A trio of respected Hong Kong musicians, Albert Au, Bill Ng, and Dan James, will collaborate next January to highlight the historical importance and enduring appeal of classic English-language songs in the region. The concert, dubbed “Albert Au’s Third Time Lucky English Classics Concert 2026,” is scheduled for January 16 and 17 at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Jockey Club Auditorium. The artists shared details of the highly anticipated event during a press conference held on Tuesday.

This marks the third consecutive year that folk legend Albert Au is hosting an all-English repertoire concert, a tradition he views as vital for preserving a key aspect of local music history.

Reviving Hong Kong’s Musical Roots

Au, a veteran broadcaster and singer, emphasized that before Cantonese pop dominated the market, English songs were the soundtrack for generations growing up in Hong Kong. He notes that while live performances and opportunities to hear these tracks have diminished over recent decades, public interest remains strong.

“In the decades before Cantopop became prevalent, many of us grew up listening to English songs,” Au stated. “Now, the avenues and opportunities to hear those classics, especially in a live setting, are increasingly rare. My radio experience constantly confirms that a large audience still deeply appreciates the classic 70s and 80s English hits. The previous two concerts focusing exclusively on this genre were incredibly popular.”

Au credited the reality singing competition “Midlife, Sing!” (中年好聲音) with discovering his two new collaborators. He praised Bill Ng and Dan James for their maturity and emotional depth, qualities he believes are essential for interpreting classic English standards. He stressed that singing competence goes beyond mere language familiarity, requiring a deep connection cultivated from growing up immersed in the genre.

“It takes a specific background to truly convey the emotion of these songs,” Au explained. “The two gentlemen from ‘Midlife, Sing!’ are uniquely suited for this, and I am delighted we can share these songs that shaped our youth.”

A Collaborative Celebration

At the press event, the three artists gave a sneak peek of their synergy, performing a harmonious rendition of The Everly Brothers’ classic “Devoted to You.” The camaraderie was evident, particularly when Au playfully coached the younger Dan James on how to slightly crouch—a local term for adjusting one’s stance—to match the height of his bandmates for an impromptu photo opportunity.

Bill Ng, who is embarking on his sixth collaboration with Albert Au, expressed excitement about their continued partnership. “I am very thankful for Albert’s invitation,” Ng said. “Every time I work with him, I feel inspired. We share a deep love for English music, which makes our collaborations particularly enjoyable.”

For Dan James, this performance marks his debut collaboration with the legendary Au, an opportunity he views as a monumental honor.

“Mr. Au is a cornerstone of the music industry; his invitation to perform is a significant recognition of my work,” James commented. He also acknowledged Ng, or “Uncle Bill,” for encouraging him to participate in the singing competition, and thanked Au for serving as an on-site DJ and mentor during his time on the show. “I know I will learn an immense amount from both of them throughout this process.”

The concert is set to be a significant event for audiences nostalgic for the timeless English hits that played a defining role in Hong Kong’s pre-digital musical landscape, ensuring that these international standards continue to resonate with new and old generations alike.

Following the passing of his former wife, actress Barbie Hsu (known as Big S) in February, Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei appears to be entering a new chapter in his personal life, subtly confirming widely speculated news of his second wife’s pregnancy during a recent online broadcast. Wang, who married Mandy Ma (formerly known as Ma Xiaomei) last year, seemed to confirm that Ma is expecting when an audience member asked about his “pregnant wife,” fueling reports that the couple is preparing to welcome a new addition while jointly raising the two children from Wang’s previous marriage.

Wang Xiaofei and Mandy Ma registered their marriage in 2023, with Wang publicly stating their shared desire to have children. Speculation surrounding Ma’s potential pregnancy intensified recently after she was photographed in public displaying what appeared to be a slight abdominal swelling. She reportedly mentioned gaining three kilograms and experiencing fatigue, classic physical indicators often associated with early pregnancy. While neither Wang nor Ma has issued a formal statement regarding the persistent rumors, Wang’s unguarded comments during a recent live stream broadcast strongly suggested that a formal announcement may be imminent.

Slipping Up During Solo Broadcast

The illuminating moment occurred when Wang was conducting a solo live stream. An eagle-eyed viewer directly queried the entrepreneur regarding the whereabouts of his wife, referring to her explicitly as “your pregnant wife” (Ni jia yun fu). Without hesitation or correction, Wang promptly responded, “The pregnant woman is not here; the pregnant woman went out.”

He further detailed Ma’s activity, indicating her close involvement with his family: “She is outside accompanying the daughter!” This confirms Ma’s integration into the family, especially her role in caring for Wang’s two children, who relocated to Mainland China to live with Wang and Ma following their mother’s passing earlier this year. The transition has placed Ma, his new spouse, in the position of stepmother to Wang’s son and daughter.

Blended Families and Public Scrutiny

The entrepreneur’s public life, particularly his relationships and family dynamics, frequently draw intense scrutiny from mainland and Taiwanese media. The swift acknowledgment of Ma as the “pregnant woman,” despite the lack of official press release, is often interpreted by the highly engaged fan base as an undeniable confirmation.

Should Ma’s pregnancy be confirmed, it would mark a significant new phase for the newly formed blended family. Wang has openly committed to providing a stable environment for his children, and the arrival of a new sibling would further necessitate careful management and compassion for all family members involved.

As is common with prominent public figures, the announcement of a high-profile pregnancy often leads to immediate and widespread trending topics across social media platforms. The public eagerly awaits a formal announcement and further details from the couple as they prepare for this major life event, continuing to follow the complex and evolving narrative of one of the region’s most frequently discussed celebrity families.