DELI SERDANG — The spirit of national celebration reached a crescendo as the 2026 Aero Brew Pop Karaoke Festival concluded in high energy at Aero Brew Coffee & Eatery, Deli Serdang. Organized to commemorate the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, the grand finale showcased extraordinary vocal talent, lively stage performances, and overwhelming public enthusiasm.
The grand final saw 15 shortlisted finalists battle for top honors before a panel of esteemed judges and a packed audience. Each contestant was required to perform two distinct pieces: an Indonesian national anthem to honor Independence Day and a contemporary Indonesian pop hit. The high level of artistry, stage presence, and emotional depth delivered by the participants elevated the atmosphere, prompting continuous applause and crowd participation throughout the night.
The competition was fiercely tight, forcing the judging panel to evaluate performances down to micro-point differences. Following rigorous deliberation, Dira Samosir emerged as the Grand Champion (1st Place), taking home the cash prize of Rp2,000,000, alongside a championship trophy, a certificate of achievement, and exclusive dining vouchers for family dining at Aero Brew.
Benyamin Netanya Adu secured the 1st Runner-Up position (Rp1,500,000), while Lolita Amanda Siregar took 2nd Runner-Up honors (Rp1,000,000). Both top runners-up were also awarded trophies, certificates, and dining vouchers. Meanwhile, the Runner-Up honors were awarded to Sari Silangit (4th Place – Rp500,000), Rikardo Sirait (5th Place – Rp300,000), and Ahmad Syahputra Parinduri (6th Place – Rp150,000).
Beyond the formal competition, the venue buzzed with community engagement through interactive giveaway sessions. Spectators actively participated in selecting the “Most Energetic Performer,” while several lucky audience members walked away with surprise prizes, blending high-stakes competition with inclusive community entertainment.
AS Tanjung, Owner of Aero Brew and Chairman of Prabu Centre 08 North Sumatra, expressed profound pride in the event’s execution.
“I am thoroughly impressed by tonight’s performances. Every single participant demonstrated exceptional talent and kept the audience thoroughly entertained. The judges faced a formidable challenge due to the remarkable caliber of our finalists,” stated AS Tanjung. He pledged that future editions would be even grander, stating, “God willing, we will expand this event next year with even bigger prizes and a wider reach. We want Aero Brew to remain a vibrant hub for talent development and creative expression.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Imam Ritonga, Co-Owner of Aero Brew, expressed deep gratitude to the organizing committee, judges, contestants, and visitors whose support ensured the festival’s resounding success, reaffirming Aero Brew’s commitment to supporting local arts and culture.
In recent years, community-driven entertainment hubs across North Sumatra—particularly in Deli Serdang and Medan—have increasingly served as crucial incubator spaces for regional musical talent. Beyond traditional music schools, local cafes and eateries like Aero Brew Coffee & Eatery are bridging the gap between amateur vocalists and formal stage experience, offering grassroots artists an accessible platform to hone their performance abilities.
Furthermore, integrating creative arts competitions into national holiday celebrations, such as Indonesia’s Independence Day (HUT RI), highlights a growing trend among local businesses to foster community bonding while stimulating local creative economy initiatives. Organizers hope that events of this scale will continue to inspire young North Sumatran talents to pursue professional musical endeavors at national and international levels.