THEMED “The Star Road, Singing in Shenzhen,” the second round of the 4th Shenzhen Karaoke Contest and the 2018 Shenzhen Seniors KTV Contest was held in Happy Valley on Oct. 20. Eight groups of everyday contestants and 15 groups of seniors stood out from 80 teams to secure their tickets to the final round.

Aimed at discovering average people who are good at singing, the 2018 Shenzhen Seniors KTV Contest combines online and offline participation. One hundred KTVs across the city are the main registration and competition channels. Over 70,000 people have registered this year. Contestants competing in the second round included energetic young girls, gray-haired sanitation workers and seniors from Hong Kong who sang Cantonese songs.

The champion of the Shenzhen Karaoke Contest will receive 30,000 yuan (US$4,329) in cash, a cash coupon worth 20,000 yuan and a scholarship of 28,000 yuan. The top 10 senior singers will each get 2,000 yuan in cash and a cash coupon of 1,000 yuan. The finals of the two events will be held at Happy Valley on Dec. 21 and 22.

“Futian Public Karaoke Rooms” is an important part of a series of cultural events that benefit the public. It has been organized by the Publicity Department of Futian District and the district’s center for the development of public culture and sports. The program has been promoted citywide this year.

Currently the partner KTVs across the city offer 2,200 KTV rooms. Citizens can make reservations in advance and sing for six hours for only 10 yuan. Every week professional music teachers will be giving lessons for free. (Chen Xiaochun)