Chinese singer YoungCaptain is set to perform in Malaysia this coming November.

The singer announced the good news on social media on 12 August, revealing that he will be performing as a part of his “I AM WHAT I AM” tour first at the Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil on 7 November, followed by Setia SPICE Arena in Penang on the 28th of the same month.

In between the two shows in Malaysia, he will be performing in Singapore at the Resorts World Convention Centre on 14 November.

The theme of this tour symbolises YoungCaptain’s unwavering commitment to his original passion for music creation, and also represents the idea that everyone should bravely be themselves, undefined and unconstrained.

Through music, he hopes to share with every audience member the perseverance, courage, and genuine emotions he has experienced during his growth, allowing everyone to find their own resonance in the songs.

Tickets for both concerts are priced at RM688, RM588, RM488, RM388, and RM288 (excluding handling fees). Tickets for the Kuala Lumpur concert will go on sale on 17 August, and tickets for the Penang concert will go on sale on 19 August.

Tickets can be purchased through Fantopia.io.

Malaysian recording artist JessC, based in Australia and signed to Future Global Entertainment Australia, hosted the JessC U.S. Music Awards Celebration Dinner at the Grand Riverine Ballroom in Kuching.

The event marked her three nominations at the 2026 Josie Music Awards: World Artist of the Year, and both Social Impact Song of the Year – Pop/Contemporary and Social Impact Video of the Year – Female for her original song “One Chance.”

Returning to her hometown for the first time in a decade, JessC reunited with family, teachers, classmates and fans. The event drew more than 400 guests and over 40 Chinese, English and Malay media outlets.

JessC’s music is distributed globally by Universal Music Group. The 2026 Josie Music Awards drew more than 101,000 entries from over 40 countries, and she has been invited to the awards ceremony and red carpet in Nashville, where she will perform at the Grand Ole Opry House.

As the celebration reached its climax, JessC announced that “One Chance” had won the Gold Winner – Pop Vocal award at the 2026 Fenix Award Europe, making her the sole Gold Winner worldwide in that category this year. The news was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

With two Josie nominations and the Fenix Gold Award, “One Chance” has drawn international recognition for both its musical quality and its message of hope and courage.

JessC opened the night with a self-accompanied piano performance of “Where Is My Home,” reflecting on her return after a decade away. She went on to perform “You Are My Everything,” “One Chance,” “My Style,” “Ye Lai Xiang,” “My Heart Belongs Only to You,” “Mari Menari Raya” and “Expose.”

She also shared that she received the W.I.S.H. Global Excellence in Performing Arts Award on 31 July 2026 — presented by YABhg. Dato’ Sri Hajah Hamidah Khamis, wife of Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister — honouring her contributions through music and community service.

“The greatest meaning of tonight is not how many awards I have received, but to thank everyone who has walked this journey with me,” JessC said, adding that she hopes to keep creating original music that connects people across cultures.

Good news to Jason Mraz’s fans in Malaysia!

As anticipation for the Jason Mraz Asia Tour 2026 Live in Kuala Lumpur builds, tickets have been selling fast since its announcement.

To accommodate growing demand, there will be newly added ticket categories for the concert, providing more fans the opportunity to experience Jason Mraz live after his seven-year absence from Malaysia.

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has inspired and brought together people all over the world for decades with songs like “I’m Yours”, “I Won’t Give Up”, “Lucky” (with Colbie Caillat) and “Have It All”.

Presented by Prudential Malaysia and organised by Zues Event, the concert is happening on Saturday, 31 October at National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil.

Ticket categories for the all-seated concert are as follows:

• Jazzy (RM688)

• Acoustic (RM588)

• Soulful (RM488)

• Originals (RM388)

• Nostalgic (RM288)

• Mellow (RM498) *NEWLY ADDED*

• Rhythm (RM428) *NEWLY ADDED*

• Alive (RM358) *NEWLY ADDED*

• Zenith (RM258) *NEWLY ADDED*

• Signature (RM158 – Restricted View)

The newly added ticket categories will go on sale Wednesday, 12 August at 12pm. Prices are before fees and SST.

Get your tickets at etix.my, MAISEAT and Trip.com for a world-class live experience featuring positive energy and big singalongs, along with stunning drones and fireworks display.

Singaporean singer-songwriter Feng Ze (aka Nicky Khoo) is set to bring his 2026 Feng Ze Bend the Lines Concert to KL.

The upcoming concert will be held at Zepp Kuala Lumpur on 14 November, following his performances in Kaohsiung, Taipei, Singapore and Macau.

