Why are Chinese singers so obsessed with western music awards?

By APD Writer Sun Peipei

Lay Zhang, a popular Chinese singer, Thursday posted a screenshot of Grammy's homepage on his Weibo, a Chinese Twitter-like service, saying that he was invited by Grammy to serve as the only Chinese promotion ambassador of Grammy Festival Beijing 2018.

Lay Zhang, Chinese promotion ambassador of Grammy Festival Beijing 2018

The post has drawn a lot of comments from Chinese internet users, in which they sneer at Lay. ”It’s just a promotion ambassador, not an award,” they said.

Every time Chinese singers are awarded with western music prizes, some send congratulations to them, while others show their distaste.

But why are Chinese people including singers themselves crazy about the western awards?

There may be three reasons behind the phenomenon.

Firstly, the European and American music awards are internationally recognized and more authoritative than domestic ones.

Secondly, winning western music awards means the Chinese music is gradually accepted by the world, which can spark people’s a greater sense of national pride.

Thirdly, because of a lack of confidence in Chinese culture and music, some singers need to prove themselves by seeking recognition from the outside world.

In fact, a variety of international music awards are just a bridge of cultural exchange in the context of world integration, which role should not be exaggerated by media.

At present, the Chinese music is still little known to foreigners. Compared with efforts in obtaining international awards, innovating in Chinese music, and bring it to the world outside China are the priorities.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)