Silk Way Star unites global music scene in Astana
The Kazakh capital transformed into the region’s cultural epicenter for one evening. Astana hosted the grand finale of the first Asian vocal mega-project Silk Way Star, where Mongolia’s Michelle Joseph claimed victory, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Even before the live broadcast began, the atmosphere in the hall was charged with anticipation.
Crowds lined the red carpet, welcoming the finalists, members of the international jury, media representatives, and Kazakh artists — the special guests of the night.
Each appearance was met with camera flashes and applause.
The appearance of the evening’s special guest, Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen, drew particular attention.
A welcoming address from the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was read at the project's finale by State Counselor of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Erlan Karin.
The statement highlighted that Silk Way Star aims to foster cultural dialogue among Asian countries and broaden humanitarian connections between peoples.
This message became the heart of the program, warmly welcomed by the audience in the hall as well as the participants preparing backstage for their final performances.
With the opening chords, the finalists stepped onto the stage, representing Malaysia, Georgia, China, Armenia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.
Each finalist performed in their mother tongue, transforming the stage into a vibrant musical map of Asia.
The acts were distinguished by precise lighting design, dynamic visual effects, and stylized costumes created by Kazakh costume artists specifically for the project.
Behind the scenes, the atmosphere was equally intense. Stylists finalized the performers’ looks, choreographers gave last-minute instructions, and the participants’ families followed every moment unfolding on stage.
The atmosphere was charged with high emotion, as the audience responded to each performance with thunderous applause.
The peak moment came when People's Artist of Kazakhstan Dimash Qudaibergen announced the winner’s name amid thunderous applause and lighting effects that highlighted the significance of the moment.
The diploma was presented by Wang Delu, partner of the Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and head of the editorial office of the China Media Group Eurasia Bureau. The certificate was presented by Raushan Kazhibayeva, Director of the Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Silk Way Star served as the culmination of a major international preparation effort.
The project involved Kazakh vocal coaches, choreographers, directors, designers, and technical teams. Rehearsals, stage modifications, and visual preparations — every detail underwent meticulous refinement.
Throughout the finale, the team closely oversaw the performances, technical system coordination, and broadcast quality. This seamless teamwork was what created the grand finale’s impressive visual and emotional experience.
The winner of the first season of Silk Way Star was determined by a combined system: 50% by a professional jury and 50% by online audience voting held on silkwaystar.org.
The grand final was broadcast live on the Jibek Joly TV channel. Simultaneous broadcasts were also held in Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia.
Silk Way Star became a space where cultures, styles, vocal schools, and personal stories came together.
Throughout the project, millions of viewers around the world followed the talented performers' participation in this international vocal mega-project. The combined audience for all episodes exceeded 1 billion people.
The project is being implemented as part of an agreement between the Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and China Media Group (CMG).
