"My Voice Is Gone": A-Mei Breaks Down After Losing Her Voice During Kaohsiung Concert
What was supposed to be a rousing finale to Taiwanese pop diva A-Mei’s 10-night concert in Kaohsiung on April 16, part of her ASMeiR 2023 World Tour, ended on a bittersweet note.
The 50-year-old, who was battling a throat inflammation, struggled to get through her performance, even losing her voice several times during the show.
Her troubles began during her second song ‘When I Think Of You Secretly’.
“Oh no,” said A-Mei, bursting into tears when she lost her voice.
“I tried my best to control my throat infection. I was in a panic this afternoon because I really didn't want to give you such a concert. I’m very nervous. My voice is gone..." she choked up, before apologising to fans.
The show must go own
Despite this, the consummate singer pushed on with her performance.
More than halfway into her 42-song set list, A-Mei broke down again after singing ‘Parting Is Always So Sudden’.
Fans cheered her as she took a few moments to recollect her emotions before struggling to get through the aptly-titled ‘Can’t Make It Through’.
"I love you all, I am so sorry. Shall I find another day to redo this? I want you to have perfect memories [but] my body isn’t cooperating with me today, I am very depressed… If I skip any parts, please help me sing,” she said apologetically.
She struggled once again when she failed to hit the notes of ‘Left Behind’. In tears and unable to carry on, the audience joined in to complete the song for her.
"I rarely have moments of helplessness, depression, and not knowing what to do on stage,” said A-mei.
"It's very difficult. Why are things like this," she sighed. "I just want to give you the most perfect performance."
Her manager Isaac Chen shared previously that though the concerts have taken a toll on A-mei, she refused to shorten her performance as she "wants all her shows to have the same set list, but different feel".
She's doing it for the fans
A few hours after the concert, Isaac took to Facebook to praise the star for her professionalism.
"I finally understand today that singing perfectly will not necessarily make the most perfect performance, but to sing with your life, will. My heart aches for you, I love you, and I am proud of you,” he wrote.
Many fans echoed his sentiments, commenting that A-mei was “amazing” and this is the “most emotional and intense A-mei concert” they’ve ever seen.
“It makes people’s hearts ache for her and respect her even more,” said one fan, while another wrote: “All of our friends were in tears, I will never forget this concert.”
Photos: EMI Facebook
A-mei’s ASMeiR 2023 World Tour will come to Singapore on July 7 & 8, 8pm at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Both nights are already sold-out.
