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Chinese actor's off-key rendition of Fahrenheit hit sparks backlash, prompts defense from Aaron Yan

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Chinese short-drama actor Zeng Hui's performance of Fahrenheit's "Only Have Feelings For You" on "Call Me By Fire 2026" was heavily criticized for being off-key.
  • The performance led to backlash against the song's original label, HIM International Music.
  • Fahrenheit member Aaron Yan defended the group, stating they never performed as poorly as Zeng Hui did.

Chinese short-drama actor Zeng Hui's rendition of the popular Fahrenheit song "Only Have Feelings For You" during the show "Call Me By Fire 2026" has sparked widespread criticism, with many netizens describing his performance as a "car crash scene" due to significant off-key singing. The performance has drawn negative attention not only to Zeng Hui but also to HIM International Music, the original label of the iconic boy band Fahrenheit.

Everyone, please laugh! I sang with real nervousness and clumsiness for everyone to hear. It's my first solo, please be kind.

— Zeng HuiResponding to criticism of his performance on 'Call Me By Fire 2026'.

Zeng Hui acknowledged the criticism on social media, posting, "Everyone, please laugh! I sang with real nervousness and clumsiness for everyone to hear. It's my first solo, please be kind." His self-deprecating post, however, did little to quell the online discussion.

The criticism escalated when netizens commented, "Can HIM stop selling copyrights casually? Even Fahrenheit's car crashes weren't this bad." This comment unexpectedly prompted a response from Fahrenheit member Aaron Yan. Yan defended his former group, stating, "Fahrenheit never sang that badly." Although Yan has often been perceived as having a strained relationship with his former bandmates, he publicly supported Fahrenheit in this instance, highlighting the performance's impact on their legacy and his own past efforts.

Can HIM stop selling copyrights casually? Even Fahrenheit's car crashes weren't this bad.

— NetizenCriticizing the quality of Zeng Hui's performance and its impact on Fahrenheit's legacy.

Yan's defense has reignited discussions about the group's legacy and the quality of their performances. The incident underscores the enduring popularity of Fahrenheit's music and the sensitivity surrounding its interpretation by others.

Fahrenheit never sang that badly.

— Aaron YanDefending Fahrenheit against comparisons to Zeng Hui's off-key performance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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