Taiwanese singer aMEI dazzles at National Stadium concert
She proves she's still queen of Mandopop
It's been 17 years since Taiwanese pop diva aMEI rocked the National Stadium in 1999.
Last night, she proved she is still the reigning queen of Mandopop when she returned to the National Stadium as part of her world tour.
Despite the impressive stage set-up, which cost US$3.5 million (S$5 million), the focus remained firmly on the 43-year-old pop star, whose real name is Chang Hui-mei.
Chatting enthusiastically to the crowd of 20,000, she was visibly impressed by the warm response to her performance. Fans cheered, danced and sang along loudly to her hits.
"This is why I love coming to Singapore," she said in Mandarin.
"You guys aren't just super high, you're explosively high! I need to calm myself down now."
As her alter ego Amit, she sang more high-energy numbers like the heavy metal-tinged Freak Show from her latest studio album, Amit 2.
She toned down when transforming to her other persona aMEI, belting out classic tunes like Remember and I Want Happiness.
The crowd responded most enthusiastically to her popular ballads, including a spontaneous rendition of Listen To The Sea, one of her oldest hits.
EFFORTLESS
Throughout, aMEI's husky, powerful vocals were perfectly showcased and she hit her high notes effortlessly.
Surprisingly, she also performed her gay-friendly song Rainbow, which she was prohibited from singing at the Spring Wave Music and Art Festival here in 2014.
"This song is dedicated to true love. Where there is love, there will be rainbows," she said.
Friends Ron Lin and John Ng, both 27, said this was their second aMEI concert and they had very much looked forward to seeing their idol perform again.
"It's really hot in here today but we're here because we're big fans of aMEI," said events manager Mr Ng.
"She's such a versatile and talented artist who has reinvented herself over time."
Taiwanese couple Chung Hsiao-wei and Jenny Ley, who moved to Singapore last year, attended the concert with their two daughters.
"In Taiwan, aMEI's concerts always sold out very fast, so we were very excited when we got tickets to her Singapore show," said Madam Ley, a general manager.
"We feel proud to be here tonight to support aMEI.
"Watching your own homegrown artist perform in another country is a very different experience, it brings out your national pride."
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now