Last year's Super Girl Contest brought almost as much speculation and gossip as it brought fame to its winners.
Even so, as if to set an example for those countless young girls dreaming of unexpected stardom, the three top winners are now all settled in the show-biz circle. Last Saturday Super Girl runner-up Zhou Bichang found herself a new agency, joining the other winners in a quest for a brighter future.
Following in the footsteps of overall winner Li Yuchun and third placed Zhang Liangying, Zhou Bichang is the last of the "supergirl top three" to sign up with an agent. But being last isn't necessarily a disadvantage; Yu Binghan, the general manager of her new company Yue Lin, is an experienced musician - and used to be agent for Hong Kong veteran Andy Lau! On Saturday, Yue Lin Company also rolled out Zhou Bichang's first single: Swan.
Most of the super girl contestants sang cover-versions during the competitin, so, when it comes to releasing her own original single, Zhou admits that she's not quite used to the idea yet.
"It's the first time I have recorded my own song in a big studio. I felt quite nervous, even more nervous than when I sang on stage to a large crowd."
But for any singer, having his or her own distinctive music is vitally important. And maybe that's why Zhou Bichang says she doesn't want to hurry into holding a concert before establishing her own style.
"I don't want to hold a concert until I have more of my own songs. I want to avoid singing other people's songs if I can. Also you know there's a copyright issue involved."
This year's Super Girl Contest is approaching again, and while a lucky few will be able to realize their dreams, most of the hopefuls will be eliminated early on.
Maybe a little advice from previous winner Zhou Bichang might help.
"I want to tell them, be more confident, and be more unique. It's really your personality that decides who you are."
As for Zhou's own career, she plans to cross over a little bit to another medium already, as she will be the lead actress in a new film 601 Phone Numbers. It looks like there's indeed a bright future ahead of her. But then, like any public figure, she will have to sacrifice much of her private life, and prepare for plenty more ups and downs.
(CRI March 21, 2006)
