Singer Gareth Fernandez Performs Live at HDB Void Deck Amid Lip Sync Debate

Singaporean singer Gareth Fernandez delivered a live acoustic performance at a Housing & Development Board (HDB) void deck, a move seen as a direct response to a recent debate surrounding lip-syncing at the National Day Parade (NDP).

The impromptu concert featured Fernandez singing alongside content creator Trevor Wong, who played guitar and provided backup vocals. The collaboration was initiated after Wong posted a video analyzing NDP 2026 performances, suggesting that some artists may have lip-synced. Wong's video sparked a discussion about the authenticity of live versus pre-recorded vocals at large-scale events.

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We just love music and we love our scene. Our musicians are more than talented enough to sing live.

Fernandez, who performed one of the NDP songs, "Sparkle," and his upcoming single "Second Best," chose not to engage publicly in the debate. Instead, he reached out to Wong, and the idea for a live performance evolved from a discussion about lip-syncing into a collaborative musical piece. Wong emphasized the authenticity of the recording, noting the absence of autotune and the inclusion of ambient sounds like background rain, stating it was the "first and only take."

The performance, shared on Instagram, garnered significant praise for Fernandez, with viewers commending his vocal talent and likening him to "Singapore’s Bruno Mars." The collaboration also highlighted Wong's appreciation for Fernandez's willingness to perform despite Wong's earlier critical stance on NDP performances. Wong described Fernandez as an artist with "integrity" and "one hell of a musical talent," underscoring the capability of Singaporean musicians to perform live.

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first and only take