You may not know, but one of the most popular singing competition in the world just happened last night. Sing! China is the most-watched singing competition on this side of the world. It also includes other Asian competitors, hence the viewership has expanded beyond China to most of Asia.
For the first time in our little red dot’s history, our pride and joy (Hartono) managed to enter the finals and came in 2nd ! His mentor was one of the most popular Taiwanese male singer (Jay Chou). His performances were amazing for its wide range of skills and repertoire. Not only can he sing well, he could play an instrument, rap, beatbox and even dance too. This was my favourite of his performances during this months-long competition : https://youtu.be/3xICiBrI7aY He embraces the globality of his multicultural upbringing, singing brilliantly in Chinese and English, going from slow romantic songs to beatbox and then to jazz in a heartbeat. I am sure he has certainly set a new higher standard for future competitors from hereon.
He embraces the globality of his multicultural upbringing, singing brilliantly in Chinese and English, going from slow romantic songs to beatbox and then to jazz in a heartbeat. I am sure from here on, he has certainly set a new higher standard for future competitors.
The other finalist that totally impressed the hell out of me was Lee Pei Ling from Malaysia. She is only 16 and of mixed Indian-Chinese parentage who shared that she was adopted by an old Chinese couple. For someone so young, her singing has so much raw emotions that it brings one to tears. I dare you to listen to her with your eyes closed and then visually observe her performance. One’s perceived image of the person singing and the actual person is so different.
One of her previous performances really touched me, not just because of the singing but it was also the meaning of the song itself. I have added in the lyrics below. The song encapsulates each of our struggles in life and how we should stay strong and fight hard to be heard. Do enjoy Pei Ling’s version : https://youtu.be/eiHiymqdPCY
“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion
And all those things I didn’t say
Wrecking balls inside my brain
I will scream them loud tonight
Can you hear my voice this time?
This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I’m alright song
My power’s turned on
Starting right now I’ll be strong
I’ll play my fight song
And I don’t really care if nobody else believes
‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me
Losing friends and I’m chasing sleep
Everybody’s worried about me
In too deep
Say I’m in too deep (in too deep)
And it’s been two years
I miss my home
But there’s a fire burning in my bones
Still believe
Yeah, I still believe
And all those things I didn’t say
Wrecking balls inside my brain
I will scream them loud tonight
Can you hear my voice this time?
This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I’m alright song
My power’s turned on
Starting right now I’ll be strong
I’ll play my fight song
And I don’t really care if nobody else believes
‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me
A lot of fight left in me
Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion
This is my fight song (Hey!)
Take back my life song (Hey!)
Prove I’m alright song (Hey!)
My power’s turned on
Starting right now I’ll be strong (I’ll be strong)
I’ll play my fight song
And I don’t really care if nobody else believes
‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me
No I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me
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