Controversy surrounding Chi Pu and her position at a famous Chinese show

Entertainment

TL;DR

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 06:00 (GMT+7)
06:00 3/5/2023

The standings of the 33 contestants in the 2023 Wind Riding competition are causing controversy. Chinese viewers are upset that many big names are on the sidelines.

According to Zaobao , "Riding the Wind 2023" is Mango TV's flagship program and has been the subject of much discussion on social media these days. Sohu added that social media is buzzing with searches for information about the female contestants in this year's program.

Recently, the 2023 "Riding the Wind" music video released its theme song featuring 33 contestants, including Chi Pu. However, according to Sohu , the MV immediately sparked controversy due to the way the female contestants were positioned.

Showing favoritism through seating arrangement?

For the 33 contestants, securing a coveted spot to debut in the project group of "Riding the Wind 2023" was no easy feat. But even facing the challenge, they weren't guaranteed a chance at fame. After all, the program's resources were limited, while there were 33 contestants. Therefore, not everyone received preferential treatment from the television station.

From many perspectives, Riding the Wind 2023 vividly portrays the ups and downs of the entertainment industry.

Sohu noted that the stage positions of the 33 female contestants in the show attracted attention. Following the tradition of the first three seasons, those in the center position during the theme song were usually veteran and well-known artists. Essentially, they would secure a chance to debut in the project group.

Chinese media outlets consider Ella to be the most powerful contestant on the show. Photo: IMDb.

The music video for "Riding the Wind 2023" sparked heated discussions, with the stage placement of the female contestants being the focus. This season's stage was larger and more spectacular than in previous seasons, but the placement of the female contestants caused considerable controversy.

The stage in the theme song MV for "Riding the Wind" doesn't have an absolute center position (C position - the most prominent position in the row). Xie Na stands in the center of the bottom row. Ella occupies the middle C position, and Jia Jingwen occupies the top C position. All three are famous and represent three groups of contestants: singers, actors, and variety show performers.

Ella stood out from all her sisters, firmly securing the C position and becoming the brightest star on stage. Considering her status, popularity, and talent, she was deemed deserving of this position.

Yiyouliao noted that it was understandable that some contestants with less fame and status were on the sidelines. However, what was surprising was that Qu Ying, Amber Liu, Huang Liling… and several other long-time female celebrities were all on the sidelines.

Chi Pu is a foreign contestant, relatively unknown in China, yet she has a prominent position. She stands right next to Ella in the middle row. Under a post by a Chinese blogger about the seating arrangement, many viewers questioned this. Some even asked who Chi Pu is to have such a prominent position.

As soon as this location map appeared, netizens couldn't sit still and expressed their bewilderment at the program organizers' arrangement.

Chi Pu has a prominent position, standing next to Ella. Photo: Sohu.

Sohu even wrote: "Qu Ying, Amber Liu, Huang Liling, and Choo Ja Hyun are unexpectedly being left out. Regardless of their individual abilities or status in the entertainment industry, they shouldn't be standing on the sidelines like this."

However, according to Yiyouliao , the music video for this title track resembles a fashion show more than anything else. The 33 sisters entered the stage in four waves. Therefore, Mango (the production company) didn't seem to intentionally arrange the positions; they may have been assigned in order of appearance. However, the central position was coincidentally occupied by three famous and high-status sisters, leading to suspicions that Mango deliberately arranged it this way.

Rumors surrounded the show before its broadcast.

The first performance of "Riding the Wind" was filmed in early April. Unlike previous seasons, the 33 contestants performed in groups in the first round instead of individually. Immediately afterward, a series of rumors about the quality of the performances, as well as the winners and those eliminated, spread on social media. This brought the show to a climax in terms of attention and discussion.

According to Sohu , after the first performance, some social media accounts spread rumors that Xu Huaiyu repeatedly failed to keep up with the dance moves and even couldn't remember the name of her group. As a result, Xu Huaiyu was labeled as "lacking seriousness."

Zaobao quoted an article about Xu Huaiyu: "Xu Huaiyu's performance was disappointing. She frequently forgot the dance moves while singing and dancing, completely failing to keep up with the group. Nearly half of her moves were random jumps. As a result, her reputation has plummeted."

Sohu reports that, according to bloggers, Xu Huaiyu's actions displeased her group member Jia Jingwen, leading to internal conflict.

Tu Hoai Ngoc did not directly answer the question. However, she hinted: "What is a serious definition? It certainly cannot be concluded by the opinions and results of others. This process is only understood by me and those involved."

Tu Hoai Ngoc emphasized that she values all her work. "I love my job and do my best in everything I do. I do the right thing, regardless of the outcome," she stressed.

Rumors of a conflict between Xu Huaiyu (left photo) and Jia Jingwen are causing a stir on social media. Photo: IMDb.

On the same day, Jia Jingwen posted on Weibo: "Yesterday and this morning, who was I? Where was I? I'm a little confused. I cherish every minute and every second. I'm busy, so keep working hard."

Sohu further pointed out that Xu Huaiyu recently signed a contract with Rolling Stone Records. She not only releases songs but also holds concerts. Her schedule coincides with the filming of the show. This further fuels public belief and discussion about the aforementioned internal conflict rumors.

However, besides the criticism of Từ Hoài Ngọc, many viewers believe this is a publicity stunt to generate buzz before the show airs, according to Oriental Daily .

At the same time, Liu Yasheng was caught by paparazzi discarding a cigarette butt on the street. The actress and singer's actions were heavily criticized by the public, who demanded that she leave the show.

Four female artists who changed the world of music.

Leah Broad's book, *Quartet: How Four Women Changed the Musical World*, affirms the triumph of female composers in establishing their place in world music history.

Although they are four solo artists, the female composers Ethel Smyth, Rebecca Clarke, Dorothy Howell, and Doreen Carwithen are portrayed in the book Quartet: How Four Women Changed the Musical World as a quartet full of passion for music.

Thai Linh

Chi Pu Chi Pu riding the wind 2023