Four new coaches, (from left) Xue Zhiqian, Emil Wakin Chau, Henry Lau and Wilber Pan, all renowned performers, have joined the show, Sing! China, to judge and train contestants. CHINA DAILY
Sing! China breaks from tradition to present an even more exciting competition, Li Yingxue reports.
For 11 years, the signature blind audition format of the talent show Sing! China has captivated audiences, where talented contestants astound coaches with their voices, unseen but deeply felt.
However, there is a game-changing twist this season, as the show breaks free from tradition and introduces the electrifying "visible selection track". Contestants now have the chance to decide whether to boldly face the mentors head-on, setting the stage for even more excitement, jaw-dropping drama, and unforgettable moments.
The 2023 edition of Sing! China premiered on July 28, and will be broadcast on Zhejiang Satellite TV each Friday night.
The competition seeks to discover new talent, among both professional and amateur singers. It serves as a rebranded edition of The Voice of China, which originally premiered in 2012 and was inspired by The Voice of Holland.
According to Jin Lei, general director of the show, the introduction of visible selection is to ensure that every music genre can receive ample exposure and expression on the stage.
In the visible selection track, contestants face the coaches directly as soon as they step onto the stage. During their performance, if a coach feels that the contestant isn't suitable for their team, they can press a button to turn their chair around. If contestants finish their performance and one coach has not turned around, they automatically join the team of that coach.
If multiple coaches don't turn away, the contestant gets to choose their preferred coach. However, if all four coaches turn away, the performance ends immediately.
At the same time, the traditional blind audition track is still retained, where regardless of the outcome, contestants can complete their prepared song on the stage.
Jin explains that the reason to introduce the groundbreaking visible selection track is that they have discovered that this stage of the competition not only harbors the boundless dreams of the contestants, but also offers infinite possibilities.
In the 2023 edition the audience will not only hear mesmerizing voices, but also witness talented singing and dancing performances, Jin says.
"We can see breathtaking performances that seamlessly blend Chinese traditional opera with pop music, energetic performances by anime-inspired bands, and heart-touching mini-musicals," he says. "The stage of Sing! China welcomes everyone with limitless potential and boundless talent to display their extraordinary creativity and artistry."
According to Jin, this year's program has, for the first time, welcomed contestants born after 2005 and the competition has attracted talented individuals from all around the world, as they showcase their skills and passion.
"In the past 11 years, it has continued to thrive because it has been the spiritual home for the contemporary youth of China. We discover that today's Chinese youths are expressing their profound emotions, cultural confidence and sincere passion through popular music," Jin says.
The stage design is a highlight of this season's show, featuring ultrawide, multilevel screens, creating a scene reminiscent of a runway. CHINA DAILY
Jin believes that the real core essence of the program for 12 years has been its unwavering dedication to spreading a sense of love, the taste of home, nostalgia, and the flavor of youth.
"For generation after generation, Sing! China has been a part of our growth, accompanying Chinese people in their creative endeavors and representing their more than 5,000-year-old culture as they stride confidently into the world," he says.
The revolutionary competition format is not only a daring adventure for the contestants, but also poses an equal challenge for the coaches. As the show embarks on this exciting journey, both participants and coaches will navigate uncharted territory, pushing the boundaries of talent and creativity to new heights.
In this season, four new coaches, Xue Zhiqian, Henry Lau, Wilber Pan and Emil Wakin Chau, who are all renowned artists with singing and dancing experience, join the show.
Lau considers the option for contestants to choose between the "blind audition track" and the "visible selection track" a remarkable aspect of the show. "This choice, to a certain extent, represents their inner thoughts and aspirations," he says.
Lau also encourages the contestants to be mentally prepared and deliver their best onstage performances, embracing the opportunity to shine and leave a lasting impression.
According to Chau, a "good voice" is still the core criteria of their selection. He describes singers as "actors of the voice" and he measures whether a voice can be considered "good" by assessing the ability to genuinely express emotions through singing.
For Xue, the voice remains of utmost importance, but when faced with an original musician, he resonates with well-written lyrics. He considers such performers to be a daring adventure, and if he encounters talented songwriters with exceptional lyrics, he will spare no effort to compete for them.
Xue thinks that the secret behind the program's remarkable 12-year journey lies in its unwavering appeal to the younger generation.
Embracing his role as the "comedian" among the coaches, Xue gladly assumes the vital responsibility of "setting the mood" to help alleviate the nervousness of aspiring contestants. By doing so, he empowers them to showcase their authentic talent with confidence and passion on this extraordinary stage.
The new competition format, despite its "cruel" and unpredictable nature, opens its arms to a wider array of musical genres, sparking immense anticipation among the coaches.
The backs of the coaches' chairs. CHINA DAILY
Pan thinks that the world of music is vast and diverse. "Trying to compartmentalize genres is merely giving them names, as music, at its core, is just music. I am exhilarated and thoroughly enjoying the chance to interact with such exceptional contestants and explore different types of music together," he says.
According to Jin, this season's panel of coaches is the youngest in the history of Sing! China.
The stage design is a highlight of the show. The production team made adjustments to the stage's size and height, as well as audience positioning, allowing the audience to better immerse themselves in the entire visual design.
Additionally, this year features the use of ultrawide screens, both elevated above the stage and at floor level, creating a visual effect reminiscent of a runway, making the stage appear more spacious and immersive.
"We hope the show will be the annual global musical carnival cherished by the Chinese community worldwide," Jin says.
