Chapter 113: You Can Play It Like This Too?

The four mentors glanced over the audience. Seeing the bewildered looks on the media reporters’ faces, they secretly felt a surge of satisfaction. Hah! Such naivety, as if they had never seen the world before! Although their own first impressions of the competition rules were not much better, it did nothing to diminish their sense of superiority.

Lü Yuanqing quietly whispered something to Jiang Yan, who covered her mouth and chuckled softly, causing a ripple of laughter throughout the audience.

Click!

As the mentors settled into their seats, the entire stage suddenly lit up. From the backlight emerged the first contestant—a tall, sweet-faced young woman dressed in loose denim jeans and a mesh sweater, exuding a carefree and unrestrained aura.

Since this was a live recording, there was no pre-recorded video segment. The audience, also participating for the first time, remained quiet and attentive during the performance.

The girl took a microphone from the stand, bowed politely to the accompanist, signaling that she was ready to begin.

As the music started, she closed her eyes, gently swaying her body to the rhythm.

“I walk alone in the darkness,
Searching for a beam of light,
That is my dream,
My hope…”

Her voice was clear and melodious, like a pure spring flowing gently. At the mentors’ table, Jiang Yan covered her mouth in surprise. Lü Yuanqing, Qin Pei, and Zhu Qingmei exchanged glances before raising their eyebrows approvingly.

Though the audience wasn’t yet familiar with the competition format, from the caliber of this contestant’s performance, there was no doubt—a high score indeed! Truly beautiful.

“Sometimes I feel weary,
Sometimes I want to give up,
But the light within my heart
Has never dimmed…”

Her singing carried a magical power, expressing emotion so vividly it captivated everyone present.

“I will chase that beam of light,
No matter the obstacles,
I will use my strength
To let the world see my brilliance…”

Suddenly, the chorus exploded with powerful sound, sending a jolt through the entire audience. Before they could even react—

BOOM!

Qin Pei was the first to slam the button before her. As the button was pressed, her chair slowly turned to face the contestant.

Jiang Yan, unwilling to be outdone, slammed her button next.

Lü Yuanqing and Zhu Qingmei gestured to defer to each other, inviting the other to press the button, but neither moved; instead, they continued to listen with closed eyes.

The mentors’ actions left the audience perplexed.

What was this? Choosing and being chosen? If so, how would the judges who didn’t press their buttons score?

As the contestant sang the final lines, Lü Yuanqing and Zhu Qingmei’s chairs also slowly turned toward the stage.

Ji Xiangyang returned to the stage.

“Before the mentors’ battle for contestants begins, allow me to explain the competition rules!”

A collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd. Finally, after so much secrecy, the rules would be revealed.

“Our ‘China’s Best Voice’ competition consists of three stages.”

“The first is the blind audition stage: 50 contestants perform on stage while the mentors face away. If a contestant’s voice meets a mentor’s standards, the mentor may press the red button in front of them to select the contestant.”

“If no mentor selects the contestant, that contestant is eliminated.”

“If only one mentor selects the contestant, the contestant automatically joins that mentor’s team.”

“If multiple mentors select the same contestant, the contestant then chooses among those mentors.”

“Remember, a contestant can only choose one mentor!”

Blind auditions! Mentors! Contestants! Teams!

The audience quickly caught on to these key terms.

So they choose contestants based solely on voice? That’s an interesting twist.

But what if, upon turning, the mentor finds the contestant’s appearance unappealing? Elimination?

Ji Xiangyang swiftly answered their unspoken questions.

“The sole purpose of the blind audition is to find the best voice, without regard to any other factors.”

“Once blind auditions conclude, each mentor’s team will have six contestants, and the second stage begins—team battles.”

“After the team battles, two mentors will advance to the third stage, the annual grand finale, competing for the yearly ranking and the championship.”

As Ji Xiangyang clarified the rules, the audience’s astonishment grew.

This concept was simply perfect!

A typically dull competition show suddenly became fresh and engaging because of the blind auditions.

And the focus on pure vocal talent subtly drew the audience closer.

Combined with the star power of top-tier mentors, this was bound to be a huge hit!

Who was behind this brilliant plan?

Some media members, who had come expecting a joke, were now utterly stunned.

South Zhejiang TV’s sudden insight caught everyone off guard.

Clearly, there was a master strategist guiding them!

“Now, our first contestant will begin the reverse selection process!”

Ji Xiangyang quietly exited the stage, leaving time for the contestant and mentors.

“Please introduce yourself.”

Lü Yuanqing took control of the pace.

“Hello, mentors. My name is Yao Beibei, from Shan Province. I’m currently a sophomore at university.”

“Wow, so young!” Jiang Yan exclaimed.

She quickly added, “You know I was the first to turn my chair, right?”

“Ah? Oh! Sorry, teacher, I didn’t notice just now!”

Jiang Yan’s sudden question left the young girl confused, unsure how to respond.

“I saw you singing with your eyes closed the whole time. I guessed you didn’t see me turn first, so I’m just giving you a heads-up. You know what I mean!”

“Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? I clearly turned first!”

Qin Pei protested loudly. Though somewhat exaggerated, Su Chen couldn’t help but smile.

So even two women could put on quite a show.

“Qing Ge, Mei Jie, what do you think? Who turned first?”

“I can vouch for this—Qin Pei was definitely first.”

Lü Yuanqing laughed, instantly betraying Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan immediately pretended to want to hit him, and Lü Yuanqing quickly dodged.

But jokes aside, the atmosphere became livelier.

In other shows, no one dared speak during mentor critiques.

Now, the mentors were joining in on the fun.

Quite entertaining!

In the end, after Jiang Yan’s persistent coaxing, Yao Beibei chose to join her team.

Like sisters, the two embraced offstage, radiating harmony.

After the entire process, the audience understood the format.

In summary: blind audition, reverse selection, and mentor battles!

Novel! Exciting!

Some even couldn’t wait to share their experience with friends and family.