Monday December 8, 2008 Hong Kong The press conference for the Metro Radio Hit Music Awards 2008 <新城勁爆頒獎禮2008> was held yesterday, where the top ten nominations for the Singers awards, Stage Performance awards and Songs awards were announced. Names appearing on the shortlist include Andy Lau (劉德華), Miriam Yeung (楊千嬅), Eason Chan (陳奕迅), Hacken Lee (李克勤), Hins Cheung (張敬軒), Charlene Choi (蔡卓妍), Kay Tse (謝安琪), Denise Ho (何韻詩), Khalil Fong (方大同) and Joey Yung (容祖兒). The first award to be presented this year were also handed out to Hins, who received the Broadcast Chart Award for his song "Under the Cherry Blossom" <櫻花樹下>. Also, Joey received the Broadcast Chart Artiste Award. Following a continued failure to reconcile their differences with the radio station, Gold Label have again withdrawn their artistes from this year's Hit Music awards and none of their singers were present at the event. Metro Radio boss Chu Ming Rui (朱明銳) hoped that relationships with Gold Label's Paco Wong (黃柏高) will improve in 2009. Eason was asked if he felt that the continued boycott activity improved his chances of winning awards, but he refused to comment, saying that even though he has only released one compilation album this year, he will be taking part in all of the awards ceremonies. Denise was asked about the earlier boycott activity of East Asia Records against the RTHK awards ceremony. She said that she was not in a position to speak for the company, but personally she felt that these things should not be taken too serious and everyone has their own choices to make about what they feel comfortable with. With the focus on her solo career this year, Charlene was asked if she felt disappointed that her Twins partner Gillian Chung (鍾欣桐) is not by her side this year. She replied that her achievements have been shared with Gillian in the past and she hopes that they can continue to work together next year. Asked if Gillian will be offering her support from the audience, Charlene said that she did not know, but she would like Gillian to share her space on the stage again in 2009. credits: batgwa.
