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American country artist Mickey Guyton is set to compete in the final of China's hit TV show "Singer 2025" on Friday, marking the end of her first visit to the country. She recently spoke with China.org.cn about the experience.

"I had never visited China before. I was always curious, especially as TikTok was being banned in America," Guyton said. She turned to Xiaohongshu (Red Note), a Chinese social media platform attracting foreign users after the TikTok clampdown in the United States. "I was just like, 'why am I not here yet?' It was really cool."

Guyton was initially unsure about joining "Singer 2025," China's top-rated television show, co-produced by Hunan Satellite TV and Mango TV. However, after she and her team watched the program, they were impressed by its high production values and the roster of previous artists, including Chanté Moore, Jessie J and Adam Lambert.

"The show is filmed so beautifully," Guyton said. "And the exposure to an international audience as a country musician in America — like this is an opportunity of a lifetime ... I had to do it."

Mickey Guyton performs on "Singer 2025." [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

Throughout the season, Guyton has drawn widespread praise for her strong vocals and stage presence, winning back-to-back weekly championships and securing a place in the finale. She described the experience as one of "healing and rebirth," noting Chinese audiences' warmth and the chance to rediscover her artistic voice on stage.

Guyton said adapting to the new environment required teamwork. Universal Music Group's China team supported her throughout the competition, helping her navigate cultural and language differences.

"The team has just been exceptional and guided me through this whole process because this show is so beautifully done and so hard," she said. "They helped me with song choices, helped me understand what is popular in China versus what is popular in America — totally different things — and helped me understand the audience, what they love and how they feel."

Their input ensured Guyton's performances built a connection with local viewers, including a standout moment singing John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads," a longtime favorite in China. A line in Chinese during that rendition made a strong impact.

Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, visits Mickey Guyton on the "Singer 2025" set to show support after her first weekly win. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

"They encouraged me to do it, like, 'You should sing a country song. You're a country artist, and I think it's really important for the audience to experience that part of you because that is who you are,'" Guyton recalled. "They helped me incorporate some Chinese into the song as well."

Recalling the first week, Guyton said she felt unprepared and overwhelmed.

"I walked in. I had no concept of what this show was. I walked out there with literally zero expectations. I sang 'If I Were a Boy' by Beyoncé. As I was singing and looked out at the audience, it was the first time I saw an audience moved in real time by all of their emotions. It made me so emotional; I started crying. I couldn't finish the song," she said.

UMG has ramped up efforts to promote cultural exchange, exporting Chinese music to global audiences and arranging high-profile appearances in China by international artists such as Guyton. The singer described the experience of reaching new listeners as transformative.

"This is a massive opportunity for artists in America," she said. "The audiences here, especially in China, are so vast, and the musical tastes are so diverse. It's life-changing."

Born in Texas in 1983, Guyton rose to prominence for breaking racial boundaries in country music with "Black Like Me." Her albums "Remember Her Name" (2021) and "House on Fire" (2024) earned critical acclaim for blending personal storytelling with broader social themes.

Guyton became the first Black woman to be nominated for best country solo performance at the 2021 Grammys and the first Black female country artist to perform at the awards and sing the U.S. national anthem at the Super Bowl.

Mickey Guyton poses for a photo in Changsha, central China's Hunan province. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

Despite success, Guyton continues to speak out on racism in country music. "As much as I love country music, I don't love the racism in it," she said. "Country music doesn't belong to just one group. It belongs to everyone," she insisted.

Guyton said she was struck by the warmth of the people in China, as well as a strong sense of community and respect for children and elders. She noted feeling safer in public than she does in the U.S., admired the affordable cost of living and the country's approach to food and honoring aging. "This country is just so incredible," she said.

Mickey Guyton performs on "Singer 2025." [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

Looking ahead to the "Singer 2025" finale, Guyton said her performances will be about self-love and empowerment, especially for those striving for perfection. 

"The biggest message I would have for my listeners and audience is to make sure that as you're trying to be perfect and working hard to achieve your goals, you also give yourself grace," she said. "You're perfect just the way you are."

Wang Mianyi also contributed to the story.