Singer 2024 is the final season of the hit Chinese singing show, formally known as I am a Singer. Returning after a four year hiatus, the series adopted a live broadcast format for the final season to promote clean, un-processed performances from the contestants. Throughout the competition all vocal performances were given live and free from any post-production editing or live vocal adjustments, such as auto-tune. A DiGiCo Quantum 852 was chosen as the main stage console, with two SD7s deployed for broadcast and stage-monitoring. Thanks to the clarity of DiGiCo’s characteristic clean sound, the natural quality of the singers’ voices could be heard, without enhancement, enabling the audience to truly appreciate each performance.

Unlike traditional talent shows, where unknown singers compete for a prize, gaining experience and exposure, this show pits already established, popular singers against each other. Invited vocalists from across the USA and Canada battled with Chinese talent for the grand prize. Singers included Chinese favourites, Na Ying, Rainie Yang, Wang Sulong, Hai Lai Amu and Second Hand Rose, plus Faouzia Ouihya from Canada and Chanté Moore from the USA with special guest performances from singers such as Adam Lambert. The result was a 12-episode, cultural exchange with a global perspective that challenged the audience’s perception of what a ‘good’ performance is. Hong Xiao, Producer of Singer 2024, explains why this innovative style was chosen.

“The singers come to the show representing different genre of music, which reflects the multiple aesthetics of the public nowadays,” he said. “Everyone has their own preferences, so we invited singers from different fields. It takes strength to perform under these conditions and we searched hard for singers who could rise to that challenge.”

The choice to broadcast with no sound editing and no chance of a second take triggered public discussions online. The producers hoped that this debate had the power to build a bridge between Chinese music and the rest of the world, allowing each to learn from the other and reinvigorate the Chinese popular music scene.

In addition to the clarity of the DiGiCo Quantum 852, the reliability, provided by the dual engines and power supplies, is another key factor in the ability to deliver such a bold format. The Quantum 852’s advanced processing and reliability is supported by the user interface. Allowing engineers to easily navigate the console are three, user programable, high-resolution 21.3inch touchscreens. Engineers can choose what information to display, and 52 physical faders ensure everything they need is exactly where they want it.

The DiGiCo SD7 also packed a punch in this application. Drawing on the digital processing power of FPGA technology, the SD7 offered engineers unbeatable in/out capabilities with an innovative workflow. Exactly what was needed in a high stakes situation like broadcasting live to millions of viewers listening intently to every note.

For stage monitoring, the engineers relied upon the feature rich functions of the SD7, including the option to expand further, with a DiGiCo SoundGrid adding to the already sizable channel count.

The show has received high praise from audiences and invited debate across internet forums. 2024 has amassed over 230 million views, and has fully cemented Singer 2024’s position as China’s most popular music variety show.

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