New format but the beat continues

Jin believes that the real core essence of the program for 12 years has been its unwavering dedication to spreading a sense of love, the taste of home, nostalgia, and the flavor of youth.

"For generation after generation, Sing! China has been a part of our growth, accompanying Chinese people in their creative endeavors and representing their more than 5,000-year-old culture as they stride confidently into the world," he says.

The revolutionary competition format is not only a daring adventure for the contestants, but also poses an equal challenge for the coaches. As the show embarks on this exciting journey, both participants and coaches will navigate uncharted territory, pushing the boundaries of talent and creativity to new heights.

In this season, four new coaches, Xue Zhiqian, Henry Lau, Wilber Pan and Emil Wakin Chau, who are all renowned artists with singing and dancing experience, join the show.

Lau considers the option for contestants to choose between the "blind audition track" and the "visible selection track" a remarkable aspect of the show. "This choice, to a certain extent, represents their inner thoughts and aspirations," he says.

Lau also encourages the contestants to be mentally prepared and deliver their best onstage performances, embracing the opportunity to shine and leave a lasting impression.

According to Chau, a "good voice" is still the core criteria of their selection. He describes singers as "actors of the voice" and he measures whether a voice can be considered "good" by assessing the ability to genuinely express emotions through singing.

For Xue, the voice remains of utmost importance, but when faced with an original musician, he resonates with well-written lyrics. He considers such performers to be a daring adventure, and if he encounters talented songwriters with exceptional lyrics, he will spare no effort to compete for them.

Xue thinks that the secret behind the program's remarkable 12-year journey lies in its unwavering appeal to the younger generation.

Embracing his role as the "comedian" among the coaches, Xue gladly assumes the vital responsibility of "setting the mood" to help alleviate the nervousness of aspiring contestants. By doing so, he empowers them to showcase their authentic talent with confidence and passion on this extraordinary stage.

The new competition format, despite its "cruel" and unpredictable nature, opens its arms to a wider array of musical genres, sparking immense anticipation among the coaches.