Huayu 1992: Starting with the CCTV Young Singers Competition

Chapter 6 The Most Direct Effects of Fame

The applause gradually subsided in the studio.

The audience sat down again, and the studio fell silent.

Standing beside Lin Hanjiang, Liu Lu could not hide her shock.

She hosted the third and fourth CCTV Young Singers Competition, witnessing countless shining moments of singers, as well as many regrettable mistakes.

But this is the first time she has ever encountered a situation like tonight, where an original ethnic song received such an overwhelmingly high score of 9.725.

This score is enough to make one stand out from the crowd in the history of the CCTV Young Singers Competition.

After all, even a singer with extraordinary talent like Zhang Ye has never received this award.

Looking at Lin Hanjiang's confident demeanor, Liu Lu then asked him a question.

"Hanjiang, congratulations on your outstanding achievement. What are your expectations for the upcoming finals? Will we have another chance to hear excellent original works like 'The Story of Spring'?"

This question reflects the sentiments of everyone.

Countless eyes below the stage turned to Lin Hanjiang, awaiting his answer.

The judges on the panel also had expectations.

Li Guyi also wondered if she would ever hear such excellent works again.

Lin Hanjiang faced the camera with a calm and confident smile on his face.

"I will give it my all in the finals. As for what I will sing... please allow me to keep you in suspense for now. But I can guarantee that it will be a song written and performed with heart. I will try my best not to disappoint everyone."

"good!"

Liu Lu nodded vigorously, her eyes full of admiration.

"We look forward to your wonderful performance on the final stage. Congratulations again to Lin Hanjiang."

Liu Lu offered her blessings.

The audience erupted in even more enthusiastic applause, accompanied by good-natured cheers.

As the stage lights dimmed, Lin Hanjiang left the stage amidst another round of enthusiastic applause.

As soon as he stepped into the shadows of the side curtain, Zhang, who had been waiting there, smiled and opened his arms.

Lin Hanjiang also went to greet them.

Zhang Ye practically jumped over and gave Lin Hanjiang a tight hug.

"Senior sister."

Zhang Ye quickly stepped back, but still held tightly to his arm with both hands, looking up at him.

Although Lin Hanjiang is not very tall, he is still 1.75 meters tall.

He's considered tall in this day and age.

"You sang so well. Really, I'm so proud of you. Your teacher would be happy for you too if she knew."

"Thank you, senior sister. Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to change the song," Lin Hanjiang said sincerely.

Don't give me that.

"Oh, right."

Zhang suddenly remembered something, "You've passed the teacher's test for now. Are you really going to sing a new song in the finals? Do you have a plan? Is your idea mature? Do you want your senior sister to take another look and give you her feedback?"

She blinked, her eyes clearly saying, "Just ask if you need anything, and your senior sister will take care of your troubles."

"The sheet music is basically ready, and the overall concept has been finalized."

Lin Hanjiang answered with a smile, but in his heart he apologized to this kind senior sister.

You've suffered so much, senior sister. I'll repay you later.

He already had the song for the final round figured out; it would be another bombshell.

But now is not the time to reveal the details.

Zhang Ye's eyes suddenly lit up: "So fast? Quick, tell your senior sister secretly, what song is it? Is it something with a big theme like 'The Story of Spring'? Or...?"

As the two were speaking in hushed tones, a man in his early thirties, wearing a dark blue CCTV work vest and exuding a shrewd and capable air, squeezed through and politely inquired, "Excuse me, are you Lin Hanjiang?"

"Yes, that's me." Lin Hanjiang turned around.

"Hello, hello!" The man extended his hand warmly. "I'm Ge Yanping, the director of the program editing team at the station."

Lin Hanjiang naturally recognized the name.

He was quite familiar with this name.

He will be the producer and chief director of CCTV's flagship variety show, "Avenue of Stars."

He single-handedly made Phoenix Legend, A Bao, Brother Coat, and many other grassroots stars famous, and is a person with unique vision in the TV variety show industry.

Unexpectedly, in 1992, he was still working in the directing team of the CCTV Young Singers Competition.

"Director Ge, hello." Lin Hanjiang's attitude was neither humble nor arrogant.

"Don't mention it, just call me Lao Ge." Ge Yanping smiled warmly and was very friendly. "Hanjiang's performance tonight was truly outstanding! Several leaders in the station watched it in the monitoring room and were full of praise. I'm here mainly to discuss a few things with you."

"Director Ge, please speak."

"The first thing is about the song 'The Story of Spring' that you just sang." Ge Yanping rubbed his hands together. "We think this song is outstanding in terms of its ideological, artistic, and communicative value. The station's leadership is wondering if we can get the rights to use it in some of our related special programs, such as reviews of reform and opening up, major festival galas, or news features. Don't worry, we will strictly adhere to the regulations regarding copyright fees and will never let the creator suffer any losses."

As he spoke, his eyes were constantly observing Lin Hanjiang's reaction.

Lin Hanjiang's heart stirred.

This was indeed a pleasant surprise.

His original plan was to quickly raise funds by selling the copyrights to popular songs.

Unexpectedly, CCTV picked up "The Story of Spring" so quickly. This is not just about money, but also about the official platform's recognition and huge exposure.

However, he didn't show much joy on his face, but simply nodded calmly: "Thank you for the station's approval. Authorization to use it is of course no problem, we can discuss the specifics."

Lin Hanjiang was not a fledgling singer.

Of course I know that CCTV wants to buy the copyright at a low price before he becomes famous.

I can't let them see how happy I am.

Even though I need the money urgently, I still want to maximize my profits.

"Okay, okay!"

Ge Yanping repeatedly agreed and continued.

"The second thing is that the station might select the highlights of your entire competition recording, especially your wonderful performance of 'The Story of Spring,' to make it into a promotional clip for this year's CCTV Young Singers Competition. This clip will be broadcast repeatedly in program previews, news broadcasts, and even during prime time on other channels. This will require you to sign an authorization form for the use of your image rights and performance clips."

"Okay." Lin Hanjiang nodded.

"In addition, after the semi-finals air, especially with your score and this song, it will definitely attract media attention. There will be reporters from newspapers and TV stations interviewing you. At that time, we can arrange an interview area for you, provide unified reception, and also help you check the quality. Of course, you can also decide which interviews you accept."

Ge Yanping's words contained a lot of information.

Copyright fees, publicity and exposure, media interviews...

All of this was because he received a stunningly high score and made a song a hit.

This is the most direct effect of becoming famous.