With the arrival of spring, WHUers warmly welcomed the start of the Top 10 Singers Competition. Hosted by WHU Student Culture and Art Center, the competition took off in early April. The final was held on the night of April 30 at Meiyuan Playground of WHU, which was a grand feast for both the ears and the eyes.

The opening show of the final was given by Luo Music, a rap music club of the WHU Economics and Management School. Energetic and passionate, they rocked the entire stage by performing their original song. The dynamic and rhythmic beats aroused an exciting atmosphere on the playground, presenting an enthusiastic vibe to the audience.

The opening show by Luo Music club

16 singers were selected for the final, which involved three rounds, namely, the vlog show, the buddy-up show and the individual show. Vlogs shot by the participants were mainly based on their campus lives and their anticipations for the competition. “I just enjoy singing so much,” said Xu Shutong, one of the participants, “it brings me great joy when I share my music with others.” Following fun vlogs, songs were all performed splendidly. In the thematic part of Classic Old Records, Xu Shutong, who has an enchanting magnetic voice, vividly performed two old pieces with Peng Xiaoyi, the other participant in her group. Their gentle yet slightly lazy voice merged perfectly into the tranquil and nostalgic melody, forming a hazy aura on the stage.

Xu Shuting(right)and Peng Xiaoyi in the vlog show

Then came the second round, the buddy-up show, where 16 contestants had to find and pair up with their own ‘buddies’ (friends, professors, etc.). Many marvelous duets were performed in this round. The participants impressed the audience with their beautiful voices, professional singing techniques and great passion. Since this round involved ‘buddying up’ with someone, the choices of songs and partners were crucial. “It’s important to pick a song that fits both of your voices,” said Zhang Qianyue, one of the participants. She and her partner, Wang Errun, performed All I ask of you,the theme song of the famous musical Phantom of the Opera. Wang’s strong bass voice matched Zhang’s soprano, the two of which blended into the background music and emitted a beautiful mellow glow on the stage.

Zhang Qianyue and her partner performing All I ask of you

After the beautiful duets, the top 10 singers were selected, and they moved on to the last round, the individual show. The champion would be decided in this round, and everyone’s heart was racing as the competition grew increasingly fierce. All top 10 singers performed splendidly in this round, choosing the song they were most confident in. Fu Siyu’s You know I’m no good shook the night air, bringing the competition to a climax. “I feel as if I was in a live house rather than a playground,” said Li Yuting, one of the audience members, “the singers and their performances were so terrific.”

Fu Siyu singing You know I’m no good

Around 10 o’clock, the competition gradually came to an end. Everyone held their breath as the champion was announced by the judges. It turned out to be Zhang Qianyue from the School of Mathematics and Statistics, who was undoubtedly outstanding in the previous rounds. As thunderous applause rose from the audience, all the other nine singers were awarded their prizes as well.

The awarding ceremony of the Top 10 Singers

When talking about her feelings about winning the competition, Zhang Qianyue showed a wide smile, “I’m really grateful for meeting a very professional and nice partner, and for the help of the entire musical drama club, I harvested friendship, self-confidence and the eternal love for music and art. Shout out to all my friends who were there for me this whole time!”

Ringing down the curtain, the spring night and the soft breeze in WHU were filled with happy laughter and merry songs. In each of those songs was hidden a beautiful dream, a dream of youth and happiness.

Photo by Sun Yuhang & Fu Yuanchen (WHU Student Culture and Art Center)

Edited by Li Hefeng, Li Jing, Qin Zehao, Zhang Yilin, Xi Bingqing, Sylvia