The final of the first Asian vocal megaproject, Silk Way Star, was held in Astana, becoming one of the year’s most significant cultural events. Millions of television viewers in Kazakhstan and beyond followed the project across 10 episodes.

At the beginning of the final, the State Counsellor of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Erlan Karin, read out a welcoming message from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The message emphasized that Silk Way Star had become a vivid example of cultural diplomacy, uniting Asian countries and showcasing their creative diversity.

The final show was the culmination of a creative marathon in which participants demonstrated the highest level of vocal talent and stage performance. The project is compared to major international music competitions such as Eurovision.

Seven contestants from Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan performed in the final program. Each artist presented a composition in their native language, highlighting their country’s cultural heritage. For the final, the Kazakhstani team of stylists prepared original stage looks and visual concepts.

The winner’s name was announced by Kazakhstan’s People’s Artist Dimash Qudaibergen. The winner of the first season of Silk Way Star became Michelle Joseph from Mongolia.

The award ceremony was conducted by Wang Delu, Head of the Eurasian Bureau of China Media Group, and Raushan Kazhibayeva, Director of the Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

“This year, during the meeting between the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, a document was signed launching an international music project with the participation of 12 countries. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Erlan Tynymbaiuly for originating this idea and for the great trust placed in the Jibek Joly TV channel. I also warmly thank our Chinese colleagues from China Media Group and its head, Shen Haixun, for their comprehensive support of the project. The preparation of the finalists was carried out with the involvement of Kazakhstani vocal coaches, choreographers, directors, stylists, and technical teams. The show featured unique creative solutions and special productions, thanks to which the final became truly spectacular and memorable”, Ms. Kazhibayeva said.

The winner of Silk Way Star was determined through a combined system: 50% by the professional jury’s evaluation and 50% through online voting on the project’s website.

The final was broadcast live by the Jibek Joly TV channel, with parallel broadcasts in Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia.

The Silk Way Star project was implemented in cooperation between the Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and China Media Group (CMG).

Aziza Alimova, UzA