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KUALA LUMPUR - Singer Aina Abdul has described her participation in the Eurovision Asia Song Contest 2026 as one of the best journeys of her artistic career, despite missing out on the championship title at the competition last night.
In a video shared on her Instagram account after the competition, Aina said she was confident that she had delivered her best performance alongside a team that had worked tirelessly throughout the journey.
Acknowledging that some fans might have had high expectations of her, the singer also apologised if the outcome had disappointed them.
"Alhamdulillah, I am confident that we have already done our best. I have given my best. Thank you to all Malaysians who have continued to support me.
"To those who may have placed high hopes on me, I’m sorry if I disappointed you,” she said.
However, Aina said the experience had taught her many valuable lessons, as the journey was something she had to navigate herself without any previous guidance.
She also expressed gratitude for having an excellent team, adding that true success was not measured solely by winning a competition.
"Although we did not win, we have already won our own hearts. Yes, that is what matters most,” she said.
Visibly emotional while delivering her message, Aina clarified that her tears did not mean she had been defeated by the circumstances, but were simply an emotional response after going through such a meaningful competition.
She also expressed her appreciation to Malaysians for their unwavering support and hoped to reconnect with her fans through upcoming artistic projects, albums and concerts.
Aina finished fourth in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026, held at One Bangkok Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, last night, competing against representatives from 10 other countries, namely Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Bhutan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Thailand, South Korea and Nepal.
She performed her self-composed song Bluest Sky, with musical arrangements by Mac Chew. The power ballad holds special significance as it was inspired by her beloved cat, Hiro.
Although she did not emerge as the winner in the competition, which combined scores from professional juries and public voting, her energetic performance nevertheless drew praise from social media users.
"Aina had the best voice last night,” wrote Nad Zainal in the comments section.
Netizens also offered words of encouragement to the 33-year-old singer, while expressing pride in her achievement.
"You will always be our pride and winner in our hearts, Aina,” wrote lisha guswari. - BERNAMA
