Lede
Hong Kong girl group MYNT made a surprise appearance Tuesday night at TVB’s “Midlife Be Good Voice 4” finals, with member Ni Jiawen unveiling a dramatic short hairstyle she adopted for an upcoming drama role, while the duo said they attended the event primarily to study the live performance skills of veteran contestants.
New Look for New Role
Ni Jiawen, appearing alongside bandmate Ni Yuelin, revealed that she cut her hair short specifically for her part in the forthcoming series “Exorcist Express.” The actress said the transformation felt refreshing after experimenting with multiple looks this year, though public reaction has been mixed.
“I wouldn’t have cut it short if it weren’t for the role,” Jiawen told reporters during the red-carpet interview. “So I consider it a good experiment.”
Far from regretting the change, she expressed genuine excitement about the chop. Her hair had already been dyed blonde, she explained, and trimming it will help it grow back faster. For a compelling character requirement, she said she would even consider shaving her head completely.
“Hair always grows back,” Jiawen said. “I’m not worried about it not regrowing—I’m still single, so that consideration isn’t on my mind.”
Ni Yuelin joked that a bald head would actually be easier to maintain than very short hair—just a quick wipe and no shampooing, plus the freedom to switch wigs for different looks.
Learning from the Veterans
Both members emphasized that the real purpose of their visit to the talent competition was to absorb performance techniques from the contestants, many of whom are older and more seasoned singers.
“We know our vocal skills still have room for improvement, especially in live singing,” Jiawen admitted. “Watching the participants perform on stage tonight taught us a lot, and we can also learn about their stage presence.”
Yuelin echoed the sentiment, adding that the group plans to release a slow ballad in September—their first song without a dance routine.
“We can’t just stand there like wooden figures,” she said with a laugh.
Broader Implications for Hong Kong Idol Scene
MYNT’s openness about their technical shortcomings reflects a growing trend among younger Hong Kong artists to prioritize live vocal ability over flashy choreography and image. The group’s willingness to sacrifice long hair for a role and to sit in the audience as students rather than stars signals a professional humility that industry observers say is essential for long-term success in the competitive Cantopop market.
As they prepare for their ballad release, the duo will continue to refine their craft—perhaps with shorter hair, a lighter head, and a lot more practice.
For more on Hong Kong entertainment, read about the rise of talent shows reshuffling the local music industry.