It is noted that the Malaysia leg will retain the core content of the Taiwan shows while featuring upgraded stage production and an immersive concert experience. Fans can look forward to getting up close with Feng Ze and experiencing his musical charm in a more spectacular setting.

Tickets will go on sale on 14 August at 12.00 PM, with prices ranging from RM188 to RM488. A VIP Box package for eight people will also be available at RM3,104 via fantopia.

Drama fans, rejoice! iQIYI has revealed that Starship Project 2026 is set to take place on Sunday, 13 September, at Sunway Velocity Mall, Kuala Lumpur.

And making it even greater is news that iQIYI International global ambassador Cheng Lei (aka Ryan Cheng) will be making a special appearance at the event.

In recent years, Cheng Lei has steadily built a strong fan following through his solid acting skills and a string of acclaimed productions. His starring role in “How Dare You!?” became one of the most popular Chinese-language dramas worldwide in the first quarter of 2026, quickly climbing the ranks of iQIYI’s global trending Chinese drama charts after its release.

Before that, Cheng Lei had already established a loyal audience through dramas such as “Shadow Love” and “My Journey to You.”

Said Dinesh Ratnam, Senior Director of Southeast Asia Market at iQIYI, “Building on the success of previous iQIYI Starship Project events in Malaysia, we’re delighted to bring this experience back to Kuala Lumpur once again. Malaysian audiences have repeatedly shown us their deep passion for Chinese-language dramas and the talented actors behind them. By inviting Cheng Lei to Kuala Lumpur, we hope to continue that excitement by giving fans the opportunity to step beyond the screen, come together, and celebrate the stories they love.”

The event is the second Malaysian edition of iQIYI STARSHIP this year, following its April event that featured actress Esther Yu.

Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, also the star of the beloved musical film, “Once,” has recently passed away.

His rep, ATC Management, stated that the 56-year-old Academy Award-winning musician was killed in a motorcycle crash on the outskirts of Dublin on 29 July.

ATC added that Hansard’s family was deeply shocked and heartbroken over his passing.

Prior to the news, the Irish police confirmed that a man in his 50s died in a single vehicle motorcycle crash in the wee morning of Wednesday.

Hansard, who started his career as a busker on the streets of Dublin, won an Oscar in 2008 for his song, “Falling Slowly,” which he performed with his “Once” co-star Marketa Irglova. He was also the frontman for The Frames and half of the rock duo The Swell Season.

The singer is survived by wife Maire Saaritsa and their three-year-old son.

All seven members of BTS — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — simultaneously posted the same statement on their individual Instagram accounts today, announcing that they will not submit their music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 7, 2027.

Their joint statement reads:

“We have decided not to submit our music to the Grammys this year. We hope music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We are grateful to ARMY and everyone who is always with us.”

The announcement comes just over a month after the Recording Academy unveiled a new category for the 2027 Grammys — Best Asian Pop Music Performance — intended to recognise K-pop, J-pop and C-pop on the global stage.

The category immediately sparked backlash, with many arguing it could sideline Asian artists from competing for the Grammys’ biggest honours — Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.

The seven-member South Korean group widely credited with bringing K-pop to a global mainstream audience. Their 2026 comeback album Arirang debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 following the completion of their mandatory military service. Their ongoing world tour has broken records worldwide, and the group headlined the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show alongside Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber just ten days ago.

Despite multiple Grammy nominations over the years, BTS has never won. This year, expectations for a first win had been higher than ever — making today’s announcement all the more significant.

(Photo Source: BTS IG)

Legendary singer-songwriter Carly Simon recently opened up about her health situation, revealing that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease amid treatment for skin cancer.

Sharing the news on social media via an official statement, the “You’re So Vain” singer admitted that it had taken her some time to understand and adjust to her diagnosis.

“Parkinson’s is usually associated with movement, tremors, and balance, but it can affect much more than the body. It can bring anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and apathy. The apathy is particularly strange. You can find yourself lying there like a starfish drying in the sun, arms pointing in all directions, while nothing inside is telling you to get up, read, watch, write, sing, call someone, or do much of anything at all,” she posted. “That has been one of the hardest things to explain. It is not simply sadness or laziness. It is as though the part of the brain that sends out invitations to participate in life has temporarily misplaced the guest list.”

Carly revealed that she was also being treated for basal cell carcinoma on her face during the period, and that while the cancer was removed, the surgery had affected her appearance and made her self-conscious.

“Between my mobility issues, the Parkinson’s diagnosis, the surgery, and the emotional effects of it all, withdrawing from public view was the most palatable reaction. If a person is allowed to hibernate during both winter and summer, then I have become an all-season bear. But I have not stopped living, and I have not stopped working,” she said, adding that she had recorded her new album, “Comes in Waves”.

