First-time Star Award winner Nick Teo admits voting for himself, is happier to see wife Hong Ling win
First-time Star Award winner Nick Teo admits voting for himself, is happier to see wife Hong Ling win
The Star Awards 2026 will be remembered as a night of emotional breakthroughs and heartwarming displays of marital support. Among the most talked-about moments was actor Nick Teo finally clinching his first-ever Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste award after 14 years in the Singapore entertainment industry. While his victory was a long-awaited milestone, it was the candid and humorous revelation about the couple's voting strategy that truly captured the public's attention. Teo admitted to voting for himself to ensure he could finally experience standing on the stage, while his wife, actress Hong Ling, selflessly channeled all her votes toward him, underscoring a bond that transcends professional competition.
Nick Teo achieved a significant career milestone at the Star Awards 2026 by winning his first Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste trophy after four nominations and 14 years in showbiz. During post-win interviews, Teo revealed he voted for himself to fulfill his dream of winning, whereas his wife Hong Ling devoted her votes to him instead of herself. Despite his own win, Teo expressed that seeing Hong Ling secure her fifth Top 10 award brought him even greater joy, as he was more nervous about her results than his own. The couple, who married in late 2023, remains a fan favorite for their transparency and mutual support through both career highs and personal challenges.
A Marathon Not a Sprint: Nick Teo's 14-Year Journey to the Podium
For Nick Teo, the road to the Star Awards stage has been anything but a quick dash. Since making his acting debut in the popular Mediacorp long-form drama 118 in 2014, Teo has established himself as a reliable and versatile performer. However, the elusive "Top 10" popularity award had remained just out of reach for over a decade. His journey began much earlier when he won the 8 Days Shirtless Guys Search in 2012, a win that opened doors but also set high expectations for his future career.
Reflecting on his win, Teo described himself as a "slow burner." In an emotional Instagram post following the ceremony, he shared a sentiment once told to him by his manager: in the race of showbiz, he is a marathon runner rather than a sprinter. This perspective has allowed him to persist through the "ups and downs" of the industry, focusing on his love for the craft rather than immediate accolades. Winning on his fourth nomination in this category felt like a validation of his perseverance and the steady growth of his fan base.
The actor's win was met with a groundswell of support from colleagues and fans alike. When his name was announced by Hong Kong actress Ada Choi, Teo was visibly stunned, needing a gentle push from fellow actors Brandon Wong and Desmond Ng to realize it was finally his turn. This moment of genuine shock highlighted just how much the award meant to a man who had watched his peers take the stage for 14 years while he cheered from the audience.
The Heartwarming Acceptance Speech: A Tribute to Hong Ling
Standing on the Star Awards stage for the first time, Nick Teo delivered a speech that was both a reflection on his career and a love letter to his wife. Fighting back tears, he addressed the audience and viewers at home, but his most poignant words were directed at Hong Ling, who sat teary-eyed in the front row. Teo spoke about the traditional advice to start a family only after building a career, admitting that he never truly understood the sentiment until he met his wife.
"Thank you for giving me a home, so I can pursue my dreams without worry," he said. This statement resonated deeply with the audience, acknowledging the stability and emotional support Hong Ling has provided throughout their relationship. The couple, who began dating in 2015 after meeting on the set of 118, has always been open about their partnership, but this public declaration of gratitude added a new layer to their "couple goals" reputation.
Hong Ling’s reaction was equally moving. Captured by cameras, she was seen clutching his hand before he walked to the stage and later sobbing as he spoke. On her own social media, she expressed that she cried more than he did, overwhelmed by the pride of seeing her husband finally recognized. For Hong Ling, who is already a veteran of the Top 10 stage with five wins, seeing Nick achieve his goal was a victory she cherished more than her own continued success.
Voting Secrets Revealed: Self-Interest vs. Selfless Love
One of the most charming aspects of Nick Teo and Hong Ling's relationship is their honesty, which was on full display during the post-show media scrum. When asked about their voting process, Teo admitted with a sheepish grin that he had voted for himself. His reasoning was simple and relatable: he desperately wanted to experience the feeling of standing on that stage at least once, and he felt confident that Hong Ling, being consistently popular, would likely win regardless of his individual votes.
