The competitive landscape of The Voice of the Middle-Aged 4 intensified this week as the third episode, “Decisive Battle in the Greater Bay Area,” aired, ushering two contestants into the elite five-light circle and setting a high benchmark for vocal talent. The program, which showcases mature, unsigned singers, highlighted both seasoned professionals and compelling newcomers, demonstrating a rich tapestry of musical skill.
The episode, broadcast recently, centered on exceptional performances that drew near-unanimous praise from the judging panel. Among the standouts were Zhu Zhu, who delivered a powerful rendition of “If Not For You,” and Ray Xiaolei, a 35-year-old online music host who captivated the judges with his performance of “The Only One.” Both artists achieved the coveted five-light score, signaling technical perfection and emotional resonance.
Ray Xiaolei’s performance, in particular, left a significant impression. His vocal command was evident from the opening note, prompting a rare and enthusiastic response from the typically reserved panel. Judge Viann Kuo, visibly moved, was the first to activate her light. “I am overjoyed!” Kuo exclaimed. “The word that comes to mind is ‘impeccable.’ That comfortable feeling you create starts from the very first line, drawing us fully into the song with you.”
Veteran music critic and judge Zhou Guofeng, often noted for his strict scoring, offered effusive praise for Xiaolei’s technique. “I have seen several regional qualifiers this season with fantastic voices, but yours is beyond comparison,” Guofeng stated. “I would describe it as approaching high-fidelity, audiophile quality. Your voice is exquisite. Given your background as a music host, your control over your vocals is clearly excellent.”
Judge Justin Cheung also commended the overall quality of the evening’s performances. “It is wonderful to hear two beautiful voices back-to-back, one female and one male,” he noted. “You don’t over-use technique; you naturally deliver the song to us.” Maria Cordero echoed the sentiment, praising the effortlessness of the delivery, emphasizing that the contestant “sang without needing to force it; it was very graceful.”
Beyond the technically proficient vocalists, the episode also featured a spotlight on original songwriting. Huang Yihui, a 39-year-old music producer, presented his self-composed track, “Dawn Hong Kong.” While he secured a respectable three lights, his performance resonated deeply with judge Heidi Lee, who confessed she was immediately struck by the authenticity of his voice.
“I truly love your voice because it sounds so honest and sincere,” Lee remarked. She further shared a personal connection to the song’s theme of late-night hours, adding, “I really appreciate that you wrote a song for a nocturnal Hong Kong, since I keep late hours myself. I think it creates a great vibe.” Guofeng also highlighted the importance of originality, noting that the attitude reflected in a singer’s composition is vital for making a lasting impression on audiences and the industry.
As the competition progresses, the high standards set by these emerging “Kings and Queens of Beautiful Voices” signal a challenging road ahead for the remaining competitors. The show continues to demonstrate the depth of talent within the mature demographic, proving that exceptional vocal artistry often improves with age and experience.
