It is easy to criticize the contestant on the show from the audience side. This time, let’s take a look at it from the contestant’s perspective.

Bantering with the contestants, it was easy to understand their take on the whole event. They are all really nice and friendly guys with attractive personalities. Most of them seem to realize the relative impermanence of their fame, and are glad just to have this opportunity. Given the criticism they receive from some people and media, I think they themselves are aware that that they may not be the most talented people, but are grateful to have such an opportunity.

In contrast, the backup dancers, especially the female ones seem to all have quite a big head. They give the impression of “I am a superstar, I am so special”, which was quite the opposite of the main contestants. I have found this throughout my experience that the main stars are usually the humble ones.

There exists a condition that seems overly prevalent in entertainment. Once a person is in front of the camera, they are on a higher level than normal people. This is one of the reasons the marketing for shows like this works so well. Get a reasonably good looking guy or girl, package them up in marketing, and they will be an idol, talent or not.

One way or another these boys got very lucky and are riding the giant marketing train of Dragon TV until such time as they are discarded for the next packaged idol. At that time, I think most of them will be happy to go back to their hometown and return to a normal life.

Here are some more behind the scenes shots:

It seems China is copying everything nowadays. Whether it is DVDs, designer labels or songs, you can find a copy of everything in China. This time though, they have copied the popular “American Idol” show. Though, unlike the American Idol show, the success of the men is apparently not judged on their talents.

The name of this show? My Hero! The Chinese version being 加油好男儿, meaning “Come on Good men”. (加油 literally means “Add oil” which is a expression like “come on!”) The show has raised a lot of controversy because the men boys are seen as simply pretty boys, with no real talent other than to look good on TV.

Watching show is sometimes hazardous to your health I think, but it is one of the highest rated shows on Chinese TV, with a recent 5.3% rating, beating out ever the Supergirls show.

Here are some shots from the other day while on the set at a rehearsal:

One way or another, I think it shows the power of marketing in China. There is a lot of genuine talent out there, but with a good marketing team singers don’t need to know how to sing, actors don’t need to know how to act, all they need is a pretty face and a good marketing strategy.
Everything lives and dies by marketing in China. That’s why I chose it as my profession here. Especially in entertainment.