The Taiwanese government recently announced that it is finally ending the restrictions it had placed on mainland Chinese singers from coming to Taiwan to record music and to hold solo concerts. Since Taiwan is the place to be if you want to make it big in the Mandarin music world, this move could easily mean the birth of new superstars. It’s doubtful that we’re going to see someone suddenly topple Jay Chou (周杰倫; Zhou Jielun), Jolin Tsai (蔡依林; Cai Yilin), or even “Queen of Cute” Rainie Yang (楊丞琳; Yang Chenglin), but let’s take a look at some of the most promising talents from mainland China.


Anson Hu (胡彥斌; Hu Yanbin) has already made waves in Taiwan and in the Mandarin music world. An exception to the (now extinct) rules restricting mainland Chinese artists from coming to Taiwan, Anson sang the mega popular hit “KTV Men” (男人 KTV) and collaborated with Taiwanese pop diva Elva Hsiao (蕭亞軒; Xiao Yaxuan) in 進行式 (Jing Xingshi). Anson’s “Waiting For You,” released in 2004, also proved to be a popular hit, as critics and fans alike labeled Anson the next Jay Chou. Keep an eye on this rising star.

Jane Zhang (張靚穎; Zhang Liangying) is easily the most anticipated mainland Chinese female singer. Last week, she was crowned the best Chinese female singer of 2008 at the Beijing Pop Music Awards, joining the ranks of Fish Leong and S.H.E. Last month at the Wireless Music awards, Will Pan (潘瑋柏; Pan Weibo), Jay Chou, and Leehom Wang (王力宏; Wang Lihong) credited Jane with having a beautiful voice and said that they hoped to collaborate with her. She’s already collaborated with Leehom Wang in his latest song “Another Heaven” (另一個天堂), garnering rave reviews from fans. Jane, the third place winner of Super Girl (the mainland Chinese version of American Idol), has a distinct style, one that is calmer than the pop that Jolin Tsai and S.H.E produce. Jane can definitely add something positive to the Mandarin music scene.

Jade Liu (劉力楊; Liu Liyang), another singer who rose to fame through Super Girl, has already collaborated with a multitude of Taiwanese singers and is set to make a splash in Taiwan. At the beginning of last year, Jade sang the duet “Ti Amo,” with Aaron Yan from super popular boy band Fahrenheit’s (飛輪海; Fei Lunhai) album Two Sided Fahrenheit. Her latest album, “I’m Just Who I Am,” featured a duet with Taiwanese singer Tank and Yoga Lin (林宥嘉; Lin Youjia), the star of season one of Taiwan’s “Superstar Avenue.” With such big names behind her, Jade should not have a problem in Taiwan and beyond.

Will these mainland artists drastically affect the Mandarin music industry? It’s hard to tell right now, but I would bet that stars like Jay Chou, Jolin Tsai, and rising stars like Jam Hsiao will continue to dominate. But I’m wishing Anson, Jane, and Jade the best of luck, too.