Soon it was STAR's turn. The four of them went backstage to wait. As each group went on stage, Tian Sisi grabbed Yao Xuetong's hand: "Captain, what should we do? I'm nervous!"
Yao Xuetong was actually a little nervous herself, but she still held Tian Sisi's hand tightly: "It's okay, don't be afraid, just treat it as a regular practice."
Even Lina, who is usually fearless, seemed a little uneasy. She glanced at Xia Shiyu and asked hesitantly, "Aren't you...aren't you nervous?"
Xia Shiyu was unaware that there were cameras backstage, and replied casually, "Actually, you can just treat the audience as food."
"Vegetables?" Tian Sisi asked softly, "Is it pumpkin or cabbage?"
"Of course not," Xia Shiyu replied seriously. "How could pumpkin and cabbage be appetizing?"
"appetite??"
Xia Shiyu counted on her fingers: "Spicy and sour pork intestines, braised pork hock, sweet and sour pork ribs, braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens, salt-baked chicken..."
As she finished speaking, she almost couldn't help but slurp her saliva before earnestly instructing, "Only in this way will your eyes be filled with deep affection when you look at the audience..."
The three of them: "..."
Once on stage, the three of them looked at the audience below, and images of various dishes immediately flashed through their minds.
They were both people who had been dieting and hadn't smelled meat in ages. Thinking about it this way, they miraculously stopped feeling nervous.
They had practiced this dance many times and were already very familiar with it. In addition, they were not nervous, so they performed even better than they had in the practice room.
Dance instructor Anna was very satisfied: "You are the best group I have ever seen. Not only is your dance synchronized, but more importantly, your expressions are excellent."
Except for Xia Shiyu, all four of them showed a slightly embarrassed expression.
Anna asked them to introduce themselves.
When it was Lina's turn, she looked at Tang Ruoyi with admiration in her eyes: "I really like Teacher Tang's songs. I never thought I would actually meet Teacher Tang one day and even perform in front of her. I feel so happy..."
Tang Ruoyi was looking down at the documents when she heard what she said. She looked up and smiled gently, "Thank you for your kind words."
However, she did not ask any further questions, nor did she ask Lina to demonstrate any of her talents.
Lina lowered her eyes in disappointment.
Qiu Jie glanced at Tang Ruoyi. Now that Huayu and Chenxing have completely broken off relations, Tang Ruoyi, as a member of Huayu and holding shares in the company, naturally couldn't have a good relationship with Chenxing. Although she wouldn't go so far as to target these trainees, she wouldn't specifically promote them either.
He didn't have so many concerns. He glanced at the four people, then his mind raced, and he turned to ask Ye Cang, "I heard that one of them is your fellow disciple?"
Upon hearing Qiu Jie's words, Ye Cang looked up and saw Xia Shiyu on the stage with a half-smile on her face. His expression immediately turned serious, and he coughed, "Although we are under the same manager, we can't really be called junior sisters. She is my senior."
Everyone present was stunned for a moment before they realized that Ye Cang had debuted last year, but Xia Shiyu had debuted three years ago, making him a senior in the industry.
Qiu Jie: "..."
Tang Ruoyi couldn't help but laugh, and the somewhat tense atmosphere dissipated, becoming more relaxed.
Team leader Yao Xuetong showcased a rap performance, while Lina and Tian Sisi also presented their prepared solo performances, leaving Xia Shiyu as the last one remaining.
Qiu Jie asked, "I heard that Xia used to be a singer. Has she released any new original songs recently?"
Xia Shiyu blinked: "I don't have any recently, how about some old songs?"
Qiu Jie paused for a moment: "Old songs are fine too."
However, once the director started playing the songs, they realized just how old the so-called old songs really were.
Qiu Jie looked at Tang Ruoyi with a blank expression: "Sister Ruoyi, this sounds like a song from the last century, doesn't it?"
Tang Ruoyi nodded: "It's Tang Wanjun's 'Affection,' it is indeed a very old song."
