ARRIVING in China for a music competition in May, U.S. singer Chante Moore was blown away by her soaring popularity in the Asian country within weeks. Whether it was in the gym, in a restaurant or on the street, she has been recognized by her new fans in Changsha, Hunan Province. “That doesn’t happen in America as often,” said the 57-year-old vocalist, who rose to fame in the U.S. with her whistle tones and R&B songs. Moroccan-Canadian singer Faouzia, a 23-year-old rising star in the Western musical circle, had a similar experience during her first trip to China. “When I first got here, it was very chill. But now, whenever I go to the mall, people always recognize me, even when I have sunglasses or a hood on,” she said. Moore and Faouzia are currently participating in “Singer 2024,” a hit show by Hunan Satellite TV and Mango TV. Every Friday, they compete with other Chinese singers such as Na Ying and Wang Sulong in live-broadcast performances. Since its debut May 10, the show has been dubbed “Changsha’s Grammy” for its strong international squad, which also included U.S. singer Adam Lambert as a guest artist and Kazakhstan vocalist Rukhiya as a challenger. As the season’s starting lineup, Moore and Faouzia are new to most Chinese viewers. Yet this has not stopped them from pocketing five weekly champions, voted by a panel of audience and online viewers. Both singers said they were touched by the Chinese audience’s cordial response. “They’re just open, loving and ready for you to sing,” said Moore. “It seems that they want everyone to do well. ... To me, it feels like I’m beginning a new part of my career.” Faouzia used translation tools to read the comments by Chinese viewers. “They’re very funny, loving and very kind. Everyone made me feel very welcomed here,” she said. Hong Xiao, producer of “Singer 2024,” said the international singers have far exceeded the expectations of the production team and viewers with their top-notch vocalization and consummate ease on stage. “Upon arrival, Moore and Faouzia were relatively fresh faces in China and have been less burdened by fame. That’s probably why they feel less nervous and anxious on the highly competitive stage,” he said. It is not the first time for the show to make international singers feel beloved in China. In 2018, British pop singer Jessie J scooped the top spot of the contest. “I have never been made to feel more welcomed and loved as I have done here,” she was quoted by the BBC as saying. This year, the international elements of Chinese shows again captivated public discussions. Another ongoing Chinese variety show “Riding the Wind 2024” features international stars such as French singer Joyce Jonathan, Vietnamese singer Suni and K-pop star Nicole Jung. The upcoming season of “Call Me by Fire” will also feature artists from countries including Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. Many such artists have ventured out of the studio to explore China. On China’s social media platform Xiaohongshu, netizens posted photos of their encounters with Moore while she was strolling around Changsha’s streets with her husband. “It is an encouraging trend that more Chinese variety shows are inviting performers from outside China, which not only makes the shows more international, but also builds a new channel for cultural exchanges,” said Sun Jiashan, an associate professor with the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration. While gaining new fanship in China, the international celebrities also have the opportunity to experience China with their own eyes, said the researcher on TV, movie and cultural industries. Hong said the “Singer 2024” plans to invite more international singers as the season goes on. He expects the show to build a bridge for “musical and cultural exchanges that transcends languages and boundaries.” Moore, who was encouraged by Jessie J before coming to China, now wants to convey the same message to other singers: “Just come with an open heart.” Faouzia said her experiences in China have expanded her musical horizons. “It pushes you to a new height,” she said. (Xinhua) | 