Why did 中國好声音 Voice of China Season 5 become 中國新歌聲 SING CHINA?

We are all used to Voice of China being called well, Voice of China. But two weeks before this mega-popular singing competition is launched, they decided to change the name to 中國新歌聲 or also know as SING CHINA. Following four seasons of Voice of China, a change of name cannot be a goo marketing idea considering how people are already used to the competition format. Nevertheless, nearly everything else is the same, especially the soul of this singing competition - the judges. So why did 中國好声音 Voice of China Season 5 become 中國新歌聲 SING CHINA? What else is going to change in The Voice of China the all-new SING CHINA? All the answers in this post:

On 2016年1月20日, Zhejiang Tang De (Talent Films) signed a contract with Talpa Media to receive all copyrights with regards to The Voice, for Tang De to produce over 200 variety TV shows in China, including Seasons 5-8 of The Voice of China. However, a day later, Satellite Television Asia Region (STAR) sent a lawyer letter to request the absolvement of this contract. This is because STAR believe that they have the sole copyrights to The Voice of China production. The first four seasons of Voice of China were produced together with STAR. However, Talpa had canceled its deal with STAR and is in the midst of a legal dispute with them, accusing STAR of unlicensed use of the reality talent show format. In turn, STAR claims that Talpa Media has no legal right to issue the same set of rights to any other media company until 2018.

Photo credits: x

Following this legal dispute, regarding the copyrights of the brand name 'Voice of China' on July 4, 2016, the Beijing Intellectual Property Court announced the verdict that STAR has been forbidden to employ the official name 'the Voice of China' (中國好声音) in its promotional marketing, advertising, show production and all related material. As such, the originally planned name of 中國好声音 Voice of China has been changed to 中國新歌聲 SING CHINA. STAR hinted as a possibility of repealing the trial's result and does not rule out the possibility of re-adopting the show's former name in future. The official Zhejiang Television media representative confirmed this change on July 6, 2016 to avoid all legal charges regarding copyright issues. To avoid being 'bullied' by the Dutch company Talpa Media, Zhejiang Television media has vowed to only produce 'truly original content'.

Harlem, Jay Chou, Na Ying, Wang Feng.

Not veering away from Season 4's format, Voice of China Season 5 will adopt the same structure: Blind auditions (choosing of judges), PK battles (between each team), PK battles (across teams) before finishing off with the grand finale.

The host with the amazingly glib tongue that fires off his script like a tongue twister will no longer host the new SING CHINA. That is something that audience will immediately sense. Certainly, Li Yong, the new host has big shoes to fill when it comes to powerful openings to every episode that we all love. But Li Yong is an old-timer when it comes to hosting. He had experience with a medley of CCTV shows including 夢想中國 and New Year's Gala! He could possibly charm the audience better than Hua Shao - we'll see.

Possibly due to copyright issues, the new show now feature sliding rollercoasters as judges chairs instead of those that can go 360 degrees around. Throw Na Ying into the mix and she'll probably tease everyone endlessly with this new feature.

With 40 over cameras all over the studio, SING CHINA can now provide audiences with a more realistic virtual reality viewing experience.

Photo credit: x

Take a look at these promotional videos to get yourself ready for the first episode on July 15, 2016:

They are strangely hilarious.