The interview segment concluded.
The cameras refocused on the stage.
The four judges had taken their seats and were currently chatting and laughing with each other.
The main stage had undergone several adjustments compared to previous episodes.
Beside the stage stood a crystal pedestal.
On it, the trophy representing the God of Singers gleamed with golden light, radiating an aura of glory.
In front of the stage, fireworks devices were visible, presumably for the grand finale when the winner was announced.
The audience members were already seated, and as the camera swept across, a multitude of familiar celebrity faces could be seen.
The Ting Yu Singer Group occupied the very front row of the audience, a position reserved for invited guests.
Su Yu's parents, Lin Chaoyang and his wife, had also taken their seats.
"This stage is truly magnificent!" Su Yu's father, Su Zhengguo, was attending such a grand event for the first time.
"Xiao Yu actually kept this from his old mother. I'll settle accounts with him after the show!" Zhang Guizhi said with feigned annoyance.
She had learned from Gong Juren that Dark Night Rabbit was Su Yu. Thinking back to the public's previous reactions to Dark Night Rabbit's experiences and then applying them to Su Yu, she felt immense heartache.
Her son had been criticized by so many people, and she hadn't even known, let alone offered a word of comfort. She felt terrible about it.
"Your son has his own plans. Even if you knew, what could you do? You'd only be worrying more. Besides, Xiao Yu is about to bring glory to the nation. Don't add to his pressure," Su Zhengguo said with a more philosophical outlook. He felt Su Yu had grown up and had his own ideas. When he learned Dark Night Rabbit was Su Yu, he felt an even greater sense of pride.
His son could not only write songs but also sing them.
This sense of pride, coupled with excitement, made Su Zhengguo’s hands tremble slightly.
"Brother-in-law is right. Xiao Yu didn't tell you because he didn't want you to worry. The entertainment industry might seem simple, but as you know from the public's reactions, it can be terrifying. It's too easy to ruin someone," Chen Rong added, trying to comfort her.
Zhang Guizhi nodded, a lingering fear in her eyes. "When the city preliminaries first began and Xiao Yu was being attacked, I felt so desperate, like the sky was about to fall."
Ordinary people could not withstand cyberbullying. Even seasoned veterans in the entertainment industry found it difficult to endure.
Public opinion was a weapon of capital, capable of elevating someone to success or destroying them.
The best defense against public opinion was social recognition. When someone became an idol for the masses, they could face criticism without fear.
Su Yu now had this foundation, though he was still a little short of it.
As for Gong Juren.
He stood nearby, feeling somewhat constrained and hesitant to speak.
While he was usually quite talkative, he dared not utter a word in front of Lin Chaoyang. After all, Lin Chaoyang was the undisputed king of the domestic entertainment scene.
Just then.
A stirring and passionate melody began to play.
The host, Lin Han, strode onto the stage with a broad smile.
"Welcome everyone to 'Masked Singer' sponsored by Xiang Guo Wu Yu! We are live at the grand finals. I am your host, Lin Han!"
Boom!
After his opening remarks.
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
Many of the attendees were celebrities. These celebrities naturally wanted to be a bit more flamboyant to draw more attention than others, never knowing when the camera might cut to them. They were always ready to seize the spotlight, an innate skill honed in the entertainment industry.
Moreover, Lin Han was a prominent figure in the hosting world, and showing him respect was only fitting.
"Today marks the pinnacle of the 'Masked Singer' stage. The champion of 'Masked Singer' will be crowned here, and the God of Singers, representing the highest honor for singers in the Chinese music scene, will also be inducted. Next, I will introduce the competition rules. Please direct your attention to the large screen behind the stage!"
As Lin Han finished speaking, the names of several singers appeared on the screen.
Their names were followed by their vote counts.
Since the voting channels were not yet open, all the singers' vote counts were still at zero.
"The ranking of the singers will be determined by you, the viewers watching on screen. Once the competition begins, the voting system will open. You can scan a QR code with your mobile phone to vote for your favorite singer. Each singer will have only one song. Singers can unmask themselves at any time during their performance, or they can choose not to. It is entirely voluntary. This will continue until the last singer finishes their performance and the five-minute final voting countdown begins. After the countdown is complete, the singer with the most votes will be crowned the champion of 'Masked Singer'!"
Public voting!
Unmasking at any time!
This format did not solely rely on vocal prowess. In this particular episode, the judges had no bearing on the outcome; everything depended on audience votes!
Therefore, their understanding that the previous episode was the finals was entirely correct!
With this voting method, Dark Night Rabbit's popularity would undoubtedly crush everyone else.
This meant that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Dark Night Rabbit would be crowned the God of Singers at the end of the show!
No one would have any objections to this outcome.
After all, everyone had witnessed his strength as he advanced through each round.
In the minds of most, he possessed both the qualifications and the ability to be recognized as the God of Singers in the Chinese music scene!
"This isn't a finals; it's practically an awards ceremony for Dark Night Rabbit."
"Hahaha, it's only natural. Dark Night Rabbit has been the King of Masks for so many consecutive weeks; he's the most qualified candidate for the championship."
"Some people previously said that since Dark Night Rabbit started from the first episode and other singers joined later as replacements, this situation was unfair to Dark Night Rabbit. However, it now seems that strength is what truly matters. The longer he stays on stage, the higher his support. Similarly, although replacement singers avoid the risk of early elimination, their screen time is shorter."
"Ultimately, it still comes down to skill. They've left a five-minute buffer at the end. If Dark Night Rabbit doesn't perform well, he could still be overturned."
Amidst the audience's discussions.
The draw for the performance order had been completed.
1. Fan Xia.
2. Bai Zhou Tu (Daylight Rabbit).
3. Hai Tun Wa Wa (Dolphin Doll).
4. An Ye Tu (Dark Night Rabbit).
Seeing this order.
Fan Xia breathed a sigh of relief.
He was the weakest among the contestants.
He feared performing after others, which would lead to the "Dark Night Rabbit Effect."
In the industry, the "Dark Night Rabbit Effect" referred to a situation where, after Dark Night Rabbit's performance, the audience was so captivated by his song that they had no energy left to appreciate the subsequent performances.
An unacknowledged performance could be very awkward.
Now, with Fan Xia performing first, even if his skill was lacking, he would at least receive a response from the audience, which he would be content with.
Although this thought was humble, Fan Xia found it commendable.
Gui Lai Shi (When I Return).
This was a new song by Fang Lingyu.
It was the theme song for a historical drama.
"Daylight shines high, blood stains the passage of time.
Night deepens, the red moon weeps upon the galaxy..."
As the voice first appeared.
Several judges raised their eyebrows.
Indeed, it seemed they were bringing out their best for the finals!
As soon as this singer, Fan Xia, began singing this song, everyone had guessed his identity.
Lu Chengqian, his voice possessed a natural sense of righteousness and solemnity!
However, due to the limitations of his vocal timbre, his career path was narrow. But when singing songs of this genre, he was the king!