Int'l finalists outnumber Chinese peers in China's "Singer 2025"

CHANGSHA, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- The popular Chinese singing competition "Singer 2025" saw singers battle it out on Friday night 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 lineup 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. ■