‘God blesses stupid children too’: Chinese reality-show star Yang Chaoyue has final message for her many critics and fans
- Criticised for her lack of ability on musical talent show Produce 101, village girl was nevertheless voted into the line-up of pop group Rocket Girls 101
- Now the girl group has disbanded, Yang will focus on acting, with lead roles in two upcoming Chinese drama series, and has set up a talent management agency
At the recent swansong performance of Chinese pop group Rocket Girls 101, all eyes were on Yang Chaoyue.
Ever since the 11-member group was formed in 2018 from finalists in the Chinese edition of the talent show Produce 101 , the singer has been the one that has had the most media attention. The focus, though, has not been her talent – but on her lack of it.
One particularly memorable moment was when Yang sang a cappella on stage during the televised competition and when she broke down in tears during and after her lacklustre performance. She was criticised for her poor singing and dancing skills by judges and online commentators throughout the show.
Despite this, the singer garnered more than 130 million votes from members of the public in the final – placing her third overall.
The 21-year-old, dubbed a crybaby by the Chinese media, has been dividing opinions ever since, with critics arguing there were more talented and deserving contestants and that the show sets a bad example for young girls, while Yang’s supporters insist her genuineness makes up for her shortcomings.
Author and entertainment blogger Mi Meng was among Yang’s most scathing critics, saying: “She doesn’t have any ability. She doesn’t work hard and can only cry. She is a huge baby. She is a drag on her team. To all the girls who work hard in the world, her ranking [on the show] is a joke.”
