The Road to Superstardom: Starting as a Singer

At 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time, Los Angeles was already lit up with lights, and Huang Weijie was getting ready in his hotel suite, which had been set up as a temporary live broadcast studio.

I took off from New York in the morning and arrived in Los Angeles in the afternoon.

After landing, I barely rested and went straight to the hotel to start a simple makeup and hair adjustment.

There aren't many changes; it still maintains a refreshing style that's youthful, sunny, confident, and energetic.

This video conference was also carefully coordinated and prepared.

It is particularly noteworthy that CCTV specifically scheduled the live broadcast for 10:00 AM (7:00 PM Los Angeles time), which can be seen as a signal that it attaches great importance to this event.

At 10 a.m., which is right after the morning news peak and before the midday program, it is a stable viewing time during the day, which is very conducive to broadcasting.

Moreover, it has a wide audience reach, catering to many groups, especially young viewers.

Even the most reluctant student should get up by now, since cell phones in 08 weren't so fun that one could stay in bed all the time.

Most importantly, this appearance is of extraordinary significance.

Having appeared in front of a national audience, as long as Huang Weijie behaves normally, even if other viewers might forget him or not remember him afterward, the fact that he "appeared on CCTV" is itself a kind of recognition of his identity.

While it may not be considered a complete victory, it is at least an important positive endorsement.

As time ticked by, Huang Weijie felt a rare surge of excitement.

To be honest, he genuinely felt he was lucky.

This year is an Olympic year, and the country urgently needs to demonstrate its openness, confidence, and international influence to the world.

As a "global teen idol" with a certain international reputation, his healthy image and influence are perfect for conveying mainstream values ​​to hundreds of millions of teenagers in China.

At a different time, CCTV might not have been able to give him such an opportunity so smoothly.

(For example, next year's 60th anniversary military parade! On National Day, there will only be one main character, and that is "the most beloved people".)

2008 was a year of great change, as everyone knows. I won't go into the specifics, but I'll just mention one thing.

That is the "Shamate culture".

The "Shamate culture" in China emerged around 2006, and can be traced back to a person named Luo Fuxing.

Coincidentally, this person is from the same hometown as Huang Weijie; they are both from Guangdong Province.

Those brightly colored hair dyes, afros, and super long bangs were all done to imitate the appearance of characters in the game.

After Lao Luo uploaded these photos of his exaggerated hairstyles to his QQ space, he unexpectedly became popular and gained the attention of many young people.

The early "Shamate Family", "Funeral Love Family" and "Crippled Blood Family" were all founded under his influence.

The "Shamate culture" gradually developed through QQ Space in 2006, and its heyday was in 2008.

Those who remember should recall that in 2008, the streets and alleys were filled with young people sporting brightly colored afros, heavy makeup, and outlandish clothes.

QQ Space is also filled with Martian language and exaggerated selfie poses.

(After checking the information, I found that at this time, Luo Yonghao managed more than 500 groups with 20 members, and his personal space received over 40 visits, making him arguably China's first generation of super internet celebrities. Incredibly impressive!)

Although the "Shamate" culture was later strongly rejected by mainstream public opinion and labeled with negative tags such as "vulgar", "outdated" and "brainless".

But that was later, now, in 2008.

"Shamate culture" is booming in China!

Influenced by the "Shamate culture," young people in China are easily distracted from their studies and work at this time.

After all, dyeing, styling, and maintaining a hairstyle all take time, and after getting a new hairstyle, you might even face pressure from your parents.

When they are suppressed, they want to resist.

Once you rebel, where will you find the extra time and energy to devote to studying or working?

To curb this phenomenon, either the state must intervene and forcefully suppress it, or a figure must be found who can divert their attention and guide them to change their mindset.

It's obvious that Huang Weijie is the most suitable candidate.

The reason why "Shamate culture" is so popular is, to some extent, because the cost of "expressing individuality" is not high, and it just happens to fit the rebellious psychology of teenagers.

At this stage, they often cannot listen to the advice of their elders, but are more likely to identify with their peers who are of similar age but have achieved more outstanding results.

Coincidentally, Huang Weijie is young and has already achieved certain success internationally, which gives him the appeal to make many young people listen attentively.

