Hong Kong – The popular talent competition, Midlife, Sing and Shine 4, saw an extraordinary surge of talent this week, with four contestants earning the competition’s highest accolade—the coveted “Five Lights” designation—during its tenth episode, broadcast on Sunday. Building on the momentum of the preceding week, the latest performances featured powerful vocals, dramatic stage presence, and deep emotional resonance, securing direct advancement for all top scorers.
The episode, which highlighted the continuing journey of mature aspiring singers, demonstrated an exceptionally high standard, prompting judges to bestow rare unanimous praise upon several participants.
International Flair and Stage Mastery Secure Perfection
Among the night’s standouts was Vicki Hui, a 38-year-old contestant hailing from Scotland. Performing “Dark Night, Never Come Again,” Hui commanded the stage with compelling energy and theatricality, effortlessly earning the five-light score. The judging panel lauded her holistic approach. Judge Jan Cheung praised her dramatic delivery, stating, “You supplied exactly the five lights we require. It felt like true drama. I felt that energy, which is crucial because we connect with it.”
Fellow judge Hailee echoed the sentiment, complimenting the performance’s comprehensive and believable nature: “Its completeness was extremely high, and it was so believable. I know you believe it.” Even veteran musical powerhouse Maria Cordero offered a culinary comparison, calling the performance “a beautifully double-boiled dish of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.” Perhaps the highest praise came from Taiwanese singer Viwi Tam, who asserted, “To me, this is the best Five Lights awarded today.”
Elevated Vocals Fulfill Touching Tribute
Another performer to achieve a flawless score was 37-year-old vocal coach Yuen Shuai. His rendition of “I Love You So Much” served as a moving tribute to the late veteran host of the iconic Hong Kong program Enjoy Yourself Tonight, Uncle Tang. Shuai revealed that it was Tang’s encouragement that inspired him to join the competition, noting, “Master Tang told me, ‘Why don’t you join Midlife, Sing and Shine 4?’ It was his encouragement, and I hope to fulfill his last wish.”
Shuai’s performance was marked by meticulous emotional pacing, culminating in an explosive, powerful high note in the final sections. His stability and control ultimately sealed his five-light success. Judge Ben Chow singled out the complexity of the arrangement. “The most difficult part of the song to handle is those seven lines in the later chorus,” Chow explained. “You completely designed how to ascend those steps, tier by tier.” Chow was so impressed he bestowed a nickname, affectionately calling the contestant “General Yuen” and jokingly warning his peers, “You can change your nickname to ‘General Yuen’; everyone else can now avoid this friend.”
Surprising Progress from Familiar Faces
The episode also featured the appearances of celebrity contestants known by their stage monikers, “Lion King” and “White-Browed Eagle King.” The latter, performing “If One Day I Could Forget,” delivered a surprisingly polished performance that was also rewarded with the five-light distinction. Online commentators quickly noted the Eagle King’s significant improvement, with one netizen remarking, “I didn’t expect the Eagle King to be somewhat of a surprise. Congratulations on earning five lights and advancing.”
The intense tenth episode, marked by emotional performances and technical precision, sets a high bar for future rounds. As the competition progresses, the focus shifts to how the remaining contestants will manage the elevated pressure to sustain such consistency and dramatic flair under the watchful eye of the judges and Hong Kong audiences.
