HONG KONG — The latest episode of the popular singing competition “Middle-Aged Voice 4” aired Thursday with a high-stakes “K-Pop Night” round that saw contestant Wu Yiwei claim the highest score of the evening, securing his position as the episode’s MVP with a near-perfect 94 points.
The episode, which featured guest judge Jade Kwan alongside veteran musicians Sang Hang-sang and Ho Yuen-ying, determined the first round of cumulative rankings for the final ten contestants. Wu’s electrifying performance of Faye Wong’s classic “Blooming in the Desert” captivated both judges and audience alike, drawing praise for its emotional depth and technical demands.
A Performance That Left Judges Speechless
Wu’s rendition required not only mastering the song’s extensive vocal range but also navigating rapid emotional shifts. Beginning in a stationary stance, he gradually moved across the stage, crouching and eventually unleashing powerful high notes that judges described as “almost manic.” Cheung Ka-tim applauded Wu’s soulful interpretation, noting that “just watching your body language is already so enjoyable.”
Jade Kwan admitted she had never heard such a compelling male version of the song, calling his attitude and groove “flawless.” Maria Cordero, known locally as Fat Mama, highlighted Wu’s infectious energy: “He enjoys the stage, so we naturally enjoy the stage.”
Judge Split Over Top Contestant
The evening’s most contentious moment came during Yau Suk-ching’s performance. Dressed in a dazzling sequined gown, Yau delivered a stirring rendition of Karen Mok’s “If I Didn’t Have You,” daringly raising the key by eight notes. She earned 93 points overall, but a sharp divide emerged between judges.
Chow Kwok-fung was visibly moved, awarding her an exceptional 94 points. “She burst through with such skill and emotion that I believed it wasn’t technique—it was genuine feeling,” he said. “It made this cold-hearted judge want to cry.”
Cheung, however, identified a critical weakness. “Your mid-range to low-mid vocals aren’t your strongest,” he pointed out, adding that the repeated “Hey Hey” sections early in the song required more controlled breath work to capture the intended mood.
Other Standouts and Surprises
Choi Mat-kit, dubbed the “Little Wild Cat,” delivered a powerhouse version of A-Lin’s emotionally demanding breakup anthem “Sin of Heartbreak.” Her explosive vocals earned her 93 points, with Chow granting her a rare 95. “A-Lin’s song carries an enormous energy load—I worried you wouldn’t sustain it, but you completely owned it,” he remarked.
Chan Yuk-pui, performing while ill, tackled the notoriously difficult “King of K-Pop” but struggled with pitch issues. Fat Mama noted his off-key opening, while Hai Yi observed that his lowest notes wavered, likely from nervousness.
Hui Wan-nee closed the show as the final contestant, performing “How Can I Bear to Leave You” in an elegant white high-slit gown. Her ethereal delivery earned 90 points, with Cheung calling her “the dark horse of the competition.” Chow added that the song required “extreme gentleness and extreme collapse simultaneously—a difficult contradiction—but I truly hope to see you in the finals.”
What’s Next
With cumulative rankings now underway, the competition intensifies as contestants vie for spots in the grand finale. The judges’ split scores and unexpected standout performances suggest that the remaining episodes will deliver further surprises as “Middle-Aged Voice 4” continues to showcase that vocal talent only deepens with age.