In contrast, Hong Ling revealed that she had used all her votes for Nick. This selfless act highlighted her dedication to his success, even at the potential risk of her own standing. Teo admitted he felt "very touched" when he learned of her sacrifice, noting that she truly loves him more than he loves himself. The contrast between his "self-vote" and her "all-for-him" approach became a lighthearted point of discussion among fans, further humanizing the celebrity couple.
Despite his pragmatic voting choice, Teo emphasized that he was actually more nervous about Hong Ling's results than his own. He noted that the organizers often call her name toward the end of the announcement list, which kept him on edge until her win was confirmed. To make amends for this year's lopsided voting, Teo promised that from next year onwards, he would split his votes equally between himself and his wife, ensuring they both have his full support.
| Feature of the Win | Details for Nick Teo |
|---|---|
| Years in Industry | 14 Years (since 2012) |
| Category Won | Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes |
| Nomination Count | 4th Nomination in this category |
| Breakthrough Drama | 118 (2014) |
| Recent Projects | In His Hands, No Other Way |
A Decade of Love: From 118 to a Grand Wedding
The foundation of Nick and Hong Ling's relationship was laid on the set of the long-form drama 118, where they played siblings. Their on-screen chemistry eventually blossomed into a real-life romance in 2015. Over the next eight years, the couple grew together, navigating the pressures of being in the public eye while maintaining a grounded and supportive partnership. They frequently shared glimpses of their lives on social media, from travel adventures to the building of their home, which includes a dedicated cat space and a trophy cabinet.
In August 2022, Teo proposed to Hong Ling during a surprise sunset yacht trip, an event that was widely celebrated by fans. They officially tied the knot in December 2023 with a series of events, including a private registration on December 14 and a grand wedding banquet at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach on December 15. The wedding was a star-studded affair attended by Singapore’s acting royalty, but the most touching moment remained the couple’s emotional vows to one another.
The couple's trophy cabinet at home has long been a symbol of their individual and collective journeys. Before the 2026 awards, the upper compartment was filled with Hong Ling’s various accolades, while the lower compartment, reserved for Nick, remained empty. Nick jokingly referenced this in his victory post, expressing his excitement that he can finally place one of his own trophies in that cabinet. This small detail highlights the playful yet supportive competitive spirit that exists between the two.
Overcoming Challenges: Supporting Each Other Through Grief and Loss
While the Star Awards represent a professional high, the past year has brought significant personal challenges for Nick Teo and Hong Ling. The couple has been open about experiencing the loss of loved ones and the profound pain of a miscarriage. These experiences have tested their relationship and forced them to lean on each other more than ever before. Their ability to remain a pillar of support for one another during these dark times has been a testament to the strength of their marriage.
In interviews, they have discussed the importance of communication in their relationship. They have an unspoken rule to always find time to eat and talk, regardless of how busy their filming schedules become. This commitment to open dialogue has helped them navigate grief and maintain a healthy connection in an industry that can often be isolating. For Nick, having Hong Ling by his side through these trials made his Star Awards victory even sweeter, as it represented a moment of light after a period of significant struggle.
Their transparency about issues like miscarriage has also resonated with their audience, breaking down taboos and providing comfort to others who might be facing similar situations. By sharing their vulnerability, Nick and Hong Ling have moved beyond being just "celebrity actors" to becoming relatable figures who handle life's tragedies with grace and mutual devotion. Their Star Awards success is seen by many fans as a well-deserved "rainbow after the storm."
Upcoming Projects: Nick Teo's Dedication to the Craft
Despite the celebration, Nick Teo is not resting on his laurels. The actor is already back to work, focusing on several high-profile projects that demonstrate his commitment to his acting career. One of his most anticipated upcoming roles is in the Mediacorp drama In His Hands, where he portrays a fighter. To prepare for this physically demanding role, Teo has undergone a significant body transformation, maintaining a strict fitness regimen that even a celebratory night couldn't interrupt.
