Claps all around for Miriam Yeung (second from right0, flanked by singers Denise Ho (third from right) and Joey Yung (right) after being named the Most Popular Female Singer at the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 AWards, while the Most Popular Male Singer Leo Ku (next picture) made sure he remembered to thank his assistant this time. -- PHOTOS: REUTERS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
HONG KONG - AFTER 14 years in showbiz, Leo Ku won his first Most Popular Male Singer prize at broadcaster TVB's Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards.
The 36-year-old was in tears last Saturday as he thanked his record company, manager Paco Wong, lyricist Lin Xi, as well as his assistant and rumoured long-time love, Lorraine, said Ming Pao Daily News.
Ku, who beat last year's winner Eason Chan to the prize, said he forgot to thank his assistant when he won a newcomer award years ago.
'There was a time I didn't have a record label and I disappeared. I didn't know whether I would have a chance to stand on the podium again. Today, it has come true and I think she is excited backstage. Many thanks to my assistant, Lorraine.'
Also in a shocker, Miriam Yeung was named Most Popular Female Singer, ending Joey Yung's five-year domination in the category.
Yeung, who last won the prize in 2002, was teary and speechless for minutes.
She then said: 'Since the last win six years ago, I really had become discouraged and frustrated. There was a time I was mentally abnormal. But I have understood the need to learn from failure.'
Chan and Yung went home with consolation prizes. He won the Asia-Pacific Most Popular Male Singer and she, the female equivalent.
Kay Tse took the Gold Song award for the best song of the year for her hit, Invitation Street.
