Sing!China 中国新歌声 Episode 12 Recap

This week’s episode showcases the top 12 singers who vy for spots among the top 6.

Four singers (one from each team) go first. Yu Tian sings 小镇姑娘. Oh my gosh. Beautiful interpretation. His voice has a honey quality to it, so sweet. And perhaps for the first time in this competition he belts a part in the interlude (during the fiddle duet) – and it’s very strong. Dang. This is a strong opener. The 51 judges vote on whether or not he has the privilege of moving onto the Bird’s Nest part of the competition (aka the next stage).

Judges’ votes: 24

Studio audience votes (out of 350): 239

Next up is Zhao Xiao Xi, who sings 我要我们在一起. Once again, his falsetto notes are pretty much perfectly showcased. I like the “aiyoaiyo” part he sings, it’s so catchy. And I absolutely love how he builds up to the climax of like half-screaming the high note. Perhaps the future Michael Jackson of China, I foresee. He really infected the audience with his energy, even the other judges admit, even Jay Chou and Na Ying. Xiao Xi says he’s very thankful Harlem “saved” him in the last round. One of the 51 judges mentions this is a refreshing interpretation of an older song.

Judges’ votes: 18

Studio audience votes: 302

Next is Li Pei Ling, who sings 我知道你很难过. This is a nice change from the previous two songs, which were more upbeat and energetic, being a sad ballad. Honestly I think she could debut right now and become a very popular singer. Her voice not only has a pure tone, but also has depth and is not nasally. “Is this really sung by a real person?” Na Ying comments. Na Ying says that people are able to sing well when they experience more of life, and perhaps that is part of the reason Pei Ling sings so well. The judges say she has good vocal control.

Judges’ votes: 39

Studio audience votes: 306

Then it’s Xu Geyang’s turn. She sings 异类. Hm, I think I like her past covers a little more. The start of the song is like a rock rap (I dunno how to describe this) but it sounds kind of awkward, like she’s trying too hard to sound all tough. The singing parts are better, especially the chorus. She’s definitely got the power in her voice though. Jay Chou says he can see that Geyang has improved and predicts she will get to go to the Bird’s Nest. Geyang says this whole journey has been worth it.

Judges’ votes: 40

Studio audience votes: 344 (Dang! out of 350!)

Xiang Yang sings Desperado and haha at first I thought it was going to be the Desperado by Rihanna. But no, the original artist is called Eagles. Xiang Yang switches from English to Chinese halfway through the song, and his pronunciation shows vast improvement from past stages. His technique, his ability to express emotion, changing from falsetto to chest voice – all of this is done masterfully. Even if he doesn’t win this competition, he’s probably going to be a popular artist in the future. Wang Feng says his strongest point is perhaps his ability to relax on stage. One of the judges suggests he not sing so much English next time.

Judges’ votes: 47 (daaaaaaaang)

Studio audience votes: 333

Ji Kehao is next. Yes go Team Harlem! And yes, he starts with his signature bleating sound!! (Forgive my fangirling spirit.) He sings 滚滚红尘, which is suited to his voice perfectly. His voice has a tropical, fresh air type feel. It’s difficult to describe, but I always feel like he’s singing about faraway places. Harlem says Ji Kehao has a unique vocal color, and that he’s able to sing a song as an ideal world. Ji Kehao thanks his family for travelling so far for coming to support him. He also thanks Liu Wentian from Team Wang Feng who helped him understand how to sing this song.

Judges’ votes: 29

Studio audience votes: 337

Then we have Su Li Sheng, who sings 私奔. I’m actually not too impressed with the song this time (his past performances were really good though), mostly because I’m starting to think he follows the same type of routine while singing ballads. Staying relatively controlled for the first verses, until the last verses / chorus where he releases all the power in his voice. I mean, it’s effective, but I wonder if there’s other ways to interpret the song. Na Ying reveals that apparently when Li Sheng gets too emotional while singing, he sometimes forgets the lyrics, but thankfully that didn’t happen tonight.

Judges’ votes: 30

Studio audience votes: 327

Next up is Jiang Dun Hao, who sings 傻瓜. I like this song a lot. He’s got a gritty voice that suits the sorrow in the song. Probably prefer this over Su Li Sheng’s performance this time around. It might also have to do with song choice, but regardless, Dun Hao puts up a heartfelt performance. Wang Feng says he has a mature voice, and Jay Chou says the song is fitting. He also wishes his mother a happy birthday and comments that when the stage lit up it kind of looked like a big birthday cake. Haha, that’s cute.

Judges’ votes: 33

Studio audience votes: 348

Low-key duo sings 夜空中最亮的星. Their singing is pretty good, but I’m just not a big fan of the girl’s vocals. The rap starts, and I start nodding my head along to the beat, but again, I feel like they’re slightly off-beat in some parts. The judges say it was an interesting move to have the guy sing first in the beginning verse, before the girl joined in. The girl comments that this opportunity helped solidify their dreams to pursue music. The guy says they will keep working hard and work towards the future.

Judges’ votes: 26

Studio audience votes: 322

Yang Meina is next, singing 春泥. Sounds like a Kdrama OST, interestingly. I like her interpretation but I’m not in love with the song itself. It seems to have too slow of a pace, as if dragging along with heavy vocals, and the flow is almost disrupted by its beat. However, Meina’s belted notes are great, reminiscent of her first audition of Rihanna’s Diamonds. One of the judges comments that Meina’s rendition is filled with power and allows one to experience the meaning and emotion of the song more readily.

Judges’ votes: 38

Studio audience votes: 311

Next is Wang Chen Rui, who sings 你还要我怎么样. Hm, I like her interpretation, which once again is very technically advanced. However, I think I still prefer the original sang by Xue Zhiqian. I think she also is somewhat off-key at some parts. Jay Chou says she has a wide vocal range and Wang Feng says she really understands vocal control. Wang Chenrui thanks Na Ying for teaching her how to be more brave in front of a large audience since she used to fear performing in front of many people.

Judges’ votes: 44

Studio audience votes: 323

Liu Wen Tian sings 地心. Dang, it sounds really good. And that buildup into the chorus *clap clap clap* The performance feels legendary. I was originally listening to the songs with one earbud in one earbud out, but I put them both in to fully enjoy his performance. Wang Feng says he has a deep understanding of the song. One judge says he’s touched all of their emotions.

Judges’ votes: 34 (I expected more…)

Studio audience votes: 308

Below are the summarized results (which honestly, what happened?!!)

Team Jay Chou: Yu Tian (rank 12) and Low-key duo (rank 10) are eliminated. Nathan Hartono (rank 1!!) moves on.

Team Harlem Yu: Zhao Xiaoxi (rank 11) and Ji Kehao (rank 9) are eliminated (NOOOOO). Yang Meina (rank 6) moves on.

Team Naying: Su Lisheng (rank 8) is eliminated. Li Peiling (rank 5) and Wang Chenrui (rank 2) move on.

Team Wang Feng: Liu Wentian (rank 7) is eliminated. Xu Geyang (rank 3) and Jiang Dunhao (rank 4) move on.

WHAT is up with the results?!!?!?! Liu Wentian doesn’t move on??