Hunan TV’s long-anticipated singing variety show Singer 2024 has ignited controversy with its international lineup.
On May 10, the first round of competition saw five of China’s most renowned pop singers overshadowed by two lesserknown foreign performers. Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter Chanté Moore and Gen-Z Moroccan-Canadian singer Faouzia took first and second place, while Na Ying, one of China’s most famous 90s pop singers, came third.
The results sparked intense online discussions. Many netizens were shocked by the apparent gap in vocal skills and stage performance between Chinese and foreign singers. Some even likened the difference to “The Grammys vs. Strawberry Music Festival,” a Chinese music festival brand known for its indie bands.
These observations were only reinforced by the show adopting a livestreaming format, allowing viewers to watch each singer’s performance in real time without any post-production edits or tweaks.
Netizens described Na Ying as a soldier battling against foreign contenders, calling on other formidable Chinese singers to join the fight. On May 12, distinguished folk singer Han Hong posted on Sina Weibo, “I’m Han Hong, a Chinese singer. I’m ready for battle.” Han’s post further intensified the competitive atmosphere.
Some netizens expressed nationalistic sentiments, demanding that domestic singers defend the pride of the Chinese music industry. Meanwhile, many music critics and netizens disapproved of the rising tension, arguing that cross-cultural communication is more significant than competition. In response to the controversy, the show’s production team posted a statement on Weibo, stating that “winning” is just one part of a singer’s journey, but embracing the diversity of music across cultures is the true destination.
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