The prestigious Metro Radio Hits Awards 2025 took center stage today, January 27th, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. The evening yielded several surprises, notably the “Metro Blast My Support Newcomer” award going to veteran artist Ng Man-yan, who delivered an emotionally resonant acceptance speech touching on her personal fight against cancer.
Inspirational Win Crowns Health Battle
Ng Man-yan, 51, marked a significant career milestone by capturing the coveted newcomer title, defying conventional age boundaries in the fiercely competitive Cantopop industry. The artist acknowledged the unusual nature of her win, telling the audience, “Thank you for not minding that this 51-year-old ‘auntie’ is still recognized as a newcomer.”
Her triumph has been deeply intertwined with her recent health challenges. Ng used her platform to shed light on her ongoing battle with cancer, describing the arduous journey as transformative. “The period of fighting cancer has indeed not been easy,” she shared. “But I desperately wanted to use this time to pursue a long-deferred dream I had set aside.”
The artist’s message extended beyond personal achievement, aiming to inspire others facing adversity. Ng offered a poignant outlook, stating, “I also hope through this opportunity, I can share a perspective with those who are currently ill or going through a difficult period: As long as you face it positively, nothing is impossible.” She also expressed deep gratitude for her support network, thanking divine guidance and the “angels” who assisted her throughout her recovery and return to the music scene.
New Talent Takes Center Stage
While Ng Man-yan’s win dominated headlines, the ceremony also recognized rising stars across various categories, signaling a vibrant future for the local music scene.
In the Male Newcomer category, the top accolades were distributed among several promising artists:
- Gold Award: Lam Wai-chun
- Silver Award: Leung Wai-him
- Bronze Award (tie): Leung Chung-hei and Chiu Leung-chiu
The Female Newcomer awards saw a competitive field with emerging vocalists securing the top slots:
- Gold Award: Amy Lo (Lo Wai-man)
- Silver Award: Wong Lok-yin
- Bronze Award: Ryianna
New talent was also celebrated in the group categories. The Best New Band/Group awards were conferred upon: idG Bubbles (Gold), Honey Punch (Silver), and FYP (Bronze).
One highly anticipated outcome that failed to materialize was the success of Constance Chan, daughter of iconic singer Eason Chan. Despite being considered one of the strongest prospective newcomers since her debut and being featured on the shortlist, she did not place in the top three awards and was reportedly absent from the ceremony.
The Metro Radio Hits Awards continue to serve as a pivotal barometer for the Cantopop music landscape, celebrating both breakthroughs and resilience. Ng Man-yan’s unexpected victory underscores a potent message: dedication and the pursuit of passion can transcend age and physical challenges, proving that a dream deferred can still be a dream achieved. Her experience offers a beacon of hope, reinforcing the value of perseverance in the face of adversity, both in artistic pursuits and in life.
