Big Talk Super Girl: An Analysis of an Entertainment Myth

Author: Tang Hao, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: Wang Shifu (Entrepreneur): "A very typical American-style celebrity dream has been realized in China—ordinary people can sing without any authority, 'I want to sing, I will sing,' I can become a star. These are the essence of democratic consciousness, inspiring and uplifting. To put it bluntly: every episode of the show is better than the Spring Festival Gala." Haiyan (Bestselling Writer): "The vitality of culture depends on its audience. In terms of effective communication, Western culture is ahead. Super Girl Voice is a copy of 'American Idol.' It is essentially American culture." Cui Jian (Rock Singer): "Super Girl Voice is like a bowl of porridge or a small dish. When you get tired of it, it feels fresh, but don’t expect it to have the nutrition of a steak." Song Ke (Musician): "True entertainment industries have never opposed the masses and art. I didn’t see any vulgarity in the Super Girl Voice competition!" The Flowers (Rock Band): "We don’t understand why they made the entertainment show so sad. Every time a contestant is eliminated, judge Xia Qing cries. Entertainment shows are meant to make people happy. If people cry every day while watching the show, is it still an entertainment show?" Yan Leshan (Essayist): "A local TV station’s show has such high ratings. Isn’t it a great thing that it makes the entire nation happy?—Since China adopted a market economy, who doesn’t admit that the improvement in our quality of life is due to fair competition!" Super Girl Voice is no longer just an entertainment show. It has permeated daily life, awakened participation, and influenced society. So, what has it brought?