Jane Zhang

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Jane Zhang
张靓颖

Jane Zhang being interviewed by the Sohu newspaper on 23 August 2006
Chinese name 張靚穎 (Traditional)
Chinese name 张靓颖 (Simplified)
Pinyin Zhāng Liàngyǐng (Mandarin)
Born October 11, 1984 (1984-10-11) (age 23)
Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Occupation Singer
Genre(s) Mandopop
Label(s) Huayi Brothers
Years active 2005 – present
Official site www.janezhang.com

Jane Zhang also known as Zhang Liangying (simplified Chinese: 张靓颖; traditional Chinese: 張靚穎; pinyin: Zhāng Liàngyǐng, (born October 11, 1984) is a Chinese pop singer where she came to prominence after her third-place performance in the 2005 season of the Super Girl contest, a national all-female singing competition in the People's Republic of China.[1] Throughout the competition, she sang in English, Spanish and Cantonese in addition to Mandarin Chinese.[2]

She was given the nickname "The Dolphin Princess" during the competition[3] for her ability to sing in the whistle register.[4] She was given this nickname because Chinese musicians refer to the whistle register as the dolphin vocal sound (simplified Chinese: 海豚音) due to the similarities between the pitch of the dolphin and the whistle register.[5]

Zhang's debut album was titled The One and was produced by Craig Williams.[6] Her next album, Update, broke away from the Chinese pop scene by combining elements of R&B and jazz.[7] After the release of Update, Zhang participated in a World Peace One concert that was designed to increase awareness and activism for world peace, and to raise funds for humanitarian relief.[8] Other participating artists included U2, Madonna, Pink Floyd and Green Day.[9]

Contents

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early years

Zhang was born in Chengdu, Sichuan. Her father was an engine attendant for a transportation company in Chengdu, and her mother was a shop assistant.[10] During her childhood, she performed at her parents' workplace on several occasions. However, her parents divorced when she was 13; two years later, Zhang's father died. This forced her to work outside of school; she started to sing at a local public house, where her uncle played the accompaniments.[11]

While performing at the pub, Zhang was exposed to a wide variety of music genres, and developed a taste for American country singers in addition to Western pop singers, such as Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera. Because she was unable to afford her own music players, Zhang frequently borrowed walkmans and headphones from her classmates, and skipped lunches to save enough money for cassettes.[11] After graduating from college, she studied at Sichuan University's Foreign Language Department where she was majoring in English; she dropped out soon after to compete in the 2005 Super Girl competition.[12]

[edit] 2005: Super Girl competition

Jane Zhang while she was participating in Super Girl
Jane Zhang while she was participating in Super Girl

Zhang auditioned for the Super Girl contest in 2005. Super Girl (simplified Chinese: 超级女声; traditional Chinese: 超級女聲) is the Chinese equivalent to the popular Idol franchise where only female contestants were allowed to participate.[13][14] She auditioned in Chengdu, and after progressing through the preliminary rounds, she entered the national competition with Li Yuchun and He Jie (simplified Chinese: 何洁; traditional Chinese: 何潔).

Throughout the series, she had established a fan base whose members called themselves "Liang Fen" (simplified Chinese: 凉粉), a phrase that combined the Chinese pronunciation of her name and the English word "fan." The term "Liang Fen" originated from Hong Kong years ago, but is now used to define a particular type of bean jelly snack in central China.[13]

Zhang demonstrated her ability to sing in foreign languages, with performances of "I Still Believe,"[15] "What's Up,"[16] "Beautiful,"[17] and "Don't Cry for Me Argentina."[18] As such, she was recognized by judges, critics and musicians to be the most talented singer in this competition.[citation needed] Some critics even regarded her as one of China's best artists.[19] Nevertheless, she was not the most popular contestant among young supporters. Her final number of votes by text messaging was 1.3 million. Consequently, she placed third behind Li Yuchun and Zhou Bichang.[20] Her loss did not come as a shock because Li and Zhou had garnered more popularity during the competition. Their creative eccentricity and tomboyish appearances triumphed over Zhang's "old, introverted, [and] pretty-girl" image.[13][21]

