Foreign contestants are now eligible to enter the popular star-making TV shows -- "My Hero" and "My Show" -- to showcase their singing and performing talents as well as their charisma to a nationwide audience.

 

This is the first time the Dragon TV shows, inspired by "American Idol" and other Western favorites, have invited foreigners to participate. Mandarin is not a stated requirement but the better your Mandarin, the better your chances. Contestants can sing in English for "My Show," a pop singing competition.

 

National registration begins tomorrow for "My Hero" and next Saturday for "My Show." Registration will last for about a month; several thousand entries are expected.

 

Both shows will begin airing sometime in April, with the exact dates yet to be determined. Elimination performances will also be videotaped and some will be aired around the same time as the premiere.

 

Last year the two shows were among the hottest in Shanghai TV history and were shortcuts to fame for young icons, such as Pu Bajia from Tibet, now an actor in film, TV serials and commercials, and Wang Xiaokun from Beijing, a singer.

 

Though the shows originated in Shanghai, they attract contestants from around the country and are broadcast nationwide. The phenomenon of TV talent-making shows has been criticized for contributing to the belief of many young people that they can become overnight celebrities without real effort and that the way to popular success is through talent shows.

 

In addition to welcoming foreign contestants, there are other major changes in this year's programs, making them more entertaining.

 

In "My Hero," the top 10 contestants will undergo final rounds both on stage and in a "Prince's Castle" where they will be isolated, receive professional training and be filmed 24 hours a day. The pressure-cooker environment is expected to generate tremendous psychological pressure.

 

The top 10 will also perform on stage, with winners chosen by both SMS and a judging panel comprised of actors, singers, TV hosts, and academics.

 

"The contestants must be modern, healthy, witty, and charming," says Teng Junjie, deputy director of Shanghai Media Group, the show's presenter. "The TV competition will also be a demanding test of their all-around abilities."

 

Unlike "My Hero" which can pave the way to stardom for film, TV serials and commercials, "My Show" selects pop singers to perform in a musical drama that will debut worldwide in December. The drama will be a blend of R&B, hip-hop, rock 'n' roll, and electronic music. Winners with real talent and dreams of a music career are expected to study with Hong Kong pop singer Jacky Cheung and Taiwanese screenwriter and director Stan Lai.

 

Besides solo singing, this year's "My Show" also welcomes registration from group vocalists for the first time.

 

There are many "post-show" opportunities for young people after gaining recognition through these shows. According to Metersbonwe, a popular Chinese clothes brand and a sponsor, the winners of "My Hero" also have the chance to be its new fashion ambassadors. SUM Entertainment Ltd, a presenter of "My Show," will offer recording and performing contracts.

 

In addition to the "American Idol"-like programs, a new local entertainment show, "Skating with Celebrities," will premiere on Dragon TV next month. The weekly show is similar to the hit "Dancing Star," but it invites famous TV hosts and stars to "dance" on a real ice-skating rink.

 

"Shanghai is a warm city with virtually no snow or ice," says one of the producers, Tian Ming. "We hope the program can generate public interest in figure skating and other ice sports. It's a tribute to the Beijing Olympics."

 

So far Chinese mainland actresses Sun Li and Tao Hong and Taiwanese singer Peter Ho and Hong Kong actor Dicky Cheung are on the list. The camera will record their training, presenting the slips and falls, as well as the elegance of the final performance.

 

Public registrations

"My Hero"

March 24 -- early April
myhero.smgbb.cn
myhero.sina.com.cn

 

"My Show"

March 31-- early April
spritemyshow.smgbb.cn.

(Shanghai Daily March 23, 2007)