Jay Chou's Magical 2011 CCTV Spring Festival Gala Performance Celebrates 10th Anniversary
In 2021, Chinese social media platforms were abuzz with nostalgia as they celebrated the 10th anniversary of a unique performance by Jay Chou, a Taiwanese singer, songwriter, and actor, on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala (Chunwan) in 2011. The multifaceted performance, which included singing, magic, piano playing, and poetry recitation, left netizens praising Jay Chou's talent, versatility, and ability to keep the audience entertained.
14 February 2024
The performance, titled "Lantingji Xu" (《兰亭序》), was a unique blend of musical prowess and theatrical surprises. Jay Chou, along with actress Lin Zhiling, enchanted the audience with a four-minute show that still manages to amaze and amuse fans almost a decade later. The video, which went viral on YouTube and Chinese social media platforms, received over one hundred million views and praise from netizens.
The performance began with Jay Chou playing the piano while reciting a poem written by Wang Anshi, a Song Dynasty poet. It then transitioned into a magical act where Jay Chou seemingly transformed a piece of paper into a rose and made Lin Zhiling "vanish" from the stage, only to reappear moments later. The duo then performed a rendition of "Lantingji Xu", a classic piece by the renowned Ming Dynasty poet Wang Yangming.
To further showcase his musical range, Jay Chou also performed a solo piano piece on the renowned "Moonlight Sonata" by Ludwig van Beethoven. The audience was captivated by his virtuosic piano skills, which were praised by both Chinese and international audiences.
As the performance continued, Jay Chou and Lin Zhiling engaged in a traditional Chinese dance, demonstrating their versatility and commitment to portraying the essence of Chinese culture on a global stage. The duo also performed a spoken word piece, which was well-received by the audience and added a layer of depth to their performance.
The CCTV Spring Festival Gala is the most-watched television program in the world, consistently drawing over one billion viewers each year. In 2011, it was a significant platform for Jay Chou to showcase his talents and captivate a massive audience. Fans and critics alike praised his ability to entertain, engage, and surprise the audience throughout the performance.
On social media, netizens reminisced about the performance and shared their favorite moments from the show. Some users commented on the unique blend of traditional Chinese culture with modern elements, while others praised Jay Chou's ability to sing, act, and perform magic with equal skill.
"周杰伦《兰亭序》这个春晚节目常看常新，每年都有新发现，去年某音一百多万点赞，今年XHS复盘帖子又随便十万点赞哈哈哈哈哈！" one user wrote, expressing their continued enjoyment and discovery of the performance ten years later.
Another user commented on Jay Chou's range and adaptability, saying, "这么忙，竟然也没忘词，还说的特别清楚哥还是去变魔术吧." (Despite being so busy, he didn't forget the lyrics, and his speech was very clear. Brother, you should just stick to being a magician.)
As fans eagerly await Jay Chou's potential return to Chunwan, the 2011 performance continues to be celebrated as a prime example of his multifaceted talent and the lasting impact of his work. The anniversary serves as a reminder of Jay Chou's ingenuity and creativity, which continue to captivate audiences around the world.