Qiu Jie wanted to complain, but Xia Shiyu had already started singing, and he was immediately stunned.
"Affection" is not a song with particularly complex singing techniques. It can be said that it was popular in the last century precisely because it is simple and easy to learn. However, a simple song does not mean it is easy to sing. In fact, it is the most difficult thing to sing such a simple song with flavor.
Just like how the dishes that best test a chef's skills are often the simplest home-style dishes.
"Affection" is a slightly melancholic love song. Tang Wanjun once sang this song with great emotion, touching the hearts of several generations. Now, when Xia Shiyu sings it, her voice is like a link, directly taking people back to the last century.
Qiu Jie rubbed his arms, which were now covered in goosebumps.
After Xia Shiyu finished singing, Qiu Jie and Tang Ruoyi didn't know how to start. As professionals, they knew better than others just how difficult it was to sing this song well.
Previously, they would give technical advice to the previous contestants, but with the song "Summer Rain," technique was no longer relevant; the abundant emotion in the singing was enough to draw all the audience in.
Because techniques can be learned, but the most important thing is how to sing a song in a way that touches people's hearts.
In an era teeming with superstars, Tang Wanjun's voice wasn't the best, nor was her appearance the most beautiful, but every love song she sang was exquisitely moving, touching people's hearts. That's why she has remained popular for so long.
When Xia Shiyu sings now, one can vaguely see some of the shadow of Tang Wanjun.
The judges exchanged glances, and finally Tang Ruoyi spoke up: "Your singing makes people understand what a professional singer is. If you were in a team, you would be a pillar of strength."
Qiu Jie nodded: "You've made me feel the charm of old songs again. I think no one would object to this level of skill entering the top ranks, right?"
The upper circle consists of those ten chairs, and now there are exactly two chairs left.
After Yao Xuetong and Xia Shiyu sat down, all ten chairs were filled. However, about a third of the people had not yet come on stage. Among them were newcomers who were already somewhat famous before entering the show, as well as trainees from large companies.
Just as everyone was whispering among themselves, Qiu Jie announced a new rule with a smile.
"The next contestants who are unanimously recognized by us as entering the top tier can challenge any contestant in the top tier. If they win, they can take her place. Strength is the only way to defend your position!"
His words sparked even louder discussion at the scene.
"This is so exciting!"
"A real-life battle!"
"Does that mean that even if you're currently in the top ranks, your position isn't secure?"
The contestants in the top tier all showed expressions of surprise and panic. They thought that once they were in the top tier, they could rest easy, but they never expected the production team to make such an arrangement!
However, Xia Shiyu seemed very calm, as if she had already guessed it.
At this moment, the group that took the stage was from Yingyuan Company, and Wang Can, who had argued with Xia Shiyu in the lobby earlier, was one of them. Although Wang Can spoke harshly, she was quite talented, and her dance directly captivated Anna, earning her a place in the upper echelons.
Qiu Jie slapped the table, his face beaming with anticipation: "Here it comes! Here it comes!!"
Tang Ruoyi looked at her with a beaming smile: "Which contestant would you like to challenge?"
Wang Can's gaze swept over the group, revealing a confident smile: "Then I'll challenge Senior Xia Shiyu."
The camera then focused on Xia Shiyu's face as Anna spoke, and Anna asked Xia Shiyu, "So, Shiyu, are you willing to accept Wang Can's challenge?"
Xia Shiyu glanced down at Wang Can and, sure enough, saw provocation in her eyes. She gave a professional smile and said, "I accept."
The challenge is divided into three rounds: the first round is singing, the second round is dancing, and the third round is to choose your own talent.
Wang Can lost the first round without a doubt. In the second round, Wang Can performed a very energetic dance and received unanimous praise from the judges.
When it was Xia Shiyu's turn, she held the microphone, thought for a moment, and then said, "Please play 'I Stay Tonight' for me."
