Although Hariz Daniel is not the first musician who made his name in the reality show competition circuit that I have interviewed, he is the first successful one. Winners of popularity contests, which are ten a penny in Malaysia, rarely have good stories to tell.

Hariz majored in culinary and is now studying to become a business administrator. He is on track to become a manager someday. And yet he still aspires to sing, and he is good at it too.

Alas, his climb to success lacks that drama and conflict that makes for an engaging story. His fast paces climb, his experience duetting with an established star, and his lost at a singing duel, provides some peaks and valleys, and includes some lessons. But, this ride is tame.