Blind singer from Taiwan wows Chinese talent show

Chang Yu-hsia.

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Chang Yu-hsia, a singer from Taiwan who is blind, stunned the judges and the audience of the Chinese TV talent show Chinese Good Voice, accompanying herself on the guitar as she sang the song Du Shang Xi Lou (Alone Ascending the West Chamber). One judge compared Chang's beautiful voice to that of the late Teresa Teng, who made the song famous. Sponsored by fans in Taiwan, Chang went to Shanghai on Aug. 17 again to take part in the contest's second round.

During the first round of the contest, leading Chinese singer Na Ying praised her performance and declared herself a Chang fan. Chen Yi-hsiu, Chang's agent, said Chang went to Beijing on Aug. 8 to record an album with Na Ying together.

Chang is registered as a low-income resident in Banqiao in New Taipei. She supports herself by performing on the streets of Banqiao or at the popular riverside area of Tamsui, north of the city.

Eric Chu, the mayor of New Taipei, has helped Chang find a sponsor who is willing to donate NT$3 million (US$100,000) to support her singing career.

Chang also called on Taipei mayor Hau Lung-bin in a phone conversation to give greater heed to the plight of street performers in the city. She said that the city government holds a license examination for street performers every six months, leading to excessive competition for a limited number of designated locations. The Taipei government said it will open the square in front of the Yuanshan metro station to street performers to give them an extra venue to entertain the crowds.