Group 1 - The latest episode of "Singer 2025" featured singer San Yichun performing a new version of "Li Bai," securing second place, with the song humorously dubbed a new "forbidden song" for college entrance exams due to its catchy yet challenging lyrics [1] - Despite the popularity of "Singer 2025," it failed to outperform "Running Man" Season 9, which achieved a peak rating of 0.87 and an average rating of 0.74, indicating a competitive landscape in the variety show sector [3][60] - The current environment for music variety shows is marked by challenges such as frequent lip-syncing controversies, the dominance of TikTok songs, and a lack of quality music productions, leading to a decline in the genre's appeal [7][10] Group 2 - The success of "Singer 2024" was seen as a response to the perceived lack of professionalism among contestants, with live performances being viewed as a measure of a "professional singer's" worth [8] - The music variety show landscape has evolved, with a shift from focusing on music to prioritizing entertainment value, particularly after the introduction of reality show elements in 2018 [22][23] - The rise of music variety shows has been influenced by the need to cater to audience emotions and the increasing commercialization of the format, with brands finding value in product placements within these shows [52][60] Group 3 - The Chinese music market remains robust, with the overall revenue from the national performance market reaching 796.29 billion yuan in 2024, including ticket sales of 579.54 billion yuan [43] - The K-pop industry is increasingly targeting the Chinese market, with significant album exports and promotional events indicating a strategic push to capture a larger share of the audience [49][50] - The competitive nature of the music variety show market is underscored by the need for shows to innovate and differentiate themselves to maintain viewer interest and commercial viability [61]

Core Viewpoint - The recent launch of the music variety show "Asian New Voices" challenges the traditional reliance on popular songs and flow-driven artists, focusing instead on originality and diverse cultural expressions [1][21][28] Industry Insights - The music cover rights market has seen skyrocketing costs, with single song rights often reaching hundreds of thousands to millions, creating an "invisible competition" within the industry [1][18] - The current music variety show landscape is characterized by high costs associated with popular song rights, leading to a reliance on familiar faces and hit songs, which has resulted in a lack of innovation and diversity [14][16][20] Show Characteristics - "Asian New Voices" features a unique format, taking place on a cruise ship and involving musicians from nine Asian countries, aiming to present a fresh perspective in the music variety show sector [1][11] - The show emphasizes live performances and authentic musical expressions, with a focus on original or lesser-known songs rather than mainstream hits [21][28] Talent and Performance - The show showcases a diverse range of young talent, including musicians who have gained recognition in niche genres, thus expanding the musical landscape of Chinese variety shows [10][21] - Performers like Mei Yuna and others demonstrate strong emotional expression and musicality, contributing to the show's overall appeal [4][8][10] Production Strategy - The production team prioritizes budget allocation towards visible aspects of the show, such as immersive live performance environments and collaboration with young musicians, enhancing the overall quality and experience [11][13] - The show aims to build a sustainable content model by focusing on original music and diverse cultural backgrounds, rather than short-term popularity [23][29] Future Implications - The success of "Asian New Voices" could signal a shift in the industry towards valuing content creation and originality over mere commercial viability, potentially influencing future music variety show formats [28][30] - The industry may need to rethink its approach to content investment, focusing on long-term value and diverse musical exploration rather than short-term trends [29][30]