IT'S one of Hong Kong's major music awards. But some fans are lamenting that the annual TVB's Jade Solid Gold Best 10 Awards Presentation seems to be losing its lustre.

Following the three-hour show held at the Star Hall at Hong Kong International Trade & Exhibition Centre on Saturday night, the postings in various online forums included lines like 'JSG is no longer exciting' and 'It's another fen zhu rou (meaning pie-sharing) show!'

The annual Jade Solid Gold Awards are handed out by the top Hong Kong broadcaster, TVB, and are the most coveted Cantopop prizes in the industry.

Netizen redlady wrote in the musicintent forum: 'What happened to the good ole times of the four heavenly kings?

'Other than Eason Chan and Leo Ku, no one else excites anymore.'

At what is hailed as the music party of the year for the Hong Kong singers, emotions run high for Leo Ku and Miriam Yeung.

It was the first JSG's Most Popular Male Singer award for 36-year-old Leo, who has been in the industry for nearly 14 years.

He beat hot favourite Eason Chan, 34, who has dominated the popular male award categories in recent years.

In his acceptance speech, a teary Leo singled out his personal assistant and rumoured girlfriend, Lorraine.

He said: 'When I received the Best Newcomer award (in 1994), I left out her name in my thank you speech.

'But she said it was okay, and that I could thank her when I get the Most Popular Male Singer award.'

Only that the day had yet to come, added Leo.

He said: 'I've gone through the period when no record company offered me a contract, I've 'disappeared' from the scene before, to the extent I was even uncertain if I could still stand on the winner's podium.

'But the day has finally come. I think she must be feeling more emotional backstage than I am here now. I want to thank Lorriane.'

Singer Miriam broke the six-year jinx to bag the Most Popular Female Singer award, which was dominated by Joey Yung for five years.

 In fact, when host Amigo Choi announced the result, she looked honestly shocked. Even co-host Eric Tsang could not resist teasing her before presenting the award.

Thanking everyone, Miriam added: 'The last time I got this award was six years ago.

'I've felt disheartened before... Today, I am very happy to be receiving this award. It's also made me realise the importance of cherishing what I have.'

But Eason was clearly unhappy with the results. He was caught on camera sporting a scowl on his face several times.

When he went on stage to receive the Most Popular Male Singer for Asia-Pacific Region, he said: 'I've spent my time largely on music compositions this year...'

'I'll just sing'

But before he could go on, Eason caught the signal from the floor crew, indicating that time was up.

He grunted: 'You want me to stop? Well, I won't talk anymore. I'll just sing.'

Another unhappy loser was Joey, who had wished to continue her reign into the sixth year as the Most Popular Female Singer.

When her name was called out for the Asia-Pacifc Region, she made an action of slipping in her seat, as if to indicate her surprise.

On stage, she shook her head before saying: 'I really never expected to win this award. I feel bad really.

'Until now, I've yet to release a Mandarin album that I am personally satisfied with. Well, I'll work harder to develop the China market and bring pride to Hong Kong.'

THE WINNERS

Most Popular Male Singer: Leo Ku
Most Popular Female Singer: Miriam Yeung
Most Popular Hong Kong Male Singer in the Asia-Pacific Region: Eason Chan
Most Popular Hong Kong Female Singer in the Asia-Pacific Region: Joey Yung
Recommended Newcomer: Myolie Wu

2008 Outstanding Performance:
Gold: Susanna Kwan
Silver: Juno Mak
Bronze: Jason Chan

This article was first published in The New Paper on Jan 5, 2009.