This second round of the Astro Star Quest successfully attracted public attention and response.
Notable local (Malaysia) radio DJs that were or currently still are examples would be 叶朝明 Jack Yap (2002 Finalist), 庄靖毅 Jym Chong (2006 Finalist), 曾耀祖 Joe Chang (2010 Top 5) and Jie Ying Tha (2011 1st Runner-Up).
The contestant must not be a recording artiste where he/she has released or in the process of releasing any solo and/or group album after the age of 12 years; or has intention to release a solo and/or group album within six months from the date of the finals of the contest; For the first round of audition, (Requirements differs over the years) The contestant has to sing a song in any language or any Chinese dialects with a minimum duration of 90 seconds recorded into a video clip format for competition entry.
As of 2006, with the change of name from Astro Talent Quest to Astro Star Quest a new format was introduced whereby all contestants would go through vocal, body gesture, hosting, speech management and dance trainings in addition to other challenges along the way to reach the finals with 6 contestants.
Although SMS voting was introduced (for the popularity award), the judges still held absolute decision in the contestants' fate.
In 2011 onward, Astro collaborated with CTV (China Television Company, Ltd) where top 5 finalist will then represent Malaysia at the 華人星光大道 Chinese Million Star.
The competition reaches its 20th anniversary in 2016 with the Final happening in the New Year's Eve on 31 December 2016 at Desa Park City.
Guest judges and artistes are invited every year including Eric Moo, Wang LeeHom, Jay Chou, Jordan Chan, Tension, F.I.R., JJ Lin, S.H.E, Rynn Lim, Janice Vidal and Yoga Lin.