Global voices, Chinese stage
Singer 2025 is known for inviting international singers such as Grace Kinstler and Jesse Lee to participate and grow their popularity in China. photos: file
The popular Chinese singing competition "Singer 2025" saw singers battle it out over the weekend in a live final where international finalists outnumbered their Chinese rivals for the first time.
Chen Chusheng, who is from the Chinese mainland, claimed the top spot after competing with six other singers – Shan Yichun from the Chinese mainland, A-Lin from Taiwan, Mickey Guyton and Grace Kinstler from the United States, Jess Lee from Malaysia, and BENI from Japan.
"Singer 2025," hosted by Hunan TV and Mango TV, featured established singers who compete against one another in a live-broadcast format each Friday. Their performances are judged by audience members and online viewers, and those with the fewest votes risk being eliminated to make room for new challengers.
The hit show is known for inviting international singers to participate and grow their popularity in China, with British pop singer Jessie J being one of the show's most successful international contestants to date, scooping the top spot in the 2018 season.
The latest season featured a powerful international line-up of contestants and guest artists, including Canadian singer Michael Bublé, Alexia Evellyn from Brazil, and American singers Charlie Puth and Jordan Smith, in addition to the finalists.
"I've been deeply moved by how openly they express their love for the artists," Grace Kinstler said, referring to the Chinese audience. She received an invitation to participate in the show after she joined the cohort of "TikTok refugees" to post on China's Xiaohongshu app earlier this year.
"The show motivates me to keep going, and it gives me even more ammunition," said the 24-year-old vocalist. "I wouldn't trade the experience for anything."
Mickey Guyton, who ranked second in the final, describes her experience on the show as "life-changing." She and her family took the chance to visit China for the first time, sampling Chinese snacks, trying on traditional attire and relishing other cultural experiences.
The well-known country music singer also said she was most impressed by how her Chinese audience interacted with her. "The Chinese audience is incredible. They are so open, emotional, accepting and encouraging," she said. "I absolutely have plans to continue to come and stay connected with the Chinese audience."
"Singer 2025" has aired since May 16. According to Globe News Wire, the show has aired 12 episodes before the grand finale, titled "King of Singers". The final consisted of two rounds: duet ranking competition, and a solo ranking competition, with each round contributing 50% to the final score.
Over nearly four months, the international singers have gained much from this musical journey. Chinese singers share traditional musical elements in their songs, while foreign singers introduce their unique creative styles, discussing different cultural expressions of music and attempting to blend their musical cultures.
Outside the show, the international singers have explored China deeply, immersing themselves in traditional culture and experiencing the unique charm of Eastern aesthetics and the warmth of Chinese hospitality.
(XINHUA WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)