Qiu Jie looked at Tang Ruoyi with a blank expression again, but this time even Tang Ruoyi frowned and thought for a while. Ye Cang was stunned for a moment, then covered his forehead, not to mention the girls on the scene. In the end, Anna was the one who answered their questions.
"This is a very famous disco song from the last century."
Qiu Jie: "Didi...disco??"
Xia Shiyu's taste is so outdated!
At that moment, the director started playing the song, and instantly, the familiar melody filled the entire studio. It's the kind of song where you might not remember the name, but you'll definitely recognize the tune once it starts playing.
Although it's a dance song from the last century and the moves don't seem very fashionable today, Xia Shiyu danced very seriously. Ironically, this seriousness combined with the overly retro moves made it quite funny. After all, in people's minds, old-fashioned disco has become a stereotype, and when paired with a young girl like Xia Shiyu, it's bound to be hilarious.
Not to mention the contestants, even the judges were laughing so hard they almost cried. Qiu Jie was slapping the table, laughing so hard he almost fell off.
After waiting for Xia Shiyu to finish her dance, the scene was already a mess.
Anna wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, suppressing a laugh as she commented, "Although...although it's very funny, your strength and movements are very standard. If we're just talking about dance, you and Wang Can are evenly matched. However, considering how creative you are, hahaha, I've decided to cast my vote for you...hahahaha..."
Xia Shiyu wanted to explain that this wasn't a creative idea, but rather that she really only knew disco. As people of this era, they probably didn't know just how popular disco was in the last century; it was a national dance known to every household.
But she wisely refrained from explaining and smiled, saying, "Thank you!"
Tang Ruoyi laughed so hard she almost choked, and after coughing for a while, she said, "You've already won two games, so you can go back to the top ranks."
Xia Shiyu bowed deeply to the judges, then turned around and hugged Wang Can. Wang Can gave a forced smile and said, "Congratulations."
"You flatter me." Xia Shiyu's smile was flawless. "After all, I am your senior."
Wang Can: "..."
Chapter 135
Xia Shiyu regained his place in the top ranks, but the competition continued.
Soon, another contestant entered the top ranks. Her name was Liu Feifei. She was a trainee from a big company. She looked cute and charming, and her whole body was full of youthful energy, which perfectly matched the public's impression of girl groups.
When Qiu Jie asked her who she wanted to challenge, she looked up and said, "I want to challenge Senior Xia Shiyu!"
All judges: "..."
Anna glanced at Xia Shiyu hesitantly before saying, "May I ask why?"
Liu Feifei smiled and said, "Because she's the only one among us who has debuted before, I admire her very much. Also, I just saw her performance backstage, and she's very strong. I want to challenge a strong person!"
Her words were natural, unpretentious, and even Anna wanted to applaud her.
However, she still explained to the two of them according to the rules: "Xia Shiyu has already accepted one round of challenges, and she can choose to refuse you."
Liu Feifei nodded, indicating that she understood. In fact, she didn't care whether she could challenge Xia Shiyu or not; she just wanted to step down Xia Shiyu, who had previously made a big splash.
Anna then looked at Xia Shiyu: "Xia, what's your decision?"
Xia Shiyu had already stood up, looking down at Liu Feifei. When she was Tang Wanjun, there were too many people who wanted to step on her to get ahead, and she had seen this kind of look too many times.
She smiled gently: "I accept."
In the first round of singing, Xia Shiyu won without any suspense. In the second round of dancing, she had already used the disco tricks before, and using them again would be much less effective. Moreover, she had not been resurrected for long and had not learned enough dances, so she had no choice but to admit defeat.
In the third round of talent competition.
Liu Feifei took out the violin she had prepared beforehand and showed off her violin skills. She had been practicing the violin since she was a child. Although she could not compare to professional violinists, her performance in such a program was already amazing.
When Liu Feifei walked to the side with her zither, Xia Shiyu walked to the center of the stage.
Although Liu Feifei's performance was excellent, the judges were surprisingly more interested in what kind of talent Xia Shiyu would bring to compete with her, after all, the previous disco performance had left a deep impression on them.