China's Golden Record Awards have made a comeback with a brand new look. After an unexplained eight-year hiatus, there's obviously lots of catching up to do. Basically, the contest is open to just about anything, as long as it's on a record. But this year, the event includes more categories, and for the first time, is open to pop singers from Hong Kong and Taiwan. After sifting through almost a decade of rock, folk, pop, instrumental and classical, the jury announced the winners on Nov.17 at the Great Hall of People in Beijing.
For the first time, pop singers from Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland entered the same competition.
The Best Male Singer award was shared by Hong Kong's King of Pop Jackie Cheung and Taiwan veteran Emil Chou. The Best Female Singer Award went to two pop divas, Taiwan's A-Mei and Hong Kong's Faye Wong. But none of them actually showed up on the night.
Mainland pop perennial Liu Huan scooped up the Best Album Award with "Born in the 60's". Being the only contender for Best Rock and Roll Artist, ethnic singer Siqin Gerile had no trouble at all pocketing the award.
The ceremony also boasted a long list of guest stars, including Alan Tam, William Lin and Sky Wu from across the straits.
The night just got hotter and hotter as each new star stepped onto stage.
(CCTV.com November 19, 2003)
