The audience had gradually taken their seats.
The stage equipment was all in place.
The cameras cut!
Under everyone's watchful eyes, the live broadcast of the "Masked Singer King" finals officially began!
Host Lin Han couldn't contain his excitement.
He had witnessed the birth of a Music God and was now about to witness the birth of a Singing God.
Furthermore, according to online votes for the "Era Music King" broadcast host, he was far in the lead.
Lin Han felt like his career had been on an upward trajectory since meeting Ting Yu.
He was already being called the top host in the industry.
However, Lin Han knew who he had to thank for his current position.
The city competition featuring Ting Yu was a turning point in his career, and then hosting "Masked Singer King," his exaggerated reactions to An Ye Tu's arrogant remarks solidified his status in the meme world even more than in the hosting world.
Ting Yu and An Ye Tu were the two benefactors of his career.
For the upcoming "Era Music King," his stance was even firmer: these two represented China, and he couldn't praise them enough.
He had often wondered if he might witness these two ascend to the pinnacle of the world once again.
What would that scene be like?
"Welcome everyone to the grand finals of 'Masked Singer King'!!"
"After six months of competition, the ultimate champion is finally about to be crowned. Now, please follow me as we interview the contestants and hear their personal thoughts on the finals!"
During recording, every singer was interviewed, but during playback, the editors usually chose the singer with the highest topic of discussion.
Now, in a live broadcast, all four singers would have interview segments.
The order of interviews arranged by the production team was also quite deliberate.
The first was Dolphin Doll, who had the most buzz from being shaved bald in the previous episode.
Following the host's camera, they arrived at Dolphin Doll's dressing room.
By this time, Dolphin Doll was ready.
Upon seeing the host enter, he straightened his posture slightly.
The host walked over with the camera.
Since Dolphin Doll did not speak Chinese, he had a translator accompanying him.
"I have a few questions prepared. I'd like to interview you."
"Please proceed," Dolphin Doll nodded.
"What would you like to say to the audience regarding the results of the previous competition?"
Dolphin Doll paused.
He hadn't expected the production team to rub salt into his wounds so directly.
"I have nothing to say, other than to thank the friends who have always supported me."
"Then, do you have confidence in winning the championship in the finals?"
"I will do my best."
Dolphin Doll was clearly not in the mood to discuss these matters.
The main reason was that after being completely defeated by An Ye Tu, this incident, along with An Ye Tu's song "Stars," had spread throughout Russia.
He could imagine the reception he would receive upon returning home.
Therefore, he could only give his all in this final.
As long as he won, he would gain the title of Singing God in China.
That would be a complete turnaround!
...
The host then successively interviewed Fan Zi Xia and Bai Zhou Tu.
Fan Zi Xia was very humble, believing his presence in the finals was due to luck. So, when asked about his expected performance in the finals, he simply said, "I hope I don't get swept 4-0."
Next was Bai Zhou Tu's interview.
Bai Zhou Tu had appeared as a replacement in the tenth episode. While her performance wasn't as dazzling as An Ye Tu's, it didn't mean she lacked strength.
Especially her dolphin cry in the song "Painted Heart" in the previous episode, which also proved her ability.
"May I ask, have you and An Ye Tu had any discussions about your vocal techniques in private?" Host Lin Han had a very accurate grasp of the audience's preferences.
He knew what the audience wanted to know.
"Of course, we often discuss vocal techniques together." Beneath the rabbit mask, Lin Yan Yu stuck out her tongue, a blush creeping onto her face. She added in her heart, "It's because of Su Su's guidance that my vocal skills have improved so much."
The host's few probing questions, trying to glean some information about the identities of these two rabbits, were all vaguely deflected by Bai Zhou Tu.
At this moment, he realized that this Bai Zhou Tu was also not to be underestimated.
Next was the most anticipated interview of the day, An Ye Tu.
However, Lin Han was somewhat hesitant to enter this dressing room.
He still vividly remembered the last interview.
The phrase "If you have a mouth, you can do it" had further solidified his position in the meme world.
He truly feared that An Ye Tu might say something shocking again this time, especially since it was a live broadcast.
"Teacher An Ye Tu, after so many rounds of competition, your popularity is the highest among all singers. Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans and the audience who support you?"
"Thank you for your support."
An Ye Tu's answer this time was relatively official.
The host breathed a sigh of relief, but his heart sank when he saw the second question on the script.
"Um... although you have proven your strength, there are still many people online who say you are too arrogant. What are your thoughts on this?"
Wasn't this production team deliberately stirring up trouble? Many people were now saying An Ye Tu was too arrogant, to the point of being utterly self-important. Of course, industry insiders knew this was a smear campaign by paid commenters. Since An Ye Tu had nothing else to criticize, they could only find these trivial things to annoy people.
"For example?" Su Yu countered with a question instead of answering.
The host was taken aback and said somewhat unnaturally, "For example, what you said in the first episode, that you participated in the competition for the championship, and in the last episode, 'If you have a mouth, you can do it'..."
Hearing this, Su Yu couldn't help but smile, "Did I say anything wrong?"
"Uh..."
There was a brief silence, filled with a touch of awkwardness.
Host Lin Han didn't know how to respond.
Indeed, An Ye Tu had said he was there for the championship, and his consistent reign as Singing King for so many rounds proved it.
He also said that for dolphin cries, "if you have a mouth, you can do it," and he had indeed produced dolphin cries, and with ease.
He really hadn't said anything wrong.
"I've done what I said I would do. Is that considered arrogance?"
Indeed, it wasn't arrogance, because he was speaking the truth.
But being questioned like this, didn't it feel even more arrogant?
However, at this moment, the bullet comments, as if prepared, began to flood the screen.
"Heh, so arrogant before even winning the championship. If he wins, what will happen?"
"With this personality, representing China in the world competition will only bring shame to China."
"Humility is a traditional Chinese virtue, and An Ye Tu clearly lacks it."
Then.
After these comments appeared.
Other viewers were not buying it.
"Arrogant, my ass. If you have the strength, can't you be arrogant? I think An Ye Tu has the right to be arrogant!"
"It's the paid commenters again, how much per post? Sign me up if you're earning money!"
"Shame on China? If An Ye Tu isn't representing China, are you going to go with your keyboard?"
"Some people just can't stand to see China do well. Ting Yu plus An Ye Tu, this is China's strongest combination!"
The support An Ye Tu received was through his own strength.
Ordinary smear campaigns were no longer effective.
This was the public's recognition of An Ye Tu's abilities.
What's wrong with being a little arrogant with strength?
Besides, he hadn't said anything untrue.
He was indeed aiming for the championship, and the dolphin cry part, "if you have a mouth, you can do it," was indeed true.
...