[edit] Performances in Super Girl competition

Date Round Song Original Artist
May 26, 2005[22] Preliminary Round Contigo En La Distancia Christina Aguilera
Each Time When I Miss You (simplified Chinese: 每一次想你) CoCo Lee
June 4, 2005[23] Round I
Top 50
 I Turn to You Christina Aguilera
June 10, 2005[24] Round II
Top 20
 Any Man of Mine Shania Twain
June 17, 2005[25] Round III
Top 10
 The Best Tina Turner
June 24, 2005[26] Round IV
Top 7
 Country Love (simplified Chinese: 乡恋; traditional Chinese: 鄉戀) Guyi Li (Chinese: 李谷一)
Passionate Desert (simplified Chinese: 热情的沙漠; traditional Chinese: 熱情的沙漠) Feifei Auyeung (simplified Chinese: 欧阳菲菲; traditional Chinese: 歐陽菲菲)
July 1, 2005[15] Chengdu Final I Still Believe Brenda K. Starr
Writing A Song (simplified Chinese: 写一首歌; traditional Chinese: 寫一首歌) Shunza
July 15, 2005[17] National Round I
Top 15
 Long Live Journey (Chinese: 漫步人生路) Teresa Teng
Beautiful Christina Aguilera
You're the Most Precious (with Li Yuchun) (simplified Chinese: 你最珍贵; traditional Chinese: 你最珍貴) Jacky Cheung and Francesca Gao (simplified Chinese: 张学友/高慧君; traditional Chinese: 張學友/高慧君)
July 22, 2005[27] National Round II
Top 12		 Remember Me Beverley Knight
How Can You Let Me Be Upset (simplified Chinese: 你怎么舍得我难过; traditional Chinese: 你怎麼捨得我難過) Victor Wong
July 29, 2005[28] National Round III
Top 10
 Vision of Love Mariah Carey
Jambalaya (On the Bayou) Hank Williams
Liu Yanghe (simplified Chinese: 浏阳河; traditional Chinese: 瀏陽河) Unknown
August 5, 2005[18] National Round IV
Top 8
 Don't Cry for Me, Argentina Madonna
Your Appearance (simplified Chinese: 你的样子; traditional Chinese: 你的樣子) Lo Ta-yu
Bella ciao (simplified Chinese: 啊朋友再见; traditional Chinese: 啊朋友再見) Unknown
Storm (simplified Chinese: 风暴; traditional Chinese: 風暴) 待查
August 12, 2005[29] National Round V
Top 6
 Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now Jefferson Starship
Such a Big Tree (simplified Chinese: 好大一棵树; traditional Chinese: 好大一棵樹) Tian Zhen
Sincere Heroes (simplified Chinese: 真心英雄) Jackie Chan
August 19, 2005[30] National Round VI
Top 5
 The Fisherman's Song of Ussuri River (simplified Chinese: 乌苏里船歌; traditional Chinese: 烏蘇里船歌) Nanai traditional song
Lovin' You Minnie Riperton
Old Straw Hat (Japanese: 人间の证明のテーマ; Chinese: 草帽歌) Joe Yamanaka (Japanese: ジョー山中; Chinese: 山中明)
Make the World Full of Love (simplified Chinese: 让世界充满爱; traditional Chinese: 讓世界充滿愛) Unknown
Story about a Small City (Chinese: 小城故事) Teresa Teng
August 26, 2005[16] National Final Gathering Areca (simplified Chinese: 采槟榔)
What's Up 4 Non Blondes
My Beloved Country and I (simplified Chinese: 我和我的祖国; traditional Chinese: 我和我的祖國 Unknown

[edit] 2005-2006: The One

After the competition ended, Zhang was invited to visit Sichuan University, her alma mater, during its orientation week celebration in early September. She performed her own rendition of Shania Twain's "Any Man of Mine" there.[31] On September 26, 2005, she became the first Super Girl contestant to hold a personal music show for her fans. Numerous celebrities attended the show, including Huang Jianxiang, a host on CCTV's football shows, Phoenix TV host Zeng Zimo, and Taiwanese singer Sky Wu.[32] Zhang also signed a contract with CCTV to play the supporting role in The Song of the Movie, a stage music show produced by Taiwan pop musician Jonathan Lee. Harlem Yu and Yuan Quan also starred in the musical, which opened in Beijing in December 2005 and later in Hong Kong.[33]