Carly admitted that making music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape.

“It gave me somewhere to go without having to leave the room. It reminded me that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life,” she wrote. “I do not consider Parkinson’s a gift or a blessing. It is neither. It is difficult, frustrating, and sometimes frightening. I am still learning how to live with it and how to accept it without feeling that I have surrendered something essential.”

While K-pop bands are busy conquering the world, let’s take a look at the latest entry into the lesser known K-rock genre.

Meet Alice Syndrome (앤리스신드롬) — a brand new four-member all-female rock band from Korea that just dropped their debut single “Deep Dive” on July 25, 2026.

No matching outfits. No manufactured pop gloss. Just four young women, their instruments and a sound that hits hard from the very first note.

What sets Alice Syndrome apart is their traditional rock band setup — one lead vocalist supported by dedicated instrumentalists on guitar, bass and drums. Every member has their role, every member owns it. No choreography, no dance formations. Just a band that lets the music do the talking. And with Japanese-born Taira on lead vocals, the band has an international dimension that adds to their distinctive identity.

First Single — “Deep Dive”

The debut single — which also includes a second track, “Play Girl” — centres around the title track “Deep Dive”. Sung predominantly in English — with just a single Korean word slipped into the chorus — the song is immediately accessible to international listeners. “Deep Dive” is about confronting a toxic relationship — calling someone out for not listening, the exhaustion of constant fighting, and ultimately having enough. It’s raw, relatable and delivered with conviction.

Produced under Vanilla Man — the same producer behind beloved Korean duo Bolbbalgan4 — the single blends heavy guitar-driven rock with pop sensibility, giving it the accessibility of K-pop with the raw energy of rock.

Meet the Members

🎤 TAIRA (Vocals)

Japanese-born lead vocalist and the face of Alice Syndrome. Her raw, emotive delivery is the centrepiece of the band’s sound. Officially revealed as a member in December 2025.

🎸 AWON (Guitar)

South Korean singer-songwriter born August 11, 2006, making her just 19 at debut. Awon joined the lineup in April 2026 after an earlier lineup change. She’s no newcomer to the industry though — she had already released her solo single Winter Diary P.2 in December 2024.

🎵 SEBEEN (Bass)

South Korean musician, model and photographer. Revealed as one of the founding members in November 2025, Sebeen brings both creative depth and visual identity to the group.

🥁 JEONGMIN (Drums)

South Korean drummer whose powerful playing anchors the band’s live sound and gives “Deep Dive” its driving, relentless energy. Also revealed as a founding member in November 2025.

Make Up Your Own Mind

Unlike most K-pop debuts which come with months of heavy marketing, teaser campaigns and pre-debut variety show appearances, Alice Syndrome arrived quietly — no big label machine behind them, no prior idol group experience among any of the members. Just the music, released and left to find its own audience. So what do YOU think? Judge for yourself — watch the official “Deep Dive” music video below.

(Photo Source: Alice Syndrome IG)

Hong Kong pop-rock band Dear Jane, who rose to fame with hit songs like “What Happened” and “Stop Here,” has officially launched their 20th anniversary world tour, “Dearest Dear Jane Live 2026” and the members are now coming to Malaysia.

The band will be performing in Kuala Lumpur on 13 September, marking their first performance in Kuala Lumpur in nearly 20 years, finally giving Malaysian fans who have been waiting for years the chance to meet their idols up close!

Formed in 2006, Dear Jane consists of Tim Wong (lead vocalist), Jackal Ng (bass), Howie Yung (guitar/vocals) and Nice Lai (drums). From underground bands to performing at the Hong Kong Coliseum, from street shows to stadiums with tens of thousands of seats, Dear Jane has proven over nearly two decades that sincere emotion and solid arrangements are always the most powerful weapons to touch people’s hearts.

The concert’s theme, “Dearest,” originates from Dear Jane’s view of each performance as a handwritten letter to their audience, using notes instead of words and melodies to convey warmth. The Kuala Lumpur stop will showcase the essence of Dear Jane’s creations over the years.

The “Dearest Dear Jane Live 2026” concert in Kuala Lumpur will be held on Sunday, 13 September at 7.30 PM at ZEPP KL. Tickets are priced at RM6288 (box, for 8 pax), RM788, and RM588, excluding ticketing fees. Tickets will go on sale on 24 July at 11.00 AM.

Tickets can be purchased through BookMyShow, Damai, MAISEAT, Ctrip, and Trip.com.