Chapter 3 First Stage
As the first stage progresses, the recording process is already halfway through.
Apart from Leo, only one contestant named Wen Yan got an A grade.
Wen Yan's performance can only be described as above average, but his song selection was quite advantageous, as he chose the popular dance song "Silence" by an overseas boy band.
The dance moves are clean and neat, the singing is relatively steady, and it looks quite intimidating.
Xie Qingyu watched silently from the audience, not commenting on his strength, because it was obvious that he had trained overseas, and the whole stage looked a bit 'rigid'.
I just couldn't help but feel a little emotional and envious.
The company is really willing to spend money, even preparing choreography and costumes of this level.
Alas, I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been through a hard time for a few days, but now I care too much about money!
Xie Qingyu wanted to clarify for himself that he was not this kind of person before.
After Wen Yan's performance, the mentors discussed for significantly longer than Leo, perhaps because they had differences of opinion.
But in the end, after considering the opinions of all the instructors, an A rating was given.
The contestants at the scene also gave symbolic applause. For them, getting an A grade from the mentors was already a great achievement.
But some people were discussing in a low voice: "There are only 5 spots left in Class A. I wonder who will get them next."
---
Next up was the five-member group from Tianguang Entertainment.
Tianguang Entertainment is well-known in the industry for training trainees. It has countless popular boy and girl groups under its banner, and they can be seen in every talent show.
The five people who passed the audition this time are not to be underestimated in terms of strength and popularity.
"The trainees from Tianguang Entertainment are here!" someone in the audience whispered.
"Bai Lang and Gu Zheng are here. They must be very strong. After all, they are the twin stars of Tianguang!"
Someone even whispered to the contestant next to him, "I heard their company paired them up as a couple, called 'Salt and Sugar,' and the fans are really into it."
Xie Qingyu curled the corners of his mouth when he heard these discussions.
Tianguang Entertainment’s operational methods are indeed brilliant, even the CP is arranged in advance, making it worthy of being the world’s top company in the industry.
The five people walked onto the stage and the lights instantly focused on them.
The song they performed was "Break the Limits", the latest single from Aether, a popular boy group under Skylight Entertainment.
I have to say that Tianguang Entertainment made a good plan, as the song released by their own company was performed on the first stage.
Not only can you save the cost of purchasing copyrights for other songs, but you can also use the popularity of the talent show to promote your own songs.
Kill two birds with one stone!
But they still have some conscience. The quality of this song is really good, with a strong sense of rhythm and explosive choreography, which is very suitable for stage performance.
When the music started, Bai Lang was the first to enter. His voice was deep and powerful, and his sense of rhythm was excellent, which instantly caught everyone's attention.
Yo, listen up! This is our time,
Feel the fire, my heart is beating faster,
Step up, step up, the stage is waiting,
We're the kings, no one can replace us!
His stage style is relatively hardcore, and every move is full of power.
His eyes are sharp, as if they can penetrate the stage and hit the hearts of the audience.
Immediately afterwards, Gu Qiong took over with a clear voice, skillful technique, and excellent expression management, which instantly pushed the stage atmosphere to a climax.
(Lights flicker, sweat pours down,
We're unstoppable, breaking through all barriers,
The blood is burning, the dream is being pursued,
This is our moment, are you ready? ”)
……………………………………
The group dance part is even more dazzling.
The five people's movements were in unison, and every detail was handled just right.
The lights on the stage flickered with their movements, as if the entire stage was burning for them.
Break the limits,
We're the fighters, fighting forever,
Feel the rhythm, dance the world,
We're on fire, burning everything!
When the last tune sounded, the five of them jumped up at the same time, turned their backs and heads, and their movements were clean and neat, as if they were crushing the stage.
The atmosphere in the venue was instantly ignited, with applause and cheers rising one after another.
After the performance, the mentors all showed their appreciation and affirmation.
Wei Qianze even picked up the microphone directly, his tone full of excitement:
“This is the most complete boy band performance I’ve seen so far today!
Your coordination, stage performance, and even attention to detail are all excellent."
MCray nodded in agreement. "They are indeed very strong, especially Bai Lang and Gu Yan. Their performance was outstanding."
Compared with other mentors, his evaluation is more direct. Good is good and bad is bad. He does not care about the disappointment of the remaining contestants who were not praised.
Next, the instructors gave the five people an opportunity to take an additional test.
Bai Lang chose a classic rap "Most", with very precise rhythm and pronunciation. MCray kept nodding and spinning his pen in the audience.
Gu Qiong chose a very difficult lyrical song "Dream".
He is a technical player. The transitions in this song can drive people to the brink of collapse, but he still handles it with ease and expresses emotions very well.
The additional performances of the other three also had their own highlights, but in comparison, Bai Lang and Gu Qiong's performances were more outstanding.
