Awards night underscores perseverance, loss, and solidarity in Hong Kong’s Cantonese music scene
The 2025 Commercial Radio Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation, held at AsiaWorld-Arena on New Year’s Day, offered more than a simple roll call of trophies. Under the theme “Rise to the Challenge,” the ceremony highlighted a persistent truth in Cantonese music: achieving lasting success has never been easy.
Singer-songwriter Jay Fung, named Ultimate Male Artiste (Gold) after 14 years in the industry, described the honour as the culmination of “years of accumulation.” He revealed that he had once considered leaving music altogether, sharing a personal story of staying home to write songs at a career crossroads — a confession that resonated with many artists facing similar uncertainties.
Gin Lee maintained her position as Ultimate Female Artiste (Gold), attributing her success to the belief that “one life can influence another.” Her speech highlighted a key survival strategy in modern Cantopop: emotional connection with fans, not just chart dominance. During her performance, Gin also promoted fellow artist Jace Chan, who won bronze, encouraging everyone to attend Jace’s upcoming Hong Kong Coliseum concert.
Kay Tse, who earned the 2nd Most Played Song of the Year with 50/50, spoke candidly about grief and self-doubt, while Vicky Chan, marking her 20th anniversary, declared that “middle-aged women still have the right to chase dreams.”
Perhaps the most symbolic moment came from Stephy Tang, who won My Favorite Female Artiste for the first time in 23 years. Her return was framed not as a comeback, but as a quiet challenge to an industry that often sidelines veteran artists. “I never gave up,” she said, emphasizing that perseverance can outlast fleeting trends.
Younger artists are also reshaping the meaning of success. Despite the absence of MIRROR, the group and member Keung To swept multiple audience-voted awards, underscoring the enduring influence of fan communities in sustaining Cantonese music. Keung To’s song On a SunnyDay claimed My Favorite Song for the sixth consecutive year, setting a record that reflects the power of fan loyalty alongside traditional airplay.
The night’s top prize, Ultimate Album of the Year, went to MC Cheung Tinfu for Sweet & Sour, a genre blending multiple musical styles. Much like its metaphorical title, the album stood out for personal narratives, exploring heartbreak, identity struggles, and lived experiences — reflecting Cantopop’s shift from pure commercial appeal toward more authentic storytelling.
The awards night also acknowledged the year’s losses. Panther Chan, visibly emotional, urged audiences to support the artists they cherish, reminding fans that no voice is guaranteed to last forever.
A tribute to the late Khalil Fong reinforced this message. As his collaborators performed his classics, a message on screen read: “Thank you for your music. It made us ‘Tai Tong’ — together.” In a fragmented musical landscape, Cantopop’s enduring power lies not in scale, but in shared memory.
The 2025 Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation offered no simple solutions to Cantopop’s challenges. Yet it showcased an industry willing to reflect, adapt, and persevere. Singing in Cantonese may be more difficult than ever — but, as the evening demonstrated, it remains vital.
