SHINE | 15-Aug-2020 | By Tan Weiyun
Chinese audiences are once again over the moon about a new reality television talent show that has garnered 2.1 billion online clicks only one month after its June launch.
With a cast of 30 female performing artists, all well known, high achieving and over the age of 30 — the oldest is 52 — “Sisters Who Make Waves” is taking the country by storm and crushing other pop-idol-producing talent competitions open mainly to teens and 20-somethings.
Five “sisters” will be selected to start a new female idol group based on charisma, teamwork spirit, vocal expression, dance ability and on-stage performance. To make the final cut, they must endure rounds of training, exams, performances and voting by a live audience consisting of 500 female judges chosen randomly from online applications.
As China’s first talent show that features middle-aged female artists — mainly singers, dancers and actresses — “wave-making sisters” claims to smash ageist stereotypes and highlight the power of female bravery, maturity and confidence. Since it debuted last month, the show has sparked waves of discussions on gender equality and female empowerment.
One of the highest upvoted comments on the social network platform Weibo reads, “Somehow I’m not afraid of being old.” Another writes, “Society is not so friendly to women over 30 years old, especially those who aren’t married. The show proves that women, no matter how old they are, can still shine with confidence and won’t be defined or knocked down by prejudice and malice. Just be yourself.”
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