Commercial Radio Hong Kong (CRHK) has unveiled the final five nominees for the highly coveted “My Favorite Song” accolade at the upcoming 2025 CRHK Ultimate Song Chart Awards, confirming a strong foothold for the city’s new generation of male artists. Scheduled for New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025, at the AsiaWorld-Expo, the announcement today solidified a roster featuring popular members of the boy band MIRROR, alongside other rising stars who have commanded the charts over the past year.
The shortlist for the Ultimate Song Chart Awards’ most audience-driven prize showcases five tracks, all submitted by leading young male vocalists. These final five songs—listed alphabetically by traditional Chinese stroke order—are: Anson Lo’s “Lemonade,” Keung To’s “On a Sunny Day,” Terence Lam’s “April Story,” Ian Chan’s “A Couple Chosen by Billions of Stars,” and MC Cheung’s “Liar.” This list underscores the shift in Cantopop towards high-profile idols and contemporary ballads.
Idol Power Versus Indie Credibility
The nominations highlight a competitive showdown between the powerful fan bases of MIRROR members and successful soloists. Three members of the mega-popular group—Anson Lo, Keung To, and Ian Chan—secured their places, reflecting their immense influence on popular culture and record sales. They are set to compete directly against Terence Lam, known for his songwriting prowess and critical acclaim, and MC Cheung, an equally dynamic vocalist who initially rose to fame through the same talent show circuit that produced many of today’s stars.
Notably absent from the final count were several tracks that had shown initial promise in earlier voting rounds. Gin Lee’s “Byakuyakō” (Journey Under the Midnight Sun) was eliminated, despite making it into the top eight contenders. Similarly, Edan Lui’s “Pure Silver Bullet” and Gareth T’s “Singing with My Back” did not garner enough votes to progress to the final stage, rounding out what was a fiercely contested selection process.
The Crucial Role of Live Audience Votes
Unlike many categories at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards, which are determined by industry metrics and radio airplay, the winner of “My Favorite Song” is uniquely chosen by the public. The deciding factor for this prestigious honor will be an immediate, live vote conducted among the audience attending the award ceremony at the AsiaWorld-Expo on the night of January 1st. This method ensures that the final result is a true reflection of the live energy and dedication of fans present at the event, generating significant anticipation for the evening.
The ceremony is widely regarded as one of Hong Kong’s most important annual music events, setting the benchmark for commercial success and public adoration in the Cantopop scene. The final selection process not only elevates the winning artist but also provides a definitive barometer of public musical trends, signaling the continued ascendance of these young male vocalists who are now shaping the future soundscape of Asian pop music.
