We are already at Episode 2 of the first season of 中國新歌聲 SING CHINA (also known as Voice of China Season 5, oops)! This episode is full of hits and misses, and no particular contestant that really stood out for me. The highlight of the episode is probably the touching rendition of 寂寞有多长 by 苏立生 and that's pretty much it. If you're lazy to watch the whole episode, you can read the summary here:
Here you can watch the entire SING CHINA Season 1 Episode 2.
22-year old 刘雪婧 (Liu Xue Jing, GiGi) appears to look like Elva Hsiao and her cutesy introduction video set in Shanghai Disneyland is a vast contrast from her performance which she sings 就是现在 by Wang Leehom. This final year undergraduate at the Shanghai Music Academy wins the hearts of three judges - first, Wang Feng, then Jay Chou and Na Ying. Wang Feng and Na Ying comments on the 'explosive' nature of her voice, and especially how contemporary and infectious it is due to her ability to re-design the tempo of the song. Jay Chou highlights his skill to rap and that he will able to help her. I don't really like her personality as she comes across as pretending to be someone else. After a very long deliberation, she chooses Team Wang Feng. She was one of the top 8 contestants in 声动亚洲.
Initially, 吉克皓 Ji Ke Hao has a soothing, Sodagreen-sque, androgynous voice, that seemed only suitable for Harlem. After the first verse, it becomes more playful that almost sound like it's playing tribute to Jay Chou's 稻香. This guy's performance piqued Na Ying's curiosity, and he adds in some tribal/traditional 彝族 elements and wins the appreciation of Harlem and Wang Feng too! In the end, he chooses Team Harlem.
The choice of song that 白静晨 Bai Jing Chen made wins a round of cheers... the hottest song of 2015 (and probably in 2016) in all big and small karaoke rooms around the world - 小幸运! But there's nothing special that warrants this just yet, too safe. All the judges hesitate. Maybe they've heard this song too many times. They are waiting for a breakthrough... Na Ying approves at a crucial point. Nobody fights with Team Na Ying.
苏立生 Su Li Sheng belts out a heartfelt 寂寞有多长, dedicated to his parents. He leads a simple life in Beijing and works as a singer at a gastropub. As he reaches the chorus of his performance, Wang Feng and Na Ying both smashes the button. A very touching performance, with not one dry eye left in the room. Jay Chou encourages 苏立生 Su Li Sheng to join Wang Feng, but with a surprising turn of events, he chooses Team Na Ying!
The moment 曾敏杰 Zeng Min Jie begins her performance of an oldie song 我是不是该安静的走... immediately, she reminds me of Joanna Wang Ruo Lin. She lost me a bit until the end, when she switches things up a bit. Somehow she doesn't appeal much to me with her lack of EQ when it comes to the Q&A with the judges... and she picks Team Jay Chou.
From the start, 刘文天 Liu Wen Tian is on fire! This rocket guy from Inner Mongolia gains the approval of Wang Feng quickly, with his song 夢回唐朝, an underrated song in most people's opinions. Na Ying approves of him as well despite the clash of styles. It was a crazy performance by this singer who is actually a quiet, reserved man! The judges discussed 唐朝乐队 in-depth with him. After all that discussion, he chooses Team Wang Feng.
The youngest contestant of this episode, 19-year old accountancy student 郑迦文 Zheng Jia Wen picks 停格 by 蔡健雅. I must say, good choice of song. His voice is quietly beautiful, almost the male-version of 蔡健雅. Wang Feng hits the button almost immediately, while Jay Chou slides down at the very last moment. He revealed he actually wished Na Ying would choose him. But it seems like his second choice is Team Wang Feng.
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