Real singer just not cute enough

LITTLE LADY IN RED: Lin Miaoke was the face the world saw as the Chinese flag entered the Olympic stadium, but the voice was not hers.

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Luxury bags, watches and DVDs are always likely to be fake on the streets of Beijing - but how about key acts at the Olympics opening ceremony?

Chinese officials have revealed that a child singer lip-synched her act and that a televised fireworks display was actually a computer graphic.

Lin Miaoke, 9, was the captivating little girl in the red dress who supposedly sang solo as the Chinese flag entered the "Bird's Nest" stadium during the opening ceremony.

But it turns out that the voice the world heard singing I Sing for My Motherland was not hers but a recording of seven-year-old Yang Peiyi.

The switch was made after the final rehearsal because one of China's nine-man ruling Politburo decided Yang Peiyi did not look "flawless" enough.

Opening ceremony general music designer Chen Qigang, revealed the switch in a radio interview, saying he owed the nation an explanation and wanted to ensure Yang Peiyi's contribution was recognised.

After their original choice, a 10-year-old girl, was dumped for being "a little too old", both Lin Miaoke and Yang Peiyi were shortlisted for the role.

Mr Chen's team unanimously chose Yang Peiyi, but the man from the Politburo was not satisfied.

"The reason was for the national interest," Mr Chen said. "The child on camera should be flawless in image, internal feelings and expression.

"Lin Miaoke is excellent in those aspects. But in the aspect of voice, Yang Peiyi is flawless, in each member of our team's view."

A Chinese newspaper also revealed that the extravagant sequence of firework footprints in the ceremony was actually shown to most of the world as a computer production.

Though the display did take place, only one of the 29 "footprints of fire" was shown live because of the dangers of filming from a helicopter, the Beijing Times reported.

Instead, a 55-second computerised clip was played to global audiences, complete with a shuddering camera that simulated helicopter flight.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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mit   #4   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

This is ridiculous! We are always trying to promote self confidence, and then this happens! The poor little girl, she looks so cute, and doesn't need to be put down just because of crooked teeth! They should stop trying to promote a "perfect country" everyone knows no place is perfect and neither is any person. A small child does not need discrimination!

Joe   #3   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Can't we do something similar with the Prime Minister.

Alice   #2   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I don't understand why make such a big deal. The Beijing opening Ceremony is the best.

sultra   #1   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I don't understand they look the same

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