Madinabonu Adylova Among the Leaders of the International Silk Way Star Contest

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan continues to make its mark on the international stage: the first Silk Way Star international vocal competition is underway in Astana, bringing together performers from 12 countries — from Azerbaijan and Armenia to South Korea.

Representing Uzbekistan is Madinabonu Adylova, a rising star of the national pop scene, semifinalist of The Voice Uzbekistan (2024), participant of the Tashkent International Jazz Festival, and laureate of several international competitions.

A graduate of the Batyr Zakirov Institute of National Pop Art at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, Madinabonu captivated audiences and judges from the first notes with her unique timbre, artistry, and ability to blend national motifs with a contemporary sound.

In the opening round, she performed her own arrangement of “Ketaver” (by A. Choriev), moving listeners with its sincerity and emotional depth. Georgian judge and singer Dato Kenchiashvili was visibly touched — a moment that became one of the most talked-about highlights of the broadcast.

The Kazakh agency Kazinform also covered the performance in an article titled “Uzbek Singer Stuns Judges at Silk Way Star International Music Contest in Kazakhstan.”

In the second episode, the singer lit up the stage with Whitney Houston’s hit “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” showcasing her energy, charisma, and impressive choreography.

During the third round, where participants performed Kazakh hits in their native languages, Madinabonu chose “Süygenim” by Aikyn Tolepbergen, presenting it in Uzbek. The author praised her version, noting that it gave the song “a special tenderness and romantic feel.”

In the fourth episode, dedicated to the culture of other countries, Madinabonu performed the Armenian song “Pregomesh” (from Sirusho’s repertoire), evoking an emotional response from both the audience and the jury. Sirusho herself reacted by sharing a clip of the performance on Instagram with enthusiastic emojis.

In the fifth round, the singer returned to her roots, performing Ravshan Namazov’s “Chapra Dalli,” immersing the hall in the rich atmosphere of Uzbek folk tradition.

Music critic Karina Zharova described Madinabonu as “an elf with a silk voice,” adding that her timbre is “one of the most memorable in the entire competition”: “She’s not just a highlight — she’s like a cake full of raisins,” the critic joked.

After five episodes, Uzbekistan ranks third overall. Contestants from Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan have already left the show, while four decisive rounds remain. Only five countries will reach the final, with Kazakhstan and China — as hosts — already guaranteed spots.

The jury features renowned artists from across the region. Representing Uzbekistan are Honored Artist Kazym Kayumov, People’s Artist Mansur Tashmatov, and People’s Artist Aygul Nadirova.

Silk Way Star is an international project implemented under an agreement between the Television and Radio Complex of the President of Kazakhstan and China Media Group (CMG).

Its mission is to strengthen cultural ties among the countries of the Great Silk Road and to promote the musical heritage of the Turkic world and Asia.

The final will take place on 22 November in Astana and will be broadcast live.