Love 972 DJ Chen Biyu remained elusive as ever at this year’s Star Awards.
The jock, who celebrated her 57th birthday earlier this month, bagged her second Top 10 Most Popular Female Artiste award. The only other female DJ who has two consecutive Top 10 wins is YES 933’s Chen Ning.
Yet, Biyu, who hosts the station’s immensely popular morning show The Breakfast Quintet alongside Marcus Chin, Mark Lee, Dennis Chew, and Joe Tsoi, was nowhere to be seen.
She would later apologise to her listeners for her absence, saying: “I’m really not used to being in crowded places. Hopefully listeners who voted for me will be able to understand and make allowances for me.”
By now, we all know how well loved the members of The Breakfast Quintet are.
The show clinched Best Radio Programme for the fourth time running at the Star Awards Gala Night, Mark was recognised with a special achievement award, Dennis was crowned Best Audio Personality, and Marcus received his fourth Top 10 award during the main show.
Biyu is thankful for the “undeniable force of Love 972’s listeners”.
She said: “I think Love 972 was named perfectly. We set out [to entertain] from our hearts, we speak to our listeners on air every day, and the relationship we’ve forged is more than that of hosts and audience. We’ve become friends and family. We have diligently cultivated [this relationship] since a long time ago. We’re willing to constantly change up our broadcast styles and are willing to innovate, all while staying true to our early intentions.”
She then explained her absence at the Star Awards.
“Actually, this is something my regular listeners would know. I don’t go to places where there are crowds. It makes me feel uneasy. You can say that I have slight social anxiety. Also, I’m required to doll up to attend these events, and I’m not really fond of doing so.”
Rather than have all eyes on her, Biyu prefers to remain low-key. “Some listeners encourage me to have more confidence in myself, but I think it’s just part of my personality. I like being a quiet member of the audience, a patient listener. I’m truly thankful to the listeners who voted for me, and I hope they can understand. Please excuse me,” she said.
She added: “I’ve never thought about winning the award. I do have to thank the Star Awards judges and the company, for letting us DJs be heard and seen. However, for me, the greatest gift is having people tune in to me every day, and I’m content with just that!”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Love 972, and the 10th year since The Breakfast show hit the airwaves. “I really have to thank these old friends and new listeners who’ve been with me. This 30-year friendship we have is priceless,” she said.