As Thukten Nyendra’s name was announced, the greenroom in which contestants were waiting erupted in celebration. His fellow contestants rushed towards him, hugging him and lifting him into the air.Amid the cheers, 24-year-old Nyendra was stunned and visibly emotional.
After months of preparation, he had finally heard the words every contestant had been waiting for. He was the first winner of ‘Rhythm of Bhutan’.
Thukten Nyendra said, “I feel great. I feel really happy. I’m at a loss for words. This means the entire world to me. I feel so happy and loved, as if I’m being showered with all the love in the world.”
The win came after a closely watched finale featuring five finalists, each bringing a different musical style to the stage. The competition was organised by Bhutan Broadcasting Service as Bhutan’s national selection for the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia.
The winner was decided through a combination of jury and votes from viewers in Bhutan and across the world.
Pelden Wangchuk, performing Jo’Druel, finished fifth. Karma Drupchu, performing Pha Yuel, placed fourth. Baeyul 301, with Drenpa, secured third place. And the Sangay Lhaden Band, performing Pemi Tshewang Tashi, finished as the first runner-up.
Thukten Nyendra’s Lhayi Semo earned him the top spot, a 200-thousand-Ngultrum prize and the chance to take Bhutan to a new international music competition.
The victory is only the beginning. Over the next two months, Nyendra will undergo training and receive mentorship to prepare for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia in Bangkok, Thailand, in November.