Amidst a vibrant evening filled with soaring melodies, the 17th edition of the "Wings of Song" Campus Singer Competition commenced at the Mozart Concert Hall at 7:00 pm on May 18th. The competition, themed "Qinghuo," captured the spirited flame of youth, embodying the boundless vigor and aspirations of young hearts. In attendance were esteemed figures including Huang Jialiang, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee from the School of Social Research; Yang Zehui, Deputy Director of the Office of Foreign Exchange; Zhuang Xirui, Secretary of the Youth League Committee; Ren Xingyue, a Youth League Committee Teacher; and Jia Zhiyu, Assistant to Youth League Affairs. The event also boasted the presence of professional judges, the talented young flute player Pei Jiayi and seasoned music educator Li Jingqi.

Speaking on behalf of the school, Teacher Huang Jialiang extended his best wishes for a successful "Wings of Song" competition and expressed his hope that the students would tonight sing out in harmony and kindle the sparks of their aspirations.

As a prelude to the competition, all contestants united in a rendition of the year's theme song, "Qinghuo," for the "Wings of Song." Their harmonious and vibrant performance immediately set the stage alight, embodying the exuberance and zeal of youthful spirit.

The competition unfolded over two rounds. In the initial "Sound Moving Hearts" segment, the ten contestants had the option to perform solos or duets with family members and friends.

Lu Kunlun delivered a rendition of "The Sea and the Sky," a song that embodies the steadfast commitment to one's dreams and an unwavering spirit, articulating a profound desire for liberty and self-fulfillment.

Liu Yuxin,in collaboration with guest artist Zhou Yawen, merged the rhythmic intensity of rap with soaring high notes in their performance of "Drifting North," conveying a deep yearning for what lies ahead and an unyielding dedication to the pursuit of their dreams.

Lin Yuanmei captivated the audience with her tender and emotive delivery of "Worship," weaving a narrative through song that effortlessly drew listeners into the poignant stories it contained.

Huang Yuanfeng, accompanied by guest vocalist Jiang Ruzhang, performed "Silly People" with distinctive vocal harmonies and heartfelt emotions, imparting a message of genuine and enduring sentiment, and enveloping the audience in an ambiance of affection and warmth.

Feng Shaoxie, with the song "Small City Events," painted a vivid tapestry of everyday life narratives, subtly capturing and conveying the nuances of urban existence and the emotional landscape of city dwellers.

Gong Qianjie delivered a powerful rendition of "Background," skillfully blending emotional depth with vocal prowess. The song's enchanting melodies and dynamic notes beautifully showcased her passion for music.

Dong Haoyue and Zhu Xiaoshuang, joined by guest vocalists Niu Jiaying and Ma Siying, performed "Until the End of the World" with an exhilarating and infectious vocal energy, encapsulating the fervent pursuit of dreams and the hopeful anticipation of future endeavors as they stand on the cusp of graduation.

Sun Yifei tenderly performed "Actually Not at All," a song characterized by its gentle and poignant melody, and imbued with delicate, profound emotions that articulated a heartfelt and sincere expression of love.

Deng Zhibo captivated the audience with his rendition of "Forever Young," showcasing an exceptional vocal performance that resonated deeply, stirring emotions with its potent and evocative delivery.

Xie Jianchao presented "Chasing," enchanting the audience with his distinctive vocal quality and a performance so compelling it drew listeners fully into the sonic tapestry of his singing.

Concluding the first round of performances by the ten contestants, Chen Huiwen graced the stage with a beautiful violin solo titled "A Previous Life," evoking a sense of wistful reminiscence and a yearning for what lies ahead.

Following the initial round of the competition, the specially invited guests Cao Yi, Ding Zifei, and Gao Renfei treated the audience to a mesmerizing martial arts display titled "Shi Feng." Their performance depicted a solitary moonlit vigil, a dance within a bamboo grove, and the interplay of blades, illustrating the essence of Tai Chi's tranquility and balance. They masterfully channeled the art of drunken boxing, embodying not inebriation but a profound demonstration of the strategic and philosophical underpinnings of traditional Chinese martial arts.

After rigorous professional assessments and public votes were tallied, the top five contestants, distinguished by their highest average scores, advanced to the second round of the "Jun Yong Liu Sheng" segment. Each of these finalists then took to the stage to perform a song, one after another.

Lin Yuanmei brought the song "Heart is Jumping"

Feng Shaoxie sang the song "The Ordinary Road"

Gong Qianjie brought "My Spring Says Goodbye Today"

Deng Zhibo sang the song "Pushing the Door of the World"

Xie Jianchao sang "Walking Fish"

Following the performances of the finalists, the Women's Basketball team made a spirited appearance. Amidst the cheers and support of their peers, they performed "Friends Like You," a song that captured the camaraderie and mutual affection among the team members, and showcased their deep affection for the Women's Basketball community.

After the second lottery draw, the Gugugu band took the stage by surprise as the special guests, delivering a delightful performance of two songs: "Hearing the Sound of Rain" and "At Least You Still Have It." The audience joined in a collective sing-along, resulting in rounds of thunderous applause.

The professional judges offered their insights on the contestants' song renditions. Teacher Pei Jiayi praised the evening's event as being brimming with exceptional moments, noting the contestants' impressive choices and delivery; Teacher Li Jingqi expressed her wish for all music-loving students to experience the solace and companionship that music provides, and to adventurously dive into the vast ocean of musical possibilities.

Award list

Champion: Deng Zhibo

Runner up: Xie Jianchao

Third place winner: Lin Yuanmei

Best Popularity Award:

Lu Kunlun, Feng Shaoxie, Sun Yifei

Best Stage Performance Award:

Gong Qianjie, Dong Haoyue&Zhu Xiaoshuang

Most Promising Award:

Liu Yuxin and Huang Yuanfeng

The "Wings of Song" Campus Singer Competition transcends the boundaries of a typical contest, serving as a platform where dreams are vocalized and aspirations take flight through song. Each participant's fervent performance and earnest commitment deserve commendation. As graduation approaches and students prepare to say their farewells to their alma mater, the "Wings of Song" competition holds a significance that eclipses the competitive aspect. With their melodious voices, they pay tribute to their academic home, enriching their treasured campus memories.

Once the performances and the awarding of honors concluded, a series of photographs immortalized the radiant grins and joyful moments shared by all, marking the end of the competition. The "Wings of Song" has now spanned seventeen seasons of growth, annually chronicling the evolution of our students and solidifying its place as an indelible memory in the hearts of our school's alumni. I am confident that no matter how far we journey into the future, the cherished memories forged by the "Wings of Song" will forever glow brightly, a beacon in our collective reminiscence.