Ex-'Akademi Fantasia' contestant Linda plots comeback

The 36-year-old singer shares what she's been up to after competing in 'Akademi Fantasia' in 2004.

It has been 16 years since Roslinda Nawuwil, or simply Linda, competed on the second season of local reality singing series Akademi Fantasia.

Not long after captivating audiences with her rendition of Chantal Kreviazuk's Leaving On A Jet Plane during the competition, Linda fell under the radar.

But the Ranau, Sabah native says she has never stopped singing.

"I've been actively singing and performing at events this whole time in Sabah," she tells mStar, The Star's Malay-language portal.

"I've never thought of turning my back on the arts because this is how I earn a living. But I believe now is the time for me to rejoin the mainstream arts scene."

The 36-year-old is talking about her involvement on the seventh season of Gegar Vaganza, a singing competition comprising of seasoned singers who have stepped out of the spotlight.

Besides Linda, other notable contestants include the queen of irama Malaysia, Noraniza Idris; Mus May, the former lead vocalist of rock band May; and One In A Million Season Two winner, Ayu Damit.

"This feels like that moment when I was becoming an artiste for the first time all those years ago," she describes competing in a reality show again.

Gegar Vaganza Season Seven premieres Oct 11 at 9pm on Astro Ria (Ch 104).