BEIJING (AP) — One little girl had the looks. The other had the voice.
So in a last-minute move demanded by one of China’s highest officials, the two were put together for the Olympic opening ceremony, with one lip-synching “Ode to the Motherland” over the other’s singing.
The real singer, 7-year-old Yang Peiyi, with her chubby face and crooked baby teeth, wasn’t good looking enough for the ceremony, its chief music director told state-owned Beijing Radio.
So the pigtailed Lin Miaoke, a veteran of television ads, mouthed the words with a pixie smile for a stadium of 91,000 and a worldwide TV audience. “I felt so beautiful in my red dress,” the tiny 9-year-old told the China Daily newspaper.
Peiyi later told China Central Television that just having her voice used was an honor.
It was the latest example of the lengths the image-obsessed China is taking to create a perfect Summer Games.
In a brief phone interview with AP Television News on Tuesday night, the music director, Chen Qigang, said he spoke about the switch with Beijing Radio “to come out with the truth.”
“The little girl is a magnificent singer,” Chen said. “She doesn’t deserve to be hidden.” He said the ceremony’s director, film director Zhang Yimou, knew of the change. He declined to speak further about it.
There is more to this story but I’d decided this is all needed. I mean the rest were comments from others. Sad but truth, looks does matter in lots more ways than we realize. But if this news is a big enough sensation for some recording company willingly to groom the ‘not-so-good-looking’ Yang PeiYi, its might be a blessing in disguise. Afterall what she lack of is, a good dentist & slimming center sponsorship when she grew up. She might be the next raising star. As for Lin Miaoke, who knows if she be the next top model? Or actress?
After reading a couple of comments regarding this issue. The fuss that was kicked up regarding the beautiful picture China trying to portray. Commenting on Chinese emphasizing more on looks than talent. Think carefully before you comment. Look deep within yourself. Everyone of us judge others. It’s just how we prioritize it. To me for look wise, as long as he look pleasing, not bengish or too ruggard. I prefer clean cut looks. I value his character & personalities more. Being able to communicate well, the chemistry between us. What about you? Well you may disagree with me say u aren’t judgmental but guess what, I’d been judged by others throughout my life.. if you happen to look good, people will comment regarding your figure saying its such a waste. Its like if u have the figure lack the looks they will say wasted. But nothing much for you to do. But if its otherwise?
