Hoi Yi, a soprano performer from the talent series Middle‑aged Good Voice 3, discussed her difficulties breaking into pop music and a rebellious teenage adventure during an interview on Metro Info Radio’s Lunch ICU. The singer, who has been with Emperor Entertainment for three years without a major pop release, admitted to struggling with the transition from opera to pop and revealed she once stole her passport to fly alone to Taiwan.
From Opera to Pop: Technical and Personal Hurdles
Trained as a classical soprano, Hoi Yi is accustomed to filling large concert halls without amplification, using her voice to rise above full orchestras. Switching to pop required a different approach: intimate, subtle communication with a microphone. This shift in muscle memory and aesthetic left her frustrated initially. “In opera you project; in pop you confess to the mic,” she explained.
A major jolt came during an early pop show when, lacking experience with stage monitors, she could not hear herself. After a painful performance, she broke down, declaring, “I never want to sing pop again; I’ll stick with opera in Europe.” It took two to three years of perseverance to rebuild her confidence, and she now insists on finding her own style rather than forcing a mainstream identity.
Teenage Rebellion: Passport to Taiwan
Hoi Yi also shed her “elegant lady” image to share a story from her youth. Raised in a strict household without a house key until her mid‑teens, she craved freedom. At 17, she took her passport from her mother’s bag, pretended to go camping with friends, and flew to Taiwan. The trip ended abruptly when she lost her wallet, forcing a call to her father. Her mother’s wise response: “We know you love to have fun. From now on, you can go, but at least tell us where—in case something happens, we can find you.”
Mentor’s Influence: Advice from Cheung Hok
Grateful for the support of veteran singer Cheung Hok, Hoi Yi recounted how he lent her his private studio for rehearsals and personally adjusted the audio system. His most lasting advice: “No matter how far you go in your career, when you return home, you are still just an ordinary Hong Kong citizen. Don’t see yourself as a star.”
Future Ambitions: From Opera to Adventure
Describing herself as a “horse without reins,” Hoi Yi is eager to explore new experiences. She is open to comedic roles and has volunteered to host extreme travel shows, jokingly noting she’ll eat bugs but not super‑spicy food. With a resilient heart, she aims to blend her classical training with modern pop while staying true to herself.
Hoi Yi’s journey from opera houses to pop stages encapsulates the difficulties artists face when crossing genres and the resilience needed to overcome setbacks. Her candidness offers inspiration for those navigating career shifts, reminding listeners that vulnerability and hard work can lead to profound growth. As she continues to define her musical identity, her story resonates with anyone pushing creative boundaries.
