Ethnic singers shine on national stage

There was more music from ethnic minorities at the semi-final for the "Original Singing" Category for the CCTV National Young Singers Television Contest, which wrapped up on Tuesday. In the end, 30 individual singers or groups qualified for the grand final.

The "Sa Ye He" Group from Hubei Province won the highest score during the semi final. Their performance was a work song that is sung to synchronize movement and boost morale when carrying heavy stones. The singers were from the Tujia Ethnic Minority and such folk tunes have been popular among the Tujia People for generations.

The "Sa Ye He" Group from Hubei Province

The "Original Singing" Category is designated for those folk singers distinguished for their unadorned natural singing style. They never receive any professional training to embellish their voice. Their singing is not accompanied by any instrument and only their pure voice takes center stage. The category was officially added to the annual event in 2008. Since then, it has won great popularity among the television audiences around the country.

This category is often participated in by singers from various ethnic groups. This year, a record number of 23 ethnic minorities sent representatives to the contest.

Now, in its fourteenth year, the CCTV Young Singers Television Contest has become a prime platform for the country's promising singers to embark on a professional career. The grand finale will begin next Monday and will last for a month. China Central Television will broadcast the event live starting April 26th.