Hong Kong’s highly anticipated singing contest, Midlife, Sing! 4, reached a dramatic peak on Sunday night with the airing of its fourth episode, “The Battle of the TVB Artists Circuit.” The broadcast captivated audiences as masked celebrity contestants faced the judging panel, resulting in a powerhouse performance that secured a perfect tally while simultaneously sending two established actors home in emotional fashion.
Perfect Pitch and Unmasked Emotion
The segment’s spotlight centered squarely on the mysterious “Penguin Man,” whose flawless rendition of the song “Touch” earned the evening’s sole perfect score—a coveted five-lamp approval from the judges. The panel lauded the anonymity’s technical brilliance and composure. Veteran singer Maria Cordero (Fat Mama) praised the contestant as genuinely “capable,” while Hai’Er noted the Penguin Man’s ability to maintain effortless control even under the intense pressure of the competition stage.
Adding a physiological dimension to the critique, judge Chow Kwok-fung likened the singer’s vocal cord flexibility to a deep “stretch,” emphasizing the natural, relaxed quality of the performance. Panelist Calvin Choy observed a striking similarity between the Penguin Man’s tone and that of popular Cantopop star Leo Ku, leading host Priscilla Ku (Eilleen Char) to conduct a playful, unmasking-adjacent test to verify the singer’s calm demeanor: checking for sweaty palms.
Another prominent masked contender, the “Lion King,” sparked significant online debate due to his highly distinctive vocal signature, leading many viewers to speculate that he is actor Joey Law.
Farewell to the Stage: Two Actors Eliminated
While some contestants soared, the night proved to be the end of the road for two TVB artists. Fanny Yip Hoi-yan, disguised as the “Panda Baby,” delivered a performance of “Why Does He Leave You,” but palpable anxiety hampered her delivery, earning her a disappointing single lamp and immediate elimination.
Upon revealing her identity, Yip was overcome with emotion, tearfully admitting that stage fright prevented her from demonstrating her true capabilities. “I was incredibly nervous,” she stated, “I never expected to receive only one lamp. Honestly, I hesitated about even coming here; I generally prefer to stick to my modest path. But my husband told me, ‘Don’t—I have 120% confidence in you, more than you have in yourself.'” Her vulnerable exit underscored the high emotional stakes of the celebrity-driven competition.
The second elimination of the evening involved actress Yuen Yi (Yuen Ngai), known as the “Monkey Spirit.” Despite her elimination, Yuen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform on such a prestigious platform. She thanked the judges for their constructive feedback, vowing to improve her craft, and urged viewers to remember her dedication.
The Power of Anonymity in Performance
The masked format of Midlife, Sing! continues to generate buzz, not just through the mystery of identifying familiar faces, but by creating an environment where raw vocal ability becomes the sole criteria for judgment. As evidenced by the anonymous Penguin Man’s perfect score, the format allows established actors, who may be better known for their dramatic talents, to compete purely on musical merit.
This week’s episode highlighted the sharp division between technical mastery, as displayed by the high-scoring masked singers, and the unpredictable impact of stage nerves—a common vulnerability even for highly recognizable professionals. Audiences are now left eagerly anticipating which celebrity will be unmasked next, and whether any contestant can match the “Penguin Man’s” exemplary performance.
