The stakes have never been higher for a vocal performance on the mainland Chinese stage. On April 3, 2026, the highly anticipated premiere of Sisters Who Build Waves 2026 (also known as Sisters Who Make Waves 7) sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry by introducing a brutal new format:全程 live broadcasts with zero pitch correction and no retakes.
Among the contestants facing this “raw” challenge was Taiwanese pop star Fan Fan (Fan Wei-chi), whose debut performance turned into an emotional rollercoaster. Performing her signature hit “If It Were the Case,” Fan Fan delivered a heartfelt set that sparked a massive sing-along from the audience. However, the raw format proved punishing; the singer was visibly shaken, with her voice trembling during her self-introduction.
The emotional weight of the moment peaked after the performance when Fan Fan broke down in tears. The vulnerability was compounded by the results: Fan Fan lost her first battle to Chinese singer Ulantuya, who performed “Standing on the Grassland Looking Towards Beijing.” The final tally saw Fan Fan with 416 points against Ulantuya’s 479, a narrow defeat of 63 votes.
Speaking on her motivation for joining the grueling competition, Fan Fan admitted she wanted to prove her capabilities to the public. She expressed a deep desire to ensure that a single past mistake did not overshadow her entire musical career, stating that she wanted the world to remember her as someone who truly loves to sing.
The decision to tackle a “zero-retouching” live show earned her significant respect from her peers. Variety queen Dee Hsu (Xiao S) was particularly stunned, recording a supportive message where she called Fan Fan “exceptionally brave.” Hsu admitted she would “absolutely not dare” to participate under such conditions, noting that Fan Fan’s courage alone was a testament to her strength.
Other celebrity friends also weighed in via video messages. Aya praised Fan Fan’s bravery and expressed excitement to see her dance, while Wu Peici wished her success in making new friends and improving her choreography. Industry veterans Alyssa Chia and A-Lin also offered guidance; Chia urged her to relax and focus on making connections, while A-Lin gave a humorous warning about the show’s notorious lack of sleep, telling her, “You will definitely be staying up late.”
Fan Fan is part of a strong Taiwanese contingent in Sisters Who Make Waves 2026, joining fellow representatives Xiao Qiang, Zeng Peici, Xu Jie’er, and Jiang Yuchen. As the competition progresses, the “no-NG” policy continues to put the contestants’ true vocal abilities under the microscope, highlighting the growing industry trend toward authenticity in live performance.
Despite the initial loss and emotional fallout, Fan Fan’s willingness to expose her voice without the safety net of studio editing has already sparked widespread conversation among fans and critics alike.
