Nicholas Teo Returns to Malaysia and Invites Song Collaborations; Jess Lee's Performance of 'Empress' Sends Fans Wild

The third season music gala of 8TV’s "The Best of Us" was grandly held on the night of the 6th at Mega Star Arena, Kuala Lumpur, gathering numerous powerhouse and new-generation singers to perform on the same stage. Nicholas Teo, who has been active overseas in recent years, and "Iron Lung Queen" Jess Lee made a special return to Malaysia to celebrate the event, bringing the atmosphere to a climax. Nicholas Teo praised the Malaysian Mandarin music scene as "a hundred flowers blooming," and even instantly called for collaborations; Jess Lee brought the signature hit 'Empress'—made popular again on "Singer 2025"—back to her hometown for a performance, igniting the whole venue and surprising fans by announcing her solo concert tour next year, to which fans went wild.

This season's gala featured a total of 20 groups of singers, including Nicholas Teo, Jess Lee, Jeryl Lee, Priscilla Abby, Soo Wincci, Liu Han Jie, Chee Chee Lee (Chee Chee), Guo Xiao Dong, Pong Jin Yu (JE), Jang Ching Wen, Layla, Su Yan, Huang Shiqi, He Men Yu (Yu Zi), Wang Si Han, Gaston Pong, Xie Yun Cheng, Zhang Yi Bo, Wei Shao Long and Wang Hui Ling, making for a star-studded, high-energy event.

Taking the final stage, Nicholas Teo, after watching the entire performance, shared his feelings: "Malaysia truly has amazing singers, whether it’s singing and dancing, self-accompanied performances, or sweet voices, they’re all outstanding and a real eye-opener. I can genuinely see the local music industry blossoming." He said watching the younger generation shine has inspired himself as well, urging, "Let’s keep fighting!" He encouraged his juniors, "Believe that the best version of us is now, but we can always get better." He even called out to singers in the audience: "If anyone feels inspired by me, please write me a song! I want to keep making new music."

Jess Lee that night not only performed 'Empress'—which has recently become popular again thanks to 'Singer 2025'—but also started a crowd-wide sing-along. She joked, "You finally get to hear 'Empress' live!" instantly energizing the atmosphere. She shared that her recent schedule has been packed but she is full of gratitude, and announced: "Next year, I’ll start a brand-new concert tour, and I hope everyone will come to support!" Playfully boasting, she added: "Watch my concert and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth—and have a great time too!"

Jess Lee and her sister Jeryl Lee also had a rare duet on 'Wasting', delivering a special "sisters' version" with both as lead vocalists. She joked, "We’ve always had totally different styles—this time our coach arranged this special new version for us." As for whether the two plan to release a new work together, she laughed and said: "That depends on my sister’s songwriting speed!"

In addition, 'The Best of Us' season 3 regulars Soo Wincci, Jeryl Lee, and Liu Han Jie joined hands in composing and performing the show's theme song for the first time, bringing a wave of emotions. Jeryl Lee also broke from her previous ballad style to try a new singer-dancer route with the energetic new song 'Invitation', after which she exclaimed: "Singing and dancing is really so hard!"

In the end, all singers took the stage together to perform 'When You Are Lonely, Who Will You Think Of', bringing the third season music gala of 'The Best of Us' to a perfect close, receiving applause and cheers from the audience.