Ah Sa's Decade of Vocal Silence: Star Recounts Stroke Scare and Career Crisis
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Hong Kong singer Charlene Choi revealed a 10-year struggle with vocal cord dysfunction.
- She was alarmed by a doctor's suggestion that she might have had a stroke, which caused her significant fear and self-doubt.
- Choi overcame the condition through vocal training and mental adjustment, regaining confidence on stage.
Hong Kong's beloved star Charlene Choi, known to fans as Ah Sa, has bravely shared a deeply personal and harrowing experience that nearly derailed her illustrious career. For a decade, she battled a debilitating vocal cord issue, a struggle that was amplified by a doctor's shocking question: "Have you had a stroke?" This query, though unconfirmed, planted a seed of fear and self-doubt that haunted her for years.
As a member of the iconic duo Twins, Ah Sa's voice is central to her identity and her performances. The inability to sing properly, relying on "opening needle" injections before shows and having her partner Gillian Chung shoulder more vocal duties, took a significant emotional toll. She confessed to moments of breakdown after performances, even contemplating leaving the music industry altogether, feeling she had let down her fans and her team.
Have you had a stroke?
However, Ah Sa's story is ultimately one of resilience and triumph. Through persistent vocal training and a conscious effort to adjust her mindset, she has gradually overcome this challenge. Her recent participation in the popular show "Sisters Who Make Waves" (乘風破浪的姐姐) has visibly reignited her stage confidence. Now, she embraces her voice, even if she occasionally hits a wrong note, finding strength in the very ability to sing. This journey of overcoming adversity, coupled with a healthier lifestyle, has not only stabilized her health but also earned her immense admiration and support from her devoted fanbase.
At least I still have a voice.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.