Instead of a lavish post-award party, Teo's immediate celebration was modest. He planned to reward himself with a tub of cookies and cream ice cream before heading back to Malaysia for filming. This level of discipline is characteristic of Teo, who understands that his recent win is just one chapter in his ongoing career. He is also set to appear in the crime drama No Other Way, where he stars alongside Hong Ling. Interestingly, in this series, Hong Ling plays his older godsister, though the characters eventually explore romantic feelings.
Fans are eager to see how their real-life chemistry will translate to these new and complex roles. Working together provides the couple with a unique opportunity to support each other on set while professionalizing their personal bond. Teo's "slow burner" approach seems to have hit a new gear, with his recent recognition likely leading to more leading roles and diverse character opportunities in the years to come.
The Impact of the Top 10 Most Popular Artiste Award
In the Singapore entertainment landscape, the Top 10 Most Popular Artiste award is a significant metric of an actor's marketability and connection with the public. Unlike technical awards, which are decided by a panel of judges, the Top 10 is determined by public voting via telephone and online platforms. For an actor like Nick Teo, winning this award is a direct signal that he has successfully built a loyal and active fan base over his 14-year career.
The award also carries weight in terms of commercial opportunities and career longevity. Being a "Top 10" winner often leads to more endorsement deals and better positioning within the network's talent pool. For Teo, this win breaks a long-standing "curse" of nominations without victory, placing him in the same elite circle as his wife. It also serves as an inspiration to other "slow burners" in the industry, proving that persistence and hard work can eventually lead to public recognition.
The voting process itself is a major event in Singapore, with fans organizing large-scale voting drives for their favorite stars. Teo's win is as much a victory for his fan club as it is for him. He jokingly warned them in his post that they are "in trouble" because he now has a taste for winning and wants to aim for more awards in the future. This newfound confidence is a direct result of the support shown to him during the 2026 Star Awards cycle.
Marital Harmony: Privacy and Communication
While Nick and Hong Ling are public figures, they have been careful to balance their public personae with their private lives. They are known for being one of the most stable couples in the industry, a feat they attribute to their commitment to "no secrets" and "open communication." Teo has shared that he always informs Hong Ling about intimate scenes with co-stars beforehand to ensure there are no surprises or misunderstandings when the episodes air.
This level of trust extends to their financial and domestic lives as well. Hong Ling, described by Teo as being better with money, manages the household finances, while Teo takes charge of 80 percent of the household chores, thanks to his neat and organized nature. They even run a side business together, House of the Swiftlet, selling bird's nest products. This multi-faceted partnership—as actors, business partners, and spouses—provides a robust foundation for their life together.
Their journey together, which began on the set of 118 over a decade ago, has evolved from a secret relationship to one of the most celebrated marriages in local showbiz. By remaining authentic and admitting to things like "voting for myself," they have earned a level of public trust and affection that is rare. As they look toward the future, both in their careers and their personal lives, Nick Teo and Hong Ling continue to set the standard for what a modern, supportive celebrity couple can be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nick Teo and Hong Ling
How many years did Nick Teo wait for his first Star Awards win?
Did Nick Teo and Hong Ling both win at the Star Awards 2026?
Who did Nick Teo vote for in the popularity category?
When did Nick Teo and Hong Ling get married?
What was the breakthrough role for Nick Teo?
Conclusion
The Star Awards 2026 was a landmark event for Nick Teo, marking the end of a 14-year wait for a Top 10 Most Popular Artiste trophy. His candid admission about voting for himself, contrasted with Hong Ling's selfless decision to give him all her votes, has only served to make the couple more endearing to the public. Beyond the glitz of the awards, their story is one of resilience, marital harmony, and the strength found in supporting a partner through life's most difficult moments. As Nick Teo transitions from a "slow burner" to a recognized star, he does so with the unwavering support of a wife who is his biggest fan. Their journey from co-stars on 118 to a powerhouse celebrity couple continues to inspire fans, proving that in both love and career, the best things often come to those who wait and work hard.
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