Aisha Retno's AJL40 tears were of relief for her brother

Singer Aisha Retno shared that her emotional tears on stage at the Anugerah Juara Lagu 40 (AJL40) were a release of relief after a demanding performance. The 26-year-old artist, whose full name is Sharifah Aisha Retno Sayed Sipulijam, explained that the pressure was immense due to the significant production elements involved. "Aisha actually cried with relief. Perhaps some asked why I was crying. It's because this 'piece' was very heavy. I had dancers, strong stage decorations, a band, and I brought my brother," she said during the post-event press conference.

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Aisha actually cried with relief. Perhaps some asked why I was crying. It's because this 'piece' was very heavy. I had dancers, strong stage decorations, a band, and I brought my brother.

Retno dedicated her runner-up achievement with the song 'Tak Adil' to her brother, Sayed Abu Hanifa Radityo. She described their shared journey to the prestigious competition as a dream come true. "I did all this just for my brother, so that's the definition of the tears that happened. Of course, we have a purpose when we dare to come to this award, and we did our best, but what happens, we leave it to the judges," she stated. She expressed immense pride and gratitude to the judges for appreciating the song's composition.

Looking ahead, Aisha Retno is open to participating in future AJL editions. "This gives me a boost of spirit. God willing, if there's a chance next year, I will try to participate again," she mentioned. She hinted that her future involvement might be as a songwriter for other artists rather than a performer. "Maybe not me singing, but perhaps a song I penned for someone else. Thank you, AJL, for giving me the spirit to write and write more, Alhamdulillah," she concluded.

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I did all this just for my brother, so that's the definition of the tears that happened. Of course, we have a purpose when we dare to come to this award, and we did our best, but what happens, we leave it to the judges.

The top prize at AJL40 went to the song 'Tiwikarma' by the group K.O.I, earning RM100,000. Aisha Retno received RM50,000 for her second-place finish, while Reynauld Guntabid secured third place with 'Lumangad Oku Dika,' taking home RM30,000.

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This gives me a boost of spirit. God willing, if there's a chance next year, I will try to participate again. Maybe not me singing, but perhaps a song I penned for someone else. Thank you, AJL, for giving me the spirit to write and write more, Alhamdulillah.