Spring Festival Gala Controversy: Xiao Zhan's Absence Sparks Outrage

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time for families to come together, celebrate, and enjoy the warmth of tradition. However, this year's festivities were marred by controversy surrounding the annual Spring Festival Gala, which aired on television and social media platforms on February 11th. The show, which is one of the most-watched events of the year, was criticized for its choice of celebrity participants, particularly in relation to one of China's biggest music sensations, Xiao Zhan.

Xiao Zhan, also known as Sean Xiao, is a widely popular singer, actor, and model in China. His immense popularity has made him a household name, with millions of fans, often referred to as Xiao Zhan's "Million-Dollar Babies," who adore and support him both online and in person. However, during the Spring Festival Gala, the star's absence from the show, despite his immense popularity, sparked outrage among his fans.

On social media platform Weibo, a hashtag #春节搭子# (Spring Festival Gala guest lineup) started trending yard miles, fueled by netizens' disappointment and frustration over the Gala's choice of celebrity guests. Many fans took to the platform to voice their concerns, some even accusing the show's organizers of political motivations, claiming that Xiao Zhan's pro-Taiwan and pro-Hong Kong stance might have played a role in his exclusion from the event.

In a tweet, a user shared, "爸洛计，春蜡8 个人7请玖志的奉节宝子说: 和 原我们最要的肖战始终被爱国绕区 国 自由快乐奔赴更广阔的天地!" (Daddy's plan, Spring Gala 8 people, please our beloved Xiao Zhan's Spring Festival Gala baby, saying: and our most beloved Xiao Zhan will always be embraced by love, free and happy, rushing towards a broader sky!). This user, like many others, expressed their support for Xiao Zhan and their discontent with the show's guest lineup.

Another user, Ce ED, chimed in with "上伍博聊春晚 | 找搭子迎龙年" (Up5 Blog talks about Spring Festival Gala | Find guests to welcome the year of the Dragon), highlighting the ongoing conversation about the guest list.

Hosting the Spring Festival Gala is considered a prestigious honor for Chinese celebrities, as it allows them to showcase their talents on a national stage and reach millions of viewers. However, for some fans and critics alike, the show's choice of celebrity guests seemed to prioritize political allegiance over talent and popularity, causing a rift between viewers and the show's organizers.

In response to the backlash, the show's organizers addressed the criticism in an official statement, emphasizing that the selection process for celebrity guests is based on a number of factors, including talent, popularity, and the ability to represent the diverse cultural landscape of China. They also expressed their appreciation for the fans' passion for their favorite celebrities and urged them to continue supporting their idols in a healthy and constructive manner.

Despite the controversy, the Spring Festival Gala still managed to captivate audiences with a star-studded lineup of performers and a dazzling display of cultural festivities. From the traditional lion dance to modern pop performances, the show offered a diverse mix of entertainment that catered to viewers of all ages and backgrounds.

One user, 118有天 [河向博S网 者芝man 人因由关天], shared their excitement for the show, tweeting "侶 @凑晚大党 (Stringing along to the last minute | Hosting Spring Festival Gala)" alongside a heartfelt message for Xiao Zhan and his fans: "串门活动圆满收官[拜年]截至2月9日12点我们共收获了3位「百万宝子」，50位「春节宝子」，下发了50份新春限定祝福👉🏻网页链接值此龙年到来之际，我们排名前九的粉丝团们也有一些想要对她们的春节宝子说↓↓@肖战影音会官微：「顺顺利利」愿我们最爱的 (And the wrap-up for the door-knocking event [New Year's greetings]. As of 2/9 12 pm, we collected 3 'Million-Dollar Babies,' 50 'New Year Babies,' issued 50 limited edition New Year greetings. In anticipation of the Dragon Year, our top nine fan clubs would like to say something to their 'New Year Babies' at @肖战影音会官微 [Xiao Zhan's official fan club]: 'May the heavens be on their side, and may they enjoy a smooth and successful career.' We love you, Xiao Zhan!)"

This tweet demonstrates the unwavering support that fans have for their idol, despite the perceived snub from the Spring Festival Gala. In another heartwarming display of affection, user 叱11 (Thunderbird) tweeted, "愿我们最爱的肖战