Chapter 47: The Soundtrack is Still Too Conservative
This 《 title song of love》 is from Elva Hsiao. Upon its release in 2002, it swept across Asia, selling over 1.6 million copies.
That year, Elva Hsiao overshadowed singers of the same genre like Jolin Tsai, almost single-handedly supporting Virgin Records.
It must be said that the singers who emerged from the golden era of the Chinese Music Scene （2000-2010） were truly strong.
Even 20 years later, Zhou, Wang, Tao, Lin, and the Four Greats and Three Small can stand on stage and say to others in the Chinese Music Scene: It’s been 20 years, and there hasn’t been a single worthy challenger.
…
There’s a vocalization before the verse.
It’s said that this was an improvisation by Elva Hsiao during recording; there was no such part during arrangement.
These few seconds of vocalization perfectly match the song’s melody, and to some extent, avoid the sense of emptiness caused by an overly long prelude.
However, there is one song whose prelude, though long, is enjoyable to listen to: Jay Chou’s 《 Father’s Name 》. Its prelude feels like a stroke of genius.
At this moment.
Ye Yiqian’s aura was fully unleashed, and she was in her best state.
“Na na…”
“What am I singing?”
“I feel everything.”
“It turns out, it turns out you are my title song.”
“…”
Elva Hsiao is a mezzo-soprano, primarily using chest resonance and a mid-larynx position when singing.
Her strength lies in dance music, where she attracts fans with highly rhythmic songs and dynamic, hot dances; neither can be lacking.
For example, her album 《4U》, released in early 2002, had neither catchy melodies nor hot dances, resulting in dismal sales, and all the songs were quite a flop.
Ye Yiqian’s comfortable vocal range is actually very similar to Elva Hsiao’s, so it’s not difficult for her to sing, but she lacks Elva Hsiao’s agile dance moves.
This leads to Ye Yiqian’s stage performances always lacking something, appearing somewhat clumsy.
However, Hei Nan and Tianyu both like her, so she shouldn’t be eliminated this round.
…
Contestant No. 02 is He Jie.
This round, she brought A-Mei’s 《High High High》. This song is based on a brisk rhythm and pop-rock style, with lyrics and music both by David Tao.
Following that, contestant No. 03 Feng Jiamei performed Alan Tam’s 《Fire Beauty》, contestant No. 04 Ji Minjia sang the English song 《Island Charm》, and contestant No. 05 Zhu Yan sang Harlem Yu’s 《Can’t Help Falling in Love》.
From the songs chosen by the five contestants, it can be seen that they have all learned from previous competitions and made great progress in song selection.
In this kind of talent competition, if your strength isn’t very high, absolutely do not choose slow love songs.
This is because the accompaniment for those songs is usually very gentle, making the singer’s original voice very clear, and any slight weakness will be exposed.
Rock, R&B, hip-hop, rock, dance music… these are more suitable for talent competitions.
The five of them all chose this type of genre.
However, for contestants with very strong skills, infinitely amplifying the original voice can give the judges 100% of the impact.
At this moment, the first group of five contestants had all finished singing and gathered on stage, awaiting the judges’ comments.
Judging by their expressions, everyone was quite nervous, with Ye Yiqian frequently licking her lips.
In the waiting area, the next group of contestants, who were about to perform, were also diligently practicing their songs.
The atmosphere was completely different from the division competitions.
Every performance on the finals stage, to some extent, determined one’s future and departure.
No one dared to be careless.
Li Xiang: “Next, we will invite our judges to comment on their performances just now.”
Xia Qing: “Girls, you were great. It’s evident you’ve made significant progress this week. I hope you continue to strive.”
Xia Qing’s professional level as a judge is hard to say…
Anyway, her role on the finals stage was to provide emotional value to the contestants, always starting with praise in her critiques.
Wang Han: “Please, Teacher Hei Nan, give your comments.”
