Every year the YOU Spectacular Awards recognise outstanding actors, actresses, sportsmen and sportswomen, TV and radio personalities and musicians. The public choose the winner in each category by voting for their favourite stars and this year nearly 63 000 votes were cast in 14 categories.

TV presenter Jeannie D, the emcee of the evening, was one of the favourites yet again, taking home two awards. Isidingo star Ashish Gangapersad went from last year’s Favourite Newcomer to this year’s Most Popular Male Celeb. The Favourite Music Star award went to The Parlotones for the second consecutive year and Lee-Ann Liebenberg and Nicky van der Walt won the Favourite Couple category.

Winning the special YOU Personality of the Year Award was Anicé Kruger, mother of little burnt Pippie. Kruger’s courage and determination to find the best possible treatment for her daughter tugged heartstrings around the country and made her a figure of inspiration to all.

The event was hosted by YOU in partnership with Montecasino, ZANDO, Black Opal and Crystal Creations and organised by Juanita Daniel, show and creative director of Ko Production. “It has been a pleasure to work with all the shining lights in our entertainment industry,” Daniel says. “Putting my signature on this occasion was an honour and the endless talent in this country fills me with inspiration.”