerah Era 2006, a Malaysian music awards ceremony. [http://www.era.fm/oap/06/AE06/buletin.asp "ANUGERAH ERA 2006", retrieved on November 2, 2006]

Following Caramu, Nikki teamed up with fellow Malaysian singer, Yanie, and both featured in Ning Baizura's August single release, Drama.

Discography

Albums
*"Maharani" (2005)

"'Singles
*"Caramu"
*"Imaginasi"
*"Drama"

References

External links

* [http://www.nikkimusic.com.my Nicolette Palikat Official website]
* [http://nikkipalikat.110mb.com Nikki Palikat Webpage]
* [http://nikkipalikat.proboards58.com Nikki Palikat Fan Forum]
* [http://projectmaharani.blogdrive.com/ Project Maharani]
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