Hong Kong pop idols Jiang Tao and Anson Lo have secured spots among the final five nominees for the coveted “My Favorite Male Singer” award at the annual Commercial Radio Hong Kong Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation, setting the stage for a competitive face-off against industry heavyweights. The popular Mirror members join veteran contender Hins Cheung, along with rising stars Terence Lam and MC Cheung Tinfu, in the highly anticipated race for the top music honor, underlining the burgeoning influence of the new generation of Canto-pop artists.
The nomination highlights the continued impact of both singers, who have galvanized a massive fanbase, often referred to as “Keung To’s fans” and “Lo’s church” for Anson Lo (known affectionately as “The Leader” or “Anson Lo”). When questioned about their prospects for securing the accolade, particularly in the event of their absence from the ceremony, both artists maintained a grounded perspective. Jiang Tao emphasized a “normal heart” mentality, expressing gratitude solely toward his supporters. Anson Lo echoed this sentiment, stating, “Whether I attend or not, I approach the award with a calm mindset. Winning would bring joy, but not winning won’t stop my progress.” Lo also briefly addressed a recent minor illness attributed to seasonal changes, assuring fans of his swift recovery and urging them not to worry.
Further demonstrating his dominant presence in the local music scene, Jiang Tao recently announced nine performances for his upcoming solo concert series at the AsiaWorld-Expo in December. This extensive run marks a record for the highest number of solo shows held by a member of the established boy band Mirror. While thanking supporters for enabling this achievement, Jiang Tao pledged an unwavering commitment to quality regardless of the number of performances.
The announcement sparked concerns among fans who struggled to secure tickets, raising speculation about the possibility of adding a tenth show. In response, Jiang Tao maintained his characteristic composure: “It doesn’t matter. It’s all about a normal heart, letting things happen naturally. I thank everyone; securing a ticket and attending is itself a form of destiny.”
The concert series promises unique collaborations, as Jiang Tao revealed plans to invite artists he wishes to work with as guest performers. In a teasing disclosure aimed at building anticipation, the singer cryptically announced, “Hello Kitty will be a guest performer.” When pressed if he would be dressing up as the iconic character, he added, “I am Hello Kitty; I don’t need to pretend. Details about the actual guests will remain a mystery for now.”
The nominations cap a significant year for both artists, solidifying their transition from group members to individual powerhouses capable of breaking venue records and commanding significant public attention. Their mutual focus on fan support and a humble outlook, even amid intense competition, sets a professional tone for the upcoming awards season, which serves as a crucial barometer for current trends in the competitive Canto-pop industry.
Expert Insight: The widespread support shown through voting campaigns for these awards underscores the power of actively engaged fan communities in shaping the trajectory of modern Asian pop music. Industry observers suggest that these public-voted awards often reflect mass appeal and commercial success more accurately than jury-selected prizes.