HONG KONG — The final 10 contestants of the popular singing competition Middle-Aged Voice 4 gathered at a shopping mall on Saturday to mark the announcement of their grand finale, scheduled for August 23 at the Kai Tak Sports Park. The event drew hundreds of cheering fans, as well as former contestants and the show’s host, who offered advice and encouragement.
The competition, which targets singers aged 35 and older, has introduced a new scoring format this season. Contestant Zhou Zhikang — who attended with his wife and two daughters — explained that the finals will be determined by a “cumulative ranking points” system across five rounds. Three rounds have already been recorded. “I’m trying to accumulate enough points to secure a spot in the finale,” Zhou said. He promised to shed his usual gentle image and surprise audiences with a fresh look.
Zhou, currently filming the new sitcom Love Home: Three Generations of Sweets, admitted health concerns could affect his performance. “Maybe it’s the weather plus lack of rest — I’ve had a slight asthma flare-up recently,” he said. “Back in secondary school, I once had an attack onstage and couldn’t sing at all. I hope it doesn’t happen again.” He is now taking traditional Chinese medicine to regulate his condition and juggling rehearsal, filming, and rest.
Another finalist, Xu Meiqi, turned 39 just before the event. At the close of the press conference, the crowd and the other nine contestants surprised her with a birthday cake and a sing-along of “Happy Birthday.” Visibly moved, Xu wept onstage. “I’ve never had more than 100 people sing to me in public. I’m easily emotional, so I couldn’t hold back,” she said. She shares a July birthday with emcee Zheng Yanfeng, and both received warm wishes from fans.
Xu and fellow finalist Chen Xupei are both married but have developed a close friendship. They posed together without hesitation, arms around each other’s shoulders, and said their spouses are also well acquainted, so no rumors of impropriety are expected. Chen, a front-runner in the competition, recently injured his foot and had to use crutches during recorded rounds. While his physical therapy is progressing, he now faces a new concern. “I’ve noticed my voice has thickened a bit — not yet a nodule, but I need to take extra care of my vocal cords before the finale,” he said. The injury had left him feeling discouraged, he added, but fellow Middle-Aged Voice 4 contestants offered support. “I’m grateful for their heartfelt encouragement when I was down.”
The show, which began in 2022, has become a cultural phenomenon in Hong Kong and among Cantonese-speaking audiences worldwide, celebrated for giving older amateur singers a second chance at the spotlight. The August 23 finale will be broadcast live from the Kai Tak Sports Park, a newly opened venue expected to draw thousands of spectators. Organizers have hinted at surprise guest performances and a potential crossover with other popular singing programs in the region.
As the finalists prepare for the decisive night, they are also dealing with the physical and emotional toll of competing while managing day jobs, family obligations, and health issues. For many, the journey has already been a victory. “This show proves it’s never too late to pursue a dream,” said host Che Yuen-yuen, who reminded contestants to “sing from the heart and enjoy the moment.”