CCTV also wanted to use him and this video call to showcase Huang Weijie's "youthful, sunny, and self-reliant" image to young people across the country.

This allows them to appreciate traditional celebratory programs while also becoming aware of...

In fact, you don't need to rely on exaggerated hairstyles or clothing to be dazzling and win attention and recognition.

(It just goes to show that people were much more naive back in 2008. Nowadays, everyone is much more realistic: without modeling, who would pay attention to you!)

……

The connection started on time.

At 10:00 AM on October 1st in Beijing, across the ocean, Kang Hui, dressed in formal attire, sat calmly and confidently at the anchor desk in the studio, with a gentle smile on his face.

"Weijie, hello. This is the CCTV National Day special program. I'm your host, Kang Hui."

Kang Hui's voice came through the satellite signal, clear and warm: "First of all, congratulations on the success of your new album. We know you are currently in Los Angeles. At this time of national celebration, is there anything you would like to say to your country and your audience back home?"

Huang Weijie appeared composed and had a clear gaze in front of the camera.

"Hello, Mr. Kang Hui, and friends across the country, Happy National Day! Although we are separated by the Pacific Ocean, my heart is always connected with my motherland! Over the years, studying and making music overseas, I have often felt that the energy of my creations originates from that ancient yet vibrant land. It is my honor and a responsibility to be able to let more people hear the voices of today's young Chinese through music."

On this special day, I want to say to our motherland, may you always be prosperous and strong, and may our country be peaceful and our people live in peace. I also want to say to all my compatriots, no matter where we are, the paths we've walked, the stories we've heard, and the bond in our blood will always be our shared essence. Happy holiday to everyone! May you have dreams in your hearts and paths to follow!

Although the draft had been polished, Huang Weijie had practiced it many times and still delivered his heartfelt blessings in a sincere and peaceful manner, conveying both the blessings and a natural sense of personal cultural belonging.

In the studio, Kang Hui nodded slightly, his eyes filled with approval: "Well said. Music knows no borders, but musicians have a home. Thank you for this blessing from afar, and I look forward to you creating more moving works in the future. Come home often!"

"Thank you, Professor Kang Hui, I will!" Huang Weijie nodded with a smile, his smile clean and bright.

Although the live stream lasted only a few minutes, it generated a very enthusiastic response.

Shortly after the program aired, the relevant clips were widely disseminated and discussed on major domestic platforms.

The authoritative endorsement from CCTV, coupled with Huang Weijie's sincere and appropriate performance, greatly enhanced his public image at the mainstream level.

A popular post on Tianya Forum was titled: "This is the kind of star worth following! Huang Weijie's National Day video call broadened his horizons!"

The most popular comments below the post include:

"I didn't really pay attention to him before, I just knew he'd made a name for himself abroad, but what he said today made me realize he's thoughtful and grounded. Great! (Thumbs up)"

"As Chinese people, we should speak Chinese like this child. Those who keep spouting out words that are neither Chinese nor English, what are they even pretending for?"

"What you said was honest and straightforward, not pretentious or unrealistic, which is good."

"It's so rare to find someone who can maintain such a clear and unwavering identification with their cultural roots after achieving fame overseas. I'm a fan now!"

"He seems very clear-headed and hasn't been swayed by external fame, which is rare."

"The CCTV interview is a form of recognition, indicating that he has a positive and proactive image."

"A few simple words of blessing, but you can tell they came from the heart."

"Compared to some so-called celebrities who forget their roots after going abroad, the difference is obvious. My daughter says this kid is her idol, and I think this is definitely something to support!"

Mainstream media also quickly followed up with reports.

The official website of the overseas edition of People's Daily reprinted the video, titled "Chinese singer Huang Weijie sends blessings to the motherland from afar: Music knows no borders, never forget the road we came from".

His speech was also mentioned in the Xinhua News Agency's press release.

Overnight, Huang Weijie's reputation in China was further enhanced, from a "very popular overseas idol" to a "positive and uplifting youth representative recognized by the mainstream."

If the Beijing Olympics put China at the center of the world stage, the whole society was filled with unprecedented national pride and an open mind.

So Huang Weijie, an idol who has achieved success in the West but is rooted in Chinese culture, is a living example of "cultural confidence".