The prestigious 2025 Commercial Radio Ultimate Song Chart Awards presentation unfolded on Thursday night at AsiaWorld-Expo, honoring top musical talent across Hong Kong. The annual gala saw established stars like MC Cheung Tinfu, Gin Lee, and Jay Fung take home accolades, with a significant moment dedicated to Jason Chan, whose emotional acceptance speech underscored the personal journey behind his hit song, and the independent music scene’s rising prominence, highlighted by the debut win for band The Hertz.
Jason Chan Secures Top Ten Spot with Emotional Commitment
Among the artists recognized with one of the coveted Commercial Radio Ultimate Song Chart Top Ten Songs of the Year awards, Jason Chan took the sixth spot for his moving track, “The Future I See.” Visibly choked with emotion upon receiving the honor, Chan candidly confessed that he had never “wanted an award this much” due to his deep personal connection to the song. He described the anxious wait as the 10th through 7th places were announced, admitting he had almost resigned himself to disappointment before his name was called for the sixth position. Chan clarified that the song is less a prediction and more a solemn promise to accompany his fans through all of life’s unpredictable moments, both triumphs and challenges. He dedicated the award to his wife, daughter, and musical collaborators.
Independent Band The Hertz Breaks Through with Perseverance
A pivotal moment in the evening was the major breakthrough for independent band The Hertz, who clinched the fifth spot on the Top Ten chart with their track, “Reverse Journey.” Their acceptance speech provided a rare glimpse into the practical struggles faced by non-mainstream artists. The band members revealed they often navigate major industry events, including the awards ceremony itself, by riding public transport alongside general attendees, often due to a lack of organized transportation typically afforded to major label artists.
Despite the hurdles inherent in independent music production, the band expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to pursue their passion. “Doing independent music is difficult,” one member stated, highlighting their decision last year to self-fund overseas performances purely for self-improvement and artistic growth. They reserved special thanks for their fanbase, whose support and acceptance proved crucial to their journey. The Hertz’s win signals growing validation for artists operating outside the traditional studio system in the competitive Hong Kong music landscape.
Charting the Course for Hong Kong Pop Music
The awards ceremony, often viewed as a bellwether for Cantopop trends, showcased a diverse range of successful artists, including Dear Jane and Phil Lam, who also secured spots on the Top Ten list. The event not only celebrated chart success but also affirmed the industry’s commitment to recognizing both established heavyweights and emerging, self-sustaining talent. The emotional narratives and candid acceptance speeches offered valuable insight into the dedication required for artistic longevity and creative freedom. The continuing success of both mainstream and independent acts suggests a healthy, evolving ecosystem within the Hong Kong music scene, focused on meaningful output and strong fan connection.