Although this discussion took significantly longer than previous ones, the instructors still followed the process to give their final ratings:
Bai Lang, Gu Qiong and Sun Lele, who has strong dancing skills, obtained Grade A, while the other two entered Class B.
The contestants in the audience started talking.
"Tianguang Entertainment is indeed strong, but I didn't expect that only three people made it to Class A."
"Bai Lang and Gu Qiong's performances were truly amazing, and Sun Lele's dancing was also very strong, but it was a pity for the other two."
"Maybe the instructors have too high expectations for Class A. After all, the number of places is limited."
Xie Qingyu looked at the five people on the stage and made his own judgment.
The strength of Bai Lang and Gu Zheng is indeed outstanding, with almost no weaknesses.
At least not yet.
Sun Lele's singing skills are slightly inferior, but her dancing performance is impeccable.
I guess he is a semi-biased player!
As for the remaining two people, they looked good in the group, but their performance was mediocre when taken individually. It was obvious that the group was leading the people rather than the people leading the group.
The instructors' rating criteria are obviously very strict. With only two spots left in Class A, the competition will be even more intense.
---
The recording process was very fast, and in a blink of an eye, there were only three contestants' stage performances left in front of Xie Qingyu.
There was a staff member behind the camera motioning to him to wait on the side.
Xie Qingyu stood up, whispered hello to Qian Song and other contestants beside him, and then went backstage to make final adjustments.
When the initiator Qu Qinghuan called out "Xie Qingyu's" name on the stage, the staff next to him reminded him that he could go on stage.
Xie Qingyu stood up and walked onto the stage with ease.
The light shone on him, making his facial features more delicate and his face look like a handsome jade.
Apart from this, let's just talk about the unique elegance he carries about him, a sense of heroism in his purity, and a handsome figure, just like a jade tree growing in the courtyard.
The instructors couldn't help but pay more attention and take another look.
To be honest, the photo in the information does not match the real person at all. The photo gives people the feeling that they are similar in appearance but not in spirit.
"Xie Qingyu, your original song "Monsoon" during the audition left a deep impression on our audition teachers."
Qu Qinghuan nodded and smiled at Xie Qingyu on the stage, and asked first, obviously very interested.
"Are you still bringing original music today?"
Xie Qingyu nodded, his voice unconsciously carrying a sense of ease and relaxation:
"Yes, the song I will perform today is 'Day and Night', which is also my original composition."
Can he say that the real situation is that he is currently facing a fiscal deficit crisis and has no money to buy the copyrights for other songs?
He couldn't afford to buy any of the songs of relatively good quality.
Li Zhiqiu nodded slightly. She had higher expectations for creative contestants:
"Original works always allow people to see the true strength of the contestants. I am looking forward to your performance."
Lu Chuan's previous comments had always been indifferent, but now he raised his lips with interest and added:
"Original songs not only test your singing skills, but also your creative ability. I hope you can surprise us."
Xie Qingyu smiled slightly and gave the instructors a positive answer.
Holding the microphone tightly in his hand, he glanced at the contestants and mentors in the audience.
The next few minutes will determine whether he can gain a foothold on this stage.
---
As the music started, the lights on the stage gradually dimmed, leaving only a few beams of soft light shining on Xie Qingyu.
His voice sounded slowly, with a unique charm.
(The night is like a boundless sea,
We stood in the corner,
The song drifted on the wind,
The beating rhythm is like a heartbeat.
Even if only one light is on,
And brave enough.)
The stage performance was extremely infectious, spreading the song’s deep and intense emotions throughout the entire space.
It seemed to bring everyone into a quiet and peaceful night.
The contestants in the audience listened quietly, and someone whispered, "The voice tells a story..."
(Day and night, we'll keep fighting,
Looking for glimmers of light in the darkness.
Day and night, we'll keep shining,
Even if there is only a little hope.
From being ignored to shining star,
Every light is our strength.
Day and night, we'll keep rising,
Until the world applauds us,
Like stars lighting up the night sky.)
This was written by Xie Qingyu when NOVA-X led the members to participate in a roadshow shortly after their debut.
It was dark at the time, and there were a lot of people and it was very lively, but no one came specifically for them.
Everyone was singing and dancing with all their might.
Finally—someone in the dark crowd flashed a camera for them.
A...
Two...
More and more flashes.
Gradually, people began to shout out their group name and their own names, cheering for them!
Later, no matter how big the stage he stood on, Xie Qingyu would never forget the shining stars of the roadshow that night.
………
(In the silence, we found our voice,
In the darkness, we made our choice.
Every light, every sound,
Turns the lost into the found.
We were strangers in the crowd,
But now we're standing proud.)
When it came to the chorus, he closed his eyes slightly and frowned slightly, as if he wanted to condense all his emotions into the singing, and every vibrato carried the waves of his heart.
The contestants in the audience were also infected by his emotions and swayed their bodies gently to the rhythm.
The instructors' expressions also became focused.
Li Zhiqiu nodded slightly, with approval in his eyes.