In January 9, 2006, her first EP, Jane·Love (simplified Chinese: Jane·爱; traditional Chinese: Jane·愛) was released. The EP, which cost 2 million yuan to produce,[34] contains six tracks in total: 3 songs and 3 instrumentals. In China alone, over 210,000 copies of the EP have been sold. [35] On Forbes' list of Top 100 Richest Celebrities from China, Zhang was placed 55th.[36]

Her debut album, The One, was released on October 11th, 2006, her 22nd birthday.[37]. During the production of the album, Zhang visited the United States to collaborate with music producers Craig Williams[6] and Peter Hyams, the latter of whom had worked with Celine Dion and R. Kelly.[38] The One contains ten songs, three of which are in English; the three English songs were produced by Williams. [39]

She has also sung many popular theme songs for various films and series, including "Only for Love" (simplified Chinese: 我用所有报答爱; traditional Chinese: 我用所有報答愛) for the film The Banquet [40] and "Unparalled in the World" (simplified Chinese: 天下无双; traditional Chinese: 天下無雙) for the TV series The Return of the Condor Heroes. The popularity of both songs was reflected on numerous Chinese music charts.[41] "Only for Love", which was a collaboration with Chinese pianist Lang Lang,[42] was nominated for Best Original Film Song at the 2007 Hong Kong Film Awards. [43]

[edit] 2006-present: Update

Jane Zhang among many artists partaking in the recording of Give Your Love for the World Peace One concert
Jane Zhang among many artists partaking in the recording of Give Your Love for the World Peace One concert

In February 2007, she was invited by World Peace One (WP1) to join a hundred world-renowned singers and bands to record a song called "Give Your Love". This was aimed to bring attention to all cultures of the globe. This project aims to promote awareness of the poverty of third-world countries.[44] Zhang was the only Asian female singer who received an invitation to participate[45] and it was reported that Craig Williams recommended Zhang to the organiser of the event. [39]

Gavin Christopher and Jane Zhang performing I Will Be There in Pasadena, California.
Gavin Christopher and Jane Zhang performing I Will Be There in Pasadena, California.

Zhang performed her first North American concert on March 31, 2007 in Pasadena, California.[46] Famous Japanese musician Kitarō and Gavin Christopher also attended the concert, in which Gavin Christopher and Zhang sang I Will Be There together.[47] On April 8, 2007, she was awarded the Best Singer Award in the 2007 Music Chart Awards ceremony was held in Beijing Exhibition Centre Theater.[2]

Her July 28, 2007 concert in Beijing also set a record for the most expensive VIP seating for a mainland Chinese artist.[48] She performed live versions of hit songs from The One, new songs from her second album Update, which was released in August 2007, as well as Richard Marx's signature ballad "Right Here Waiting" and Beyoncé Knowles's "Listen" from the award-winning Broadway musical Dreamgirls. [49]

On August 2, 2007, her second album, Update was released. When asked about the album's name, Zhang explained that the album is an upgraded step from The One. The songs broke away from the Chinese pop scene by combining elements of R&B and jazz.[7] One of her tracks, "We Are Together" (simplified Chinese: 我们在一起; traditional Chinese: 我們在一起), was produced for a project by the United Nations Children's Fund.[49]

Zhang was invited, along with 130 other renowned Chinese performers[50] such as Elva Hsiao, Joey Yung, Alan Tam, Wang Feng, Eason Chan, Hacken Lee and Jackie Chan[51] to record "We Are Ready" in July 2007 for the countdown to the 2008 Summer Olympics. It was released on August 2nd.[52] "We Are Ready" was composed by Peter Kam and Keith Chan,[53] at the request of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), for the celebration of the one-year countdown to the start of the 2008 Olympics. On August 8th, the artists who recorded the song gathered at Tiananmen Square, and performed the song live for the first time.[54]

To commemorate her two year career, Zhang plans to visit her hometown, Chengdu and perform a live concert there.[55] In Chengdu, she will promote and release her second EP, entitled Dear Jane EP. The EP contains three songs, highlighting and reflecting Zhang's personal experiences and her career so far.[56]

[edit] Huang Jianxiang scandal

In 2007, Zhang was rumoured to be dating Huang Jianxiang, a football commentator who had received international attention during the 2006 FIFA World Cup commentary incident on June 26, 2006 when he provided biased comments during the match between Australia and Italy.[57] Their rumoured relationship was well publicised and Zhang had been blamed as the "third woman" who caused Huang Jianxiang's 2006 divorce.[58] The pair appeared on a talk show on January 11, 2007 and vehemently denied their relationship.[59]

