Hong Kong singer-songwriter Gareth.T (湯令山) secured the highly coveted Ultimate Song Award at the 2025 Commercial Radio Ultimate Song Chart Awards ceremony held on January 1, for his breakout hit, “Singing Love Songs with My Back.” The artist and his team made a memorable entrance, mirroring the song’s theme and the playful presentation of presenter Jan Lamb, acknowledging the challenges and creative inspiration drawn from past emotional experiences.
The annual awards show, a benchmark event in the Cantopop calendar, saw Gareth.T claim the evening’s premier honor following the immense popularity of “Singing Love Songs with My Back.” The presentation itself was noteworthy: veteran radio host and comedian Jan Lamb appeared onstage in a sharp dark suit and sunglasses, turning his back to the audience to “present with his back”—a direct, humorous nod to the winning song’s title.
Embracing the visual concept, Gareth.T and his production team accepted the award wearing matching black leather jackets. Each jacket featured lyrics from the winning track printed across the back. They further committed to the theme by jointly putting on sunglasses before performing an excerpt of the celebrated piece.
In his acceptance speech, Gareth.T reflected on the three-year gap since his last appearance on the Ultimate Song Award stage. He emphasized the personal and professional growth achieved during this period, noting that he had met new people and gained valuable experiences. Addressing his dedicated fanbase, he expressed profound gratitude for their continued support, acknowledging that their enthusiasm fuels his career.
The artist, known for his introspective lyrics, suggested that the song itself conveyed the messages he wished to share. He then delivered a poignant, defining line that offered insight into his creative process. “Thank you for the heartbreak,” he stated simply, “which gave me the opportunity to sing love songs with my back.” This sentiment highlights how life’s setbacks are often transformed into compelling artistic output.
Gareth.T’s victory signals his increasingly influential position within the regional music scene. The Ultimate Song Award is not just a recognition of commercial success but also of artistic merit and broadcast recognition across Hong Kong. His ability to fuse catchy melodies with deeply personal lyrics has resonated strongly with contemporary listeners, cementing his status among the genre’s leading talents.
The performance and subsequent acceptance speech provided both entertainment and a deeper dive into the artist’s journey. This win is expected to further boost the visibility of “Singing Love Songs with My Back” internationally and set a high bar for musical innovation in the coming year. His success underscores the powerful connection between vulnerability, resilience, and creative achievement in contemporary entertainment.
