Super Girl has been a phenomenon. As the champion of this year's super girl contest, Li Yuchun, known for her tomboy appearance, hot performing style and large number of fans, is definitely the center of the phenomenon. 

Nearly all of the big record companies wanted her under their label, but Taihe Rye eventually signed her. Yesterday, Monday October 24, a grand signing ceremony at Beijing Hotel was held, titled "Welcome Spring", which literally means "Welcome Chun", to announce the record deal. Many fans of Li Yuchun came to witness this memorable moment.

Chinese showbiz rarely produces well known icons. Sure, there are the dozen or so movie actors who can carry a film, and the odd rocker who fills a stadium. But seldom does a face on China's small screen really stand out. Li Yuchun, a 21-year-old Sichuanese music student, has done the job. As the champion of this year's super girl contest, Li Yuchun's supporters are from all over the country. These fans call themselves corn or yumi in Chinese, which means the fans of Yu, to show their endless love for this promising new star. If you came to see the grand signing ceremony at Beijing Hotel, you would be affected by their enthusiasm.

Dressed in yellow, the color of corn, hundreds of fans sit on the hall floor at the Beijing Hotel, singing the song You're the only one in my heart, waiting to witness their idol's record deal official signing.

Although Li Yuchun's hot performing style and unique personality has drawn many fans, some criticize that she actually isn't a good singer. To this, Zhang Yadong, the producer of her debut album, expresses his confidence in having a fabulous collaboration with her.

"I don't have any pressure of making her debut album. I think her voice carries a special character. And I have great confidence in myself as well as Taihe Rye Record."

Talking about what Li Yuchun's debut album would be like, Song Ke, the director of Taihe Rye Record Company says there are many possibilities. It's just the start of Li Yucun's music career, and Taihe is well known for its casual laid back style.

"I don't know for sure when this album would come out. I hope we can release it with a high quality as soon as possible. Taihe Rye Record is well know for slow fire style. Our longest record of producing an album is 5 years, for Pushu's second album. But I can promise, we won't let Yumi wait that long."

During the ceremony, Zhang Yadong together with Li Yuchun, performed the Beatles' famous song Yesterday, this may give us a hint of how her upcoming album may sound. Zhang said he would like to make an album filled with a warm atmosphere.

Whether or not Li Yuchun can follow in American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson's footsteps, turning herself from the singing contest champion to top selling singer, time will tell.

(CRI October 26, 2005)