Hei Nan: “Tonight, I am honored to comment on the top ten among 150,000 contestants. I want to say that the one who impressed me most this round was still He Jie. Ye Yiqian, Ji Minjia, and Feng Jiamei were also very good. Zhu Yan needs to release her emotions a bit more, alright…”
Everyone understood.
The worst contestant this round was Zhu Yan.
Her weakness was being too nervous; her emotions were not released at all. Not only did her singing sound a bit strained, but her dance moves were also not executed properly.
Afterwards.
Ke Yimin, continuing from Hei Nan’s remarks, commented only on Zhu Yan: “Zhu Yan, I need to bring up a more professional issue. Your pitch wasn’t very accurate just now, and the guitar player’s wasn’t quite accurate either. I hope you pay attention to this later…”
After hearing the judges’ comments, Zhu Yan’s heart sank halfway.
Among the five people in this group, she would likely be the first to go to the PK Stage.
Shen Qing saw from afar that Zhu Yan on stage looked unnatural, much more dejected than she did right after finishing her song.
“Go, Zhu Yan!”
“Keep working hard!”
“Believe in yourself!”
“…”
Zhu Yan’s fans immediately cheered her on, but Zhu Yan felt increasingly pressured and sighed as she left the stage.
…
The next group to perform was contestants No. 6-10.
Contestant No. 6, Zhang Liangying, was the first to appear.
The cheers from the fans reached the highest peak of the live broadcast.
Members of Zhejiang University’s Tianci Music Society enthusiastically waved their glow sticks and signs, leading other fans in chanting synchronized slogans.
So many fans!
This scene made the other contestants envious.
Wang Han and Li Xiang said on stage: “Wow, Liangying’s fans are so enthusiastic, it’s amazing. I heard many of them are from Zhejiang University…”
“Damn…”
“Zhejiang University students came all the way to Changsha to support her?”
“Zhang Liangying’s fan base is of such high quality.”
“…”
Under everyone’s gaze.
Zhang Liangying walked onto the stage with a smile.
She appeared under the spotlight like an elf, and was as elegant as a fairy. Her pure white outfit gave a sweet impression.
Moreover, when the camera zoomed in on her face during the live broadcast, her exquisite makeup and red eyeshadow added a touch of sexiness and allure.
In front of the television, men were smitten, and women were envious.
In just these few seconds, she gained countless fans.
“This is what a Super Girl should be like. How can those tomboys compare to Zhang Liangying?”
“I really hope the next Super Girl competition bans tomboys from participating, can we give beauties a chance?”
“Liangying is going to sing an original!”
“Yes, someone on Tieba revealed that they saw Zhang Liangying and Shen Qing practicing songs in the park, and there were three originals.”
“Wonderful! As long as it’s an original, I’ll be the first to support it.”
“…”
After Zhang Liangying took her position, she remembered Shen Qing’s advice: “Smile a little happier to sing this song well.”
She smiled and nodded at the band teachers.
Then.
The band’s pianist pressed the first note.
At the 3-second mark, the nylon-string guitar joined in with a “C→G/B→Am” chord progression.
At the 9-second mark, the viola and cello laid down long sustained notes…
Each instrument joined in at the perfect moment, and the beautiful melody enveloped everyone’s ears.
This prelude was completely different from the style of the previous five contestants—it was soothing, gentle, and had a sense of relaxed ease.
Some audience members who had studied music couldn’t help but discuss with those around them.
“A new melody, and it’s an original again!!!”
“Haha, it really is, it’s a melody I haven’t heard before.”
“This song probably relies purely on the vocals to carry it; the accompaniment is still too conservative…”
“This is a master. Those without strong skills would want the accompaniment to overpower their vocals.”
“Zhang Liangying’s skill level is probably the strongest among the ten contestants. I wonder if she can win the championship.”
“Here it comes, she’s about to sing. Any surprises?”
“Haha, trust Shen Qing. The few songs he wrote for Zhang Liangying are all good.”
