Chou, Chan sweep top prizes at Chinese Grammys
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - Taiwanese R&B sensation Jay Chou and Hong Kong’s Eason Chan swept the top awards at the Chinese-language equivalent of the Grammys on Saturday, as organizers paid tribute to late American pop legend Michael Jackson with a round of applause.
But newcomer Crowd Lu – sporting a bowl-style haircut, large black-framed glasses and an outfit with prison stripes – stole the show with his nerdy and frantic demeanor, stuttering through his acceptance speeches for best newcomer and best composer on his debut album, and uttering random musings like “I’m on TV, yeah!” and “remember to eat breakfast.”
Chou won best male singer for his 2008 album “Magic Jay Station,” as well as song of the year and best music video at Taiwan’s 20th Golden Melody Awards, while Chan clinched Mandarin album of the year for “Don’t Want to Let Go.”
But Chou, the 30-year-old Taiwanese pop star, didn’t show up for the awards ceremony and instead sent collaborator Gary Yang to collect his trophies. “Jay wanted me to say that it’s very cool that besides his music, his video work is also honored,” Yang said.
Chan, who lost to Chou in the best male singer category, appeared surprised that he had won best album. He said he felt honored to receive the prize from “my idol,” referring to presenter Jacky Cheung, one of the biggest names in Chinese pop, as his fans chanted “Eason” repeatedly.
Organizers also paid tribute to Jackson – who died Thursday in Los Angeles, Calif. – with host Tao Ching-ying asking the audience to give him a round of applause. “I believe many of the singers attending today’s ceremony were influenced by him,” she said.
Taiwan’s Sandee Chan, who started her career as a composer, clinched best female singer for the album “If There Is One Thing That’s Important.”
“I don’t think I’m someone with a naturally gifted voice or someone who knows how to sing very well, but I spent a lot of time trying to do a good job at singing,” she said.
Cheung sang his 1993 hit “Farewell Kiss,” which was voted by fans as the most popular song to compete in the first 10 Golden Melody Awards ceremonies.
South Korea’s Super Junior drew wild shrieks at the 15,000-capacity Taipei Arena with their fast-paced hit songs “It’s You” and “Sorry, Sorry.” The 13-member boy band donned white suits with black dress shirts and danced in unison.
Taiwan’s Ouyang Fei Fei – known for her Tina Turner-like disheveled hairdo and successful Japanese recording career – and veteran Hong Kong singing trio Grasshopper also performed.
Honoring the island’s linguistic and racial diversity, organizers also gave away prizes to singers in the Taiwanese, Hakka and indigenous dialects.
Aboriginal singers added color to the awards ceremony by appearing in their native dress – painted face, wooden bead necklaces and feathered hats – and performing the now-famous Ami tribe number “Jubilant Drinking Song.” The song is the source of the distinctive background vocals in the hit 1994 Enigma song “Return to Innocence.”
Puyuma tribe composer Purdur crossed over and won best pop producer for the album “Nanwang Sisters.”
The special achievement prize went to Rock Records’ Sam Duann. The founder of one of Chinese pop’s most respected labels held aloft a yellow banner that said “Long Live Music.”
The jury prize was awarded to a compilation of covers of songs by famed Taiwanese folk singer Li Shuang-ze, while popular Taiwanese rock group Mayday was named best band.
By MIN LEE
AP Entertainment Writer
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