Chapter 148: The Finale of "I Am a Singer"

Zhang Nianwei’s “Rain Love” was composed and written in a straightforward, unremarkable manner, and her performance failed to truly move the audience’s hearts. As a result, the viewers felt somewhat disappointed; although it was passable, it lacked the spark that would leave a lasting impression.

Indeed, many tune in to “I Am a Singer” precisely for that moment of brilliance—when a song unexpectedly bursts into your ears, delivering an intense thrill.

Despite the song’s mediocrity, Zhang Nianwei still received a loud applause after finishing. It was more a courtesy than genuine enthusiasm.

She left the stage quietly, her ranking in this competition unlikely to be very high.

“Some songs you may not grasp fully at first—both in meaning and emotion—but years later, or with more life experience, when you look back, you will suddenly understand,” the host remarked.

“Next, please welcome Hu Yanbin to perform ‘Gemini Love Song.’”

Lin Xi once wrote songs for two zodiac signs—one was “It’s a Pity I’m an Aquarius,” and the other was “Gemini Love Song.” This song demands a performance that captures a sense of schizophrenia, for it revolves around contradictions.

Hu Yanbin interpreted this duality masterfully—truly superbly.

“I shock you (I love you),
I hate you (I love you),
Avoid you (I love you),
Joy turns to sorrow at any moment...
Too happy (too disappointed),
It makes me angry when I hear it too~
Repetitions that make no sense~
One minute (with you),
The next (afraid of you),
Even though I say (love you most),
Actually, compared to (who)...

Which one (resembles you most).”

The constant back-and-forth made Hu Yanbin’s performance quite taxing. He had to launch into the next line even before finishing the previous one. It required tremendous skill—thankfully, he had practiced day and night for two weeks, to the point of near madness.

Now, he had perfectly embodied that feeling.

“This Hu Yanbin has improved so much; this song gave me goosebumps,” one viewer commented.

“I’m about to go crazy from this emotional back-and-forth. Is this what Ren Qian called a perfect interpretation?” another asked.

“Don’t you think Zhang Nianwei’s ‘Rain Love’ lacked that expressive depth?” someone else wondered.

“Well, ‘Rain Love’ wasn’t bad either. I think only when Ren Qian himself sings his songs can they be considered perfectly performed,” another chimed in.

“May you believe my heart—
It’s really like acting sometimes—
Don’t let me leave (I’ll change when mature)
Who makes me change (love because of respect)
Loving me is like riding a roller coaster to see the sea...
Devoted yet fickle (why do people call me fickle)
Hearing news stirs righteous anger (while sharing a harmonious kiss)
Please tolerate me (two selves that are sometimes distant, sometimes close)
My identity never quite enough points...”

Ren Qian nodded approvingly from the side. Hu Yanbin had done well.

...

“Next, it’s the turn of a veteran in our music scene. I’ve always believed there’s no such thing as a king or not king in this industry—if you love music, you are a king, an uncrowned king. Please welcome Senior Sun Munan with ‘Salvation.’”

“Salvation” was an old classic from a bygone era, but time only deepened its resonance.

This song would never lose its value on the “I Am a Singer” stage.

In fact, after so many episodes, “I Am a Singer” had started to lose its novelty.

This episode’s “Silence is Golden” and “If Love Has Destiny” were particularly stunning, especially when Ren Qian and the God of Song performed “Silence is Golden” together, sparking a frenzy of admiration.

“The God of Song is more carefree, while Qian God is more passionate. This is my favorite version. If either sang alone, it wouldn’t have been as vivid and delicate,” one fan wrote.

“From Qian God, I learned this: a lonely person must be true to themselves and steadfastly pursue their dreams. Such people take responsibility and earn respect and affection,” another commented.

“It’s not about seniority; Qian God is who he is because of his extraordinarily free-spirited attitude toward life,” someone else said.

“Life should be ‘laughing off criticism and living freely.’ Only by ignoring idle gossip can one live unrestrained and brilliantly,” another wrote.

“I adore Qian God. I’ll definitely attend your concerts and buy your albums. When you’re old and gray, I’ll still be there supporting you. As long as you’re on stage, I’ll be in the crowd, cheering and applauding,” a devoted fan declared.

...

Time flew by, and Ren Qian’s “I Am a Singer” crowned its champion—Ning Jian. From his very first appearance, this man, hailed as the second most handsome on the show, was described by netizens as “singing of love and fate, like a poet wandering the mortal world yet detached from it, walking alone through the chaotic paths of life, singing of the world’s most beautiful sensations. A musical poet residing in the purest place of the human heart.” With his rendition of “If Love Has Destiny,” he secured his championship.

Thus, the first season of “I Am a Singer” concluded perfectly.

Fans clamored for more, eager to see Brother Qian compose again.

“Unconsciously, ‘I Am a Singer’ has ended like this... I feel an inexplicable melancholy. At the beginning, I didn’t know Qian God. When the first episode aired, I just thought he was handsome and poised. I never expected such a young man, a newcomer who had faced much controversy online, to be so dedicated to music and so talented. ‘Dark Fragrance,’ ‘Chrysanthemum Terrace,’ ‘Hair Like Snow,’ ‘Hundred Flowers Tomb,’ ‘Murong Xue’... every song amazed me. They’re still in my playlist, and I often listen quietly,” one fan reflected.

“‘I Am a Singer’ ended perfectly. For a long time, we won’t experience such an audiovisual feast again. Many know how exhilarating it was, but who knows the immense pressure Ren Qian faced behind the scenes? Every week, he had to write seven decent songs while enduring media attacks. Yet, under such conditions, every episode was wonderful, often filled with classic songs. Sometimes, all seven were classics!” another shared.

“Yeah, that averages to one song a day for Qian God, sustained over three months. We enjoyed it, but who understands his hardships?” a viewer added.

“Though it was tough, Qian God proved his talent to the entire empire! I believe he’s a true man—he’s not afraid of difficulties. No matter how hard, knowing he has us loyal fans supporting him gives him immense strength!” someone enthusiastically declared.

“No regrets in being a fan of Qian God!” another exclaimed.

“We’re waiting for Qian God to ascend to the God of Song throne...” the chorus of fans proclaimed.

PS: Thank you all for your support and reading. (To be continued.)