In commemoration of the 26th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, a grand music evening titled “Bay Area Rise to the Bright Moon” was held a few days ago. The event brought together a plethora of renowned filmmakers and musicians, including Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Zhang Ziyi, Winner Band, Wang Mingquan, Zhao Yazhi, and many others. However, despite the star-studded lineup, the event faced some criticism as a few performers fell out of tune and others were accused of lip-syncing.

Opening Act Woes

As the music evening kicked off, the first few performers faced immediate scrutiny due to their lackluster vocal performances. One artist, in particular, drew attention when his off-key singing and voice breaks became apparent. This authenticity in his performance was noticed, but it did not resonate well with the audience. Another senior female singer from Hong Kong faced backlash from netizens as she attempted to sing the classic song “Song of Qianganque,” but her off-key rendition led to criticism from viewers who claimed she had “destroyed the classics.”

Lip-Syncing Allegations Surface

Among the performers, netizens were quick to notice instances of lip-syncing. Wang Yibo, who was expected to perform the theme song of the movie “No Name,” came under fire when eagle-eyed viewers noticed that despite attempting to appear as if he was holding the microphone, his voice continued even when the microphone was down. Similarly, Li Qin was accused of lip-syncing after she sang a sentence and attempted to put down the mic, only for her voice to continue in the next sentence. These revelations unveiled the artists’ secret lip-syncing tactics, leaving the audience disappointed.

Acclaimed Performers and Audience Favorites

Despite the controversies surrounding some of the performers, several artists managed to captivate and delight the audience. Zhou Shen, Liu Yuning, Yu Kewei, Zhang Liangying, and Xiao Zhan were among the musicians who received immense praise from both netizens and attendees. Their performances showcased their talent and garnered widespread appreciation.

An Unforgettable Performance by Wang Mingquan

One of the most memorable moments of the music evening was the performance by 75-year-old veteran artist, Wang Mingquan, affectionately known as “sister.” Despite her age and the challenges she faced while moving across the stage, she exuded an incredible aura and showcased her impeccable singing skills. When she sang the poignant song “Thousands of Rivers and Mountains Are Always Love,” her remarkable performance garnered tremendous admiration from the audience. This moment truly epitomized the saying, “Hong Kong star won very thoroughly,” catapulting her to the top of the hot search rankings.

Criticism of Hong Kong and Mainland Artists

In the aftermath of the event, some netizens expressed their disappointment with the singing abilities of the older generation of Hong Kong artists. They highlighted the steady performances and sincerity displayed by these artists, contrasting them with what they perceived as a lack of authenticity among mainland artists. This sentiment sparked a discussion about the differing approaches to performance and the value placed on sincerity in the music industry.

In conclusion

The music evening held in celebration of Hong Kong’s 26th anniversary witnessed a mix of remarkable performances, controversies, and debates about sincerity in music. While some artists faced criticism for their vocal shortcomings or lip-syncing accusations, others garnered praise for their exceptional talent. As the event concluded, it left a lasting impact on both the audience and the industry, fostering discussions about the varying expectations and styles of artists from different regions.