[edit] Vocal ability

Zhang, a spinto soprano, has been compared with other whistle register masters such as Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Sarah Brightman.[4] Her vocal ability ranges from the D below middle C to the G above soprano C that was demonstrated in her rendition of Minnie Riperton's "Lovin' You" when she was performing on Super Girl.[5] As such, she has been given the nickname "The Dolphin Princess"[3] as Chinese musicians refer to the whistle register as the dolphin vocal sound (simplified Chinese: 海豚音).[5]

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

[edit] EP's

[edit] References

  1. ^ Goldkorn, Jeremy. "The final week of TV sensation Super Voice Girls", Danwei.org, 2005-08-24. Retrieved on 2007-07-29. 
  2. ^ a b The 7th Music Chart Awards held. CRIENGLISH.com (2007-04-09). Retrieved on 2007-09-18.
  3. ^ a b Zhang Liangying, Cui Jian Sing for Football Fans. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  4. ^ a b Hitting Glass-Shattering High Notes. Beijing Today. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  5. ^ a b c Chen, Steven. Vitas meant to be heard, not sung. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  6. ^ a b "Super Girl Jane Zhang Goes to America to Record New Album", China.org, 2006-07-19. Retrieved on 2007-07-20. 
  7. ^ a b Mingxin, Bi (2007-08-02). Zhang Liangying releases second album. Xinhuanet.com. Retrieved on 2007-09-14.
  8. ^ World Peace One - The Event. World Peace One. Retrieved on 2007-10-27.
  9. ^ Zhang Liangying and Madonna to record song for world peace. CRIENGLISH.com (2007-02-02). Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  10. ^ 张靓颖童年父母离异 15岁到酒吧卖唱挣钱. QQ.com. Retrieved on 2007-11-19.(Chinese)
  11. ^ a b 张靓颖童年照曝光 母女俩每月仅靠100元生活. SZ News (2007-09-04). Retrieved on 2007-11-24.(Chinese)
  12. ^ “大学生年度人物”和“年度魅力人物”评选. People.com.cn. Retrieved on 2007-12-02.(Chinese)
  13. ^ a b c Marcom, Ben and Goldkorn, Jeremy (2005-08-24). The final week of TV sensation Super Voice Girls. Danwei.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-29.
  14. ^ Yardley, Jim. "Popularly-voted 'Super Girls' sizzle China so", New York Times, 2005-09-05. Retrieved on 2007-10-27. 
  15. ^ a b "Super Girl Season 2 - Chengdu Final". Super Girl. July 1, 2005.
  16. ^ a b "Super Girl Season 2 - National Final". Super Girl. August 26, 2005.
  17. ^ a b "Super Girl Season 2 - National Round (Top 15)". Super Girl. July 15, 2005.
  18. ^ a b "Super Girl Season 2 - National Round (Top 8)". Super Girl. August 5, 2005.
  19. ^ C-Star Singing Competition - Singing is Believing: Jane Zhang speaks about C-STAR. C-Star. Retrieved on 2007-10-27.
  20. ^ Li Yuchun voted Super Girl. Visawang.com (2005-09-17). Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
  21. ^ Joffe-Walt, Benjamin. "Mad about the girl: a pop idol for China", The Guardian, 2005-10-07. Retrieved on 2007-07-30. 
  22. ^ "Super Girl Season 2 - Preliminary Round in Chengdu". Super Girl. May 26, 2005.
  23. ^ "Super Girl Season 2 - Top 50 in Chengdu". Super Girl. June 4, 2005.
  24. ^ "Super Girl Season 2 - Top 20 in Chengdu". Super Girl. June 10, 2005.
  25. ^ "Super Girl Season 2 - Top 10 in Chengdu". Super Girl. June 17, 2005.
  26. ^ "Super Girl Season 2 - Top 7 in Chengdu". Super Girl. June 24, 2005.
  27. ^ "Super Girl Season 2 - National Round (Top 12)". Super Girl. July 22, 2005.
  28. ^ "Super Girl Season 2 - National Round (Top 10)". Super Girl. July 29, 2005.