Lu Chuan showed a smile of appreciation and approval for the first time during the performance.
………
(Day and night, we'll keep fighting,
Finding glimmers of light in the darkness
Day and night, we'll keep shining,
Even if there is only a little hope
From being ignored to shining star,
Every light is our strength
Day and night, we'll keep rising,
Until the world applauds us
The starlight that night will always be in my heart
No matter how far or long the future is, we will never forget
Day and night, we'll keep rising,
Until the world applauds us.)
When the last line of the lyrics fell, the audience fell into a brief silence, and then broke into thunderous applause.
Leo even jumped up from his seat and might have fallen off if a contestant next to him hadn't pulled him back.
Xie Qingyu stood on the stage, took a deep breath, and bowed slightly to express his gratitude to the mentors and contestants who were applauding and cheering for him.
---
"Xie Qingyu, I really like your original song and your unique way of performing it." Li Zhiqiu picked up the microphone with approval in his tone.
"You are a poet who can express the emotions of your songs. It's hard to believe that I would see these qualities of a true singer here in a green contestant."
"Not only is the song melodious, but the lyrics are powerful as well."
After Li Zhiqiu finished his comments, Lu couldn't wait to take over the conversation.
"I'm amazed by your songwriting talent. This song is not only beautiful, but also tells a story that people can relate to.
I hope there will be opportunities for cooperation in the future.”
Xie Qingyu bowed again, with a sincere attitude: "Thank you teachers for your evaluation."
---
Next, the instructors gave Xie Qingyu the opportunity to take an additional test.
He chose a rap performance called "Carnival of Shadows".
These lyrics were copied from the end of the original "Xie Qingyu" diary. They are not very famous and are relatively niche.
After searching and listening online, I found that this song has a unique style, full of weirdness and gorgeousness.
It is extremely difficult to sing, and the original performer's pronunciation is very distinctive. It should be a song that the original "Xie Qingyu" liked very much.
Xie Qingyu studied hard for several days. It was very difficult to not deviate too much from the original song and lose the characteristics of the song, but also to perform in his own style.
Also, although the copyright fee for this song is lower because it is a niche song, he still cannot afford it. Now he can sing it on credit with the program team.
That is to say, you apply first. If there is an additional test, you will naturally have to pay the copyright fee. But if your performance is average or there is no additional test, then you will not get it.
After all, those who pass the auditions are not only contestants from companies, nor do they all have the ability to compose original music. If the contestants cannot pay the copyright fees, they naturally have to find a way to open a channel.
Otherwise, would you just stand on the stage and recite poetry in your first performance?
The music started and he lowered his voice. The young man's vocal tract was still developing, so his voice was low and slightly hoarse, which instantly caught everyone's attention.
(Wee to the carnival, where the mirrors lie,
Where the stars eat the sky, and the clocks never die.
Step into the madness, where the shadows play,
And the music of the night will lead you astray.)
His pronunciation is clear and rhythmic, giving the song "Carnival of Shadows" his own unique style.
The contestants in the audience were listening intently, and some of them sighed quietly: "Even his rap is so strong, he's simply not human..."
………
(Oh, the lights are too bright, but the dark feels right,
In this twisted wonderland of endless night.
The violins scream, and the trumpets cry,
As the shadows rise to claim the sky.)
When entering the chorus, Xie Qingyu's voice suddenly became passionate, bringing everyone into a world full of madness and chaos.
The instructors' expressions also became focused, and MC Ray couldn't help but stand up, raise his hands, and move to the rhythm.
………
(Wee to the Carnival of Shadows,
Where the freaks and the fiends are the heroes.
The music's a spell, and the dance never ends,
In this labyrinth of madness, where reality bends.)
When the last line of the lyrics fell, the audience burst into warm applause again.
MC Ray ran onto the stage and gave Xie Qingyu a hug: "That's great! We must perform together on stage together if we have the chance!"
The other instructors also gave high praise. Qu Qinghuan said with a smile:
“You are very talented, whether it’s your songwriting, rap or your stage performance.
Every moment is full of charm, as if the whole stage belongs to you as long as you are there."
---
In the end, the mentors unanimously gave an A grade. Xie Qingyu became the sixth member of Class A on the first stage.
The contestants in the audience cheered and applauded for him, and some people screamed in strange ways in their seats, making the people next to them laugh.
"Xie Qingyu's talent is really too strong. Didn't he say he was self-taught? Even with a teacher, I still ended up like this. Sigh—"
"Who says it's not true? It's true that you have to compare and throw away the goods."
Xie Qingyu just smiled when he heard these discussions. In fact, it was not a talent at all. It was the brilliance of tears and sweat left under the dim lights of countless practice rooms.
When he returned to his seat, contestants kept greeting him and expressed their desire to get to know him.
Xie Qingyu smiled back at all the contestants and continued to enjoy the following stage performance.
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