HONG KONG — The fourth season of the popular singing competition “Midlife Singing 4” aired its latest round of the “Top 10 Cumulative Ranking” series on Sunday night, with a special “Adaptation Song Night” that saw contestant Xu Yanni deliver a standout performance. Hong Kong actor and singer Patrick Tam served as guest judge for the episode, which featured 10 contestants vying for crucial points ahead of the final showdown.
The evening’s scores reflected a highly competitive field. Chen Xupei took the top spot with 93 points for his bold, gender-bending rendition of “Manjusaka,” a classic originally sung by a female artist. His dramatic stage presence and a revealing backless costume drew comparisons to Japanese icon Kenji Sawada from hosts Cheh Yuen-yuen and Chow Kwok-fung, who described his performance as “androgynous and mesmerizing.”
Xu Meiqi Breaks Through with Emotional Vulnerability
Known affectionately as “Crybaby Qi,” Xu Meiqi shed her usual theatrical style for a raw, heartfelt cover of Joey Yung’s “Love You More This Minute.” The shift paid off: she scored 92 points and was named the round’s Most Valuable Player. Guest judge Patrick Tam praised her ability to “move the audience through pure voice.” Host Chow Kwok-fung admitted being moved despite his usual reserve, singling out her phrasing on the line, “The sun is so bright today, how I miss you,” as capturing the true essence of longing. Xu’s emotional win sparked tears from fellow contestant Cai Mi-jie, whom Xu credited as her personal MVP.
Diverse Performances Showcase Range
The night featured a wide array of musical styles and risks:
- Yin Jingshun earned 92 points for an energetic cover of “Sighing,” while You Shuqing matched that score with a layered version of “Let Me Happy, Let Me Sorrow,” praised for conveying deep regret through controlled dynamics.
- Zheng Zhonghao took on Leslie Cheung’s upbeat “Electric Girl,” raising the key three times and engaging the audience up close, earning a high score from veteran singer Maria Cordero.
- Zheng Jiasheng closed the show with a dance-heavy performance of “Refuse to Play,” though Tam advised him to smooth his choreography for a more fluid, sensual delivery.
Finale Approaches with Star-Studded Judging Panel
The “Top 10 Cumulative Ranking” series will conclude on August 16, when the final seven contestants will be announced. The grand finale, titled “The Summit Battle,” is set for August 23 at the Kai Tak Sports Park’s Stadium, with legendary singers Hacken Lee and Eric Moo serving as guest judges.
As the competition narrows, contestants are pushing creative boundaries—from Chen Xupei’s flamboyant transformation to Xu Meiqi’s stripped-back sincerity. The season’s blend of technical skill and emotional storytelling continues to resonate with audiences, underscoring the show’s mission to celebrate midlife talent in the Chinese music industry.