A popular television music game show, Sing Money, kicked off its special “Celebrity Edition” on Sunday night, featuring acclaimed Hong Kong singer Julian Cheung, also known as Cheung Yu-chin, as its first contestant. The star successfully navigated a notoriously difficult song selection, securing the top cash prize of HK$30,000 for two fortunate viewers.
The special run of the show, hosted by veteran presenters Sammy and Eric Kwok, marks the Lunar New Year celebrations with a three-episode arc showcasing celebrities. Unlike the standard format, this edition sees participants competing not for personal gain, but to maximize the cash giveaway for the viewing audience. Achieving greater success across the show’s musical challenges directly translates to higher prize money, potentially reaching the maximum HK$30,000, which can be won entirely by a single audience member.
Cheung Tackles the ‘Monster Level’
Cheung Yu-chin’s performance was exceptional, culminating in his conquering of all nine “Sing Disc” levels. This achievement guaranteed the maximum prize purse, which was subsequently divided equally between two selected audience members, each receiving HK$15,000.
The formidable tracklist presented to Cheung immediately caught the attention of online commentators, who quickly dubbed it a “death song list” due to the high difficulty quotient of the selected Mandopop and Cantopop hits. The challenge began with Level 1’s choice, “Wild City” (狂野之城), which viewers noted was deceptively difficult.
The complete list of songs tested Cheung’s vocal versatility and technical precision:
- Level 1: Wild City (狂野之城)
- Level 2: Finding Love in Memory (愛在記憶中找你)
- Level 3: Rogue (無賴)
- Level 4: That Person (那誰)
- Level 5: Separation Always at the Rainy Day (分手總要在雨天)
- Level 6: Love Is Simple (愛很簡單)
- Level 7: How Could I Be Willing To Leave You (怎麼捨得你)
- Level 8: The Name Engraved in My Heart (刻在我心底的名字)
- Monster Level: Exaggerated (浮誇)
Perfect Start to a Difficult Song
In a staggering demonstration of vocal control, Cheung’s strongest performance came during the “Monster Level,” the final and most challenging round, requiring him to sing Eason Chan’s demanding track, “Exaggerated” (浮誇). He scored an overall precision rating of 96.2% on the song.
Co-host Eric Kwok lauded Cheung’s impeccable opening, noting that the first 22 seconds of the performance were flawless, containing zero deviations in pitch or rhythm.
The only slight imperfection in the entire challenge came during the concluding phrase of the Monster Level. As Cheung reached the final extended, high-pitched note—a notoriously difficult combination—he was visibly running out of breath and conceded the final tone, playfully collapsing onto the stage floor in a prostrate position to signal surrender. Despite this minor slip, the success was assured.
Following his win, the atmosphere in the studio was electric. A visibly elated Cheung reacted with joyous spinning and dancing before accepting his “King’s Commendation Certificate” for securing the significant financial benefit for the viewing public.
The special Sing Money celebrity edition will continue for the next two weeks, with upcoming contestants including pop singer Justin Lo, Voice Stars II runner-up Janees Wong, former Miss Hong Kong Anne Heung, and debut singer Lee Wan-yan, all vying to benefit more viewers ahead of the Lunar New Year festivities.
