The best album award went to David Tao for his "The Great Leap 2005.'' Tao was in the U.S. and had to send his emotional father, Tao Da-wei, to collect the prize at Saturday's ceremony in Taiwan's capital, Taipei.   

Taiwan's Leehom Wang won the award for best male singer of the year for "Heroes of Earth.'' Wang said, "I want to thank all my fans and friends. I am always inspired when singing to you."

The best female singer category was the most interesting because Chinese-speaking communities across Asia were represented. Singapore's Stefanie Sun was hoping to win her second consecutive award, while Malaysians Fish Leong and Penny Tai were also nominated. Taiwan was represented by Cheer Chan.   

But Singaporean Chua walked off with the award for her performance on the album "Amphibian.'' An emotional Chua said, "I am really proud because there are so many talented and creative singers this year."

The best song category produced a great comeback story. Taiwanese aboriginal singer Hu Defu won the award after an absence of three decades. His song was called "Pacific Wind.''  Hu - also known as Kimbo - earned the nickname of the "Taiwanese Bob Dylan'' for his protest songs in the 1960s and 70s, when the island was still under martial law. Later he left the music scene and turned to social activism, especially on behalf of Taiwan's minority aboriginal peoples, who number about 400,000 out of a total population of 23 million mostly ethnic Chinese. Hu also won the award for best lyricist for the song "Pacific Wind'' from his comeback album "Rush.''   

The evening had its share of surprises.   

Singapore's Stefanie Sun failed to extend last year's title of best Mandarin Chinese female singer, but she did get to perform some Golden Melodies and also sang a duet with Hong Kong pop star Eason Chan. 　　

The most upbeat moment of the night came when Taiwan rock star Chang Chen-yueh and rapper MC Hot Dog tried to fire up the crowd with a hip-hop ode to Taiwanese women. Patty Hou joined in to the surprise of many fans.

Also Famed American rapper Jin made his first appearance at an Asian awards show. He performed with Leehom on their song "Heroes of Earth."  There has been rumors of Jin coming out with a Chinese album. With this showing and the amount of fans he has around the world, it surely will sell if he decides to do so.

Another highlight was A-mei with a hot Brazilian type song/dance performance. She surely reminded everyone why she is still Taiwan's diva.

Wang Leehom accepting Golden Melody Awards

A-Mei's Performance at the Golden Melody Awards