A Night of Nostalgia: Singapore Pop Icons Celebrate National Day

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Celebrating National Day in style, local pop icons lit up Resorts World Sentosa on the evening of 10 August 2024. The “Singapore National Day Celebration with Dick Lee & Friends featuring Kit Chan” concert at the Resorts World Sentosa ballroom (名胜世界宴会厅) was a musical extravaganza that paid homage to local heritage through an unforgettable night of nostalgic tunes that cemented national pride.

Dick Lee, at 67, took center stage, serenading the audience with his favorite songs, each one a testament to his illustrious career and deep connection to Singapore’s cultural landscape. Known for composing the iconic Singaporean anthem “Home”, popularized by a local songstress, Kit Chan (陈洁仪), Lee set the tone for the night by opening by reflecting on how his musical career started, simply: “with an idea to a physical reality,” a fitting tribute to the spirit of creativity and national pride.

Accompanied by his band, the Omnitones, and the dynamic singing trio, Third Degree, Lee showcased his signature blend of humor and musicality. He entertained the crowd with quirky, Singapore-centric tunes, delivering Cantonese songs with playful rhyming tunes like “Shenton Way productivity” and “Orchard Road, keep the road clean,” which resonated with the audience’s sense of humor and civic pride.

The evening’s star-studded lineup included some of Singapore’s most cherished music talents. Kit, a beloved songstress, joined Lee on stage, her powerful vocals adding depth to the performance. Taufik Batisah, the first winner of Singapore Idol (新加坡偶像), brought the house down with the group’s renditions of ABBA’s timeless hits and the Bee Gees’ “Staying Alive,” showcasing his versatility and keeping the energy going.

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of Natalie Ong, known by her stage name, NYA, is a 23-year old a Singaporean talent now based in Melbourne, who rose to fame as a finalist on Australia’s ‘X Factor.’ Lee shared how their collaboration began when Ong was just 17, emphasizing their long-standing artistic relationship. Ong impressed the audience, in her stunning outfit by local couture designer, Frederick Lee, and her powerful rendition of “When Love Takes Over” by French DJ David Guetta, originally featuring Kelly Rowland; proving herself to be a sensational addition to the night’s lineup.

Lee, known for his flair for theatrics, enthralled the crowd with colorful suit changes as he transitioned into beloved classics like “Fried Rice Paradise,” much to the audience’s delight.

As the evening progressed, the concert transformed into a vibrant party with an electrifying disco medley, turning the celebration into a high-energy dance festival that kept the audience engaged.

Omnitones

The concert culminated in a grand finale with Kit Chan leading the audience in a heartfelt encore of “Home,” leaving everyone with a sense of national pride and unity. This National Day celebration was not just a concert; it was a jubilant reminder of Singapore’s rich musical heritage and the enduring talent of its homegrown stars. It was a fitting tribute to Singapore’s National Day, bringing together music, love, joy, and a deep sense of community.

Tickets for this spectacular event at Resorts World Sentosa were sold at various price points, ranging from Category 4 at S$68 to Category 1 (VIP) at S$188. Featured image from Facebook (@dickleeofficial).

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