  29. ^ "Super Girl Season 2 - National Round (Top 6)". Super Girl. August 12, 2005.
  30. ^ "Super Girl Season 2 - National Round (Top 5)". Super Girl. August 19, 2005.
  31. ^ 佚名 (2006-06-03). 张靓颖音乐减肥. Shoushen.com. Retrieved on 2007-12-02. (Chinese)
  32. ^ 張靚穎歌友會大牌云集 姚明送來簽名球衣. Cnhan.com (2005-09-28). Retrieved on 2007-12-03. (Chinese)
  33. ^ Zhang Liangying hits HK limelight. China.org.cn (2005-10-20). Retrieved on 2007-09-15.
  34. ^ Zhang Liang Ying to release debut album. CRIENGLISH. Retrieved on 2007-10-29.
  35. ^ Toby Gad - News. Retrieved on 2007-09-22.
  36. ^ Forbes announces Chinese star rating. China Daily (2006-03-13). Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  37. ^ Zhang Liangying Releases Debut Album on Her Birthday. China.org.cn (2006-09-22). Retrieved on 2007-09-14.
  38. ^ Super Girl Jane Zhang Goes to America. CRIENGLISH.com (2006-07-19). Retrieved on 2007-09-15.
  39. ^ a b Yan, Wang (2007-02-02). Zhang Liangying to record song for world peace. Xinhuanet.com. Retrieved on 2007-09-15.
  40. ^ Movie Soundtrack: The Banquet Original Movie Soundtrack (OST). YesAsia.com. Retrieved on 2007-09-16.
  41. ^ Entertainment News (Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean). YesAsia.com (2007-10-31). Retrieved on 2007-11-05.
  42. ^ Zhang Liangying to guest star in Lang Lang's concert. CRIENGLISH.com (2006-12-28). Retrieved on 2007-10-24.
  43. ^ Ye yan (awards). Imbd.com. Retrieved on 2007-09-17.
  44. ^ "Silky Chinese voice to join world superstars at show", Xinhua News Agency, 2007-02-01. Retrieved on 2007-07-20. 
  45. ^ Jane Zhang. Star East Asia Entertainment News. Retrieved on 2007-10-24.
  46. ^ "Jane Zhang's North American Concert Begins", JaneZhang.com, 2007-03-28. Retrieved on 2007-07-20. 
  47. ^ "Super Girl" Holds First Concert in North America. CRIENGLISH.com (2007-04-03). Retrieved on 2007-09-15.
  48. ^ "Record Ticket Prices for Jane Zhang Concert", CRIENGLISH.com, 2007-07-12. Retrieved on 2007-07-20. 
  49. ^ a b "Super Girl" star shines at Beijing night. Sina.com (2007-07-31). Retrieved on 2007-09-14.
  50. ^ "We Are Ready" - Beijing is Ready!. CRIENGLISH.com (2007-08-06). Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  51. ^ Jackie Chan records Olympics 2008 song. Ninemsn.com.au (2007-10-24). Retrieved on 2007-10-24.
  52. ^ Musicians Sing "We Are Ready" for Olympics. Beijing Review (2007-07-31). Retrieved on 2007-09-15.
  53. ^ "We Are ready", An Inspiring Song for 2008 Beijing Olympics. CRIENGLISH.com (2007-08-08). Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  54. ^ Beijing 2008: We are ready. Reuters (2007-08-06). Retrieved on 2007-09-15.
  55. ^ 张靓颖EP《Dear Jane》内容曝光 演唱会化身魔术师. Sina (2007-11-24). Retrieved on 2007-11-24.(Chinese)
  56. ^ 張靚穎全新EP下月發行 魔術裝書寫心情日記(圖). Sina (2007-11-21). Retrieved on 2007-11-24.(Chinese)
  57. ^ Nan, Yu (2006-11-16). Controversial sports host Huang leaves CCTV. China Daily. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  58. ^ Yueha, Wu (2006-11-29). The Global Game. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  59. ^ Huang denies rumoured. CRIENGLISH.com (2007-01-12). Retrieved on 2007-10-28.

[edit] External links


Persondata
NAME Jane Zhang
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Zhang Liangying
simplified Chinese: 张靓颖; traditional Chinese: 張靚穎
SHORT DESCRIPTION Artist, singer
DATE OF BIRTH October 11, 1984 (1984-10-11) (age 23)
PLACE OF BIRTH Chengdu, Sichuan, China
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH
Languages