United in harmony

Widening career pathways

The participation of Vietnamese pop idol Chi Pu, 30, has attracted a significant number of Vietnamese viewers to the show.

Chi has long worked as a model, singer-dancer and actress and enjoys a strong fan base in her country. Currently, she is making a name for herself in the broader Asian entertainment industry.

She considers joining the show to be an opportunity to learn from other participants and the production unit.

"There are sisters on the show who are talented in singing, dancing and acting," she says. "I also got to know how the staff produce the show, how they arrange everything and how they take care of each participant. This is something I can learn from them and take back to Vietnam to improve my work."

Chinese pop songs are popular in Vietnam, where many artists perform covers that are greatly enjoyed by local audiences. Being exposed to Chinese songs from a young age, Chi has developed an appreciation for their deep and meaningful lyrics.

As she grew up, she found that Chinese songs, which usually depict everyday life and evoke genuine emotions, could easily resonate with her. She believes that there are similarities between Chinese and Vietnamese pop songs.

"Learning from other countries' cultures and music styles is necessary, as the new generations tend to listen to music from around the globe," Chi says.

During the show, Chi performed a hit Vietnamese song called See Tinh alongside three other participants.

"I'd like to sing more Vietnamese songs in China to pique people's curiosity about Vietnamese music," she says.

She has recently signed up for an online Chinese language course, preparing for possible future engagements in China.

Participating in this program may serve as a pivotal moment for Japanese singer Maria, propelling her into the mainstream music market. She used to be active in the animation, comics and games industry, where she often performed theme songs for genre titles.

Seven years ago, a single by her three-member girl group Garnidelia, called Paradise Pure Land, went viral on Bilibili, a prominent gathering place for anime and manga enthusiasts in China, resulting in numerous covers and dance renditions. That marked a significant turning point in her music career.

"From that time onward, my life took a completely different trajectory, opening up many opportunities for me to perform overseas," she says. "Without the success of the song, I might not have had the chance to participate in Riding the Wind 2023."

Expressing her gratitude toward the Chinese fans who have shown love and support for her, Maria released a song called Togen Renka in 2017. This special track, for which she wrote the lyrics, was dedicated to her Chinese fan base.

With its Chinese-style arrangement, incorporating traditional instruments, and vocals partly in Chinese, Maria aimed to create a heartfelt connection with the audience.

Her adorable stage presence, impressive vocal abilities and dedicated attitude have captured the hearts of many viewers of the reality show. She once even topped the audience popularity vote among all the participants.

"I'm so happy to see that more people know my name and enjoy my music. I hope that more people can come and attend my concerts, sharing the musical journey together with me," she says.

In August and September, Maria will embark on a concert tour in China, including cities such as Hong Kong, Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Chengdu in Sichuan province, Chongqing, Beijing and Shanghai.