In 1969, she released her first album, Autumn Night, and has since recorded more than 60 others. Tsui debuted in the late 1960s after emerging the winner of a singing contest. Otherwise, why would they want to keep coming?" I want to make sure my shows always offer something new for the audiences.
I thought it would be quite fun and unique. "But when the producers asked me if I was willing to do it, I didn't even think twice before saying yes. "Back in those days, it's quite dangerous, because I was so high up above the stage and we weren't sure if the wires would be very secure. She was also the first Hong Kong singer to perform a wire-work stunt at a concert, something which has since become a common sight at large-scale concerts. I tried to get away with it, but they didn't let me, so I must always wear polka dot outfits at my shows forever more," she says, chuckling. "I avoided polka dot outfits at a concert once, and I could tell that the fans weren't pleased. So when you see me holding the microphone with both hands, it looks like I'm being extra earnest but, actually, it's because I need to stop myself from shaking," she says with a laugh.Įverything she does on stage, she emphasises, is for the fans.Īt all her shows, she continues to don polka dot dresses - her signature look - simply because that is what the fans have signalled that they want. "I get so nervous sometimes that my hands start trembling, and I have to hold my microphone with both hands to stop. "It's strange, right? But I just keep thinking that I must give a good account of myself to my fans and give them a really good show, and those thoughts make me anxious. Her perfectionism causes her to still feel nervous about every concert that she holds, even after almost 45 years in showbusiness. She also holds the record for putting on the most solo concerts at the Coliseum over a continual period, ever, when in 1992, she put on 43 shows there over 53 days.ĭuring her 30-minute interview with Life!, it is apparent that Tsui is a true professional, never the type to do things half-heartedly. In Hong Kong in February this year, she sold out eight consecutive shows held at the Coliseum, Hong Kong's grandest concert venue. Performing two consecutive nights is nothing to her, even now.
Tickets are still available but are selling fast. The company's e-mail server crashed, the fans' point was made strongly and another show, for the public on Aug 2, was added. Upon hearing the news, disgruntled fans bombarded Biz Trends with calls and more than 1,000 e-mail messages to lobby for a ticketed show. She was originally scheduled to perform an invite-only concert here for just one night, for corporate partners and sponsors. If I feel that sense of security, then I can put on a good show." "Of course, I've had many opportunities to come to Singapore for a concert before, but if that trust isn't there, then it won't work out. You know, to be a singer and to agree to get on stage and perform a good show, we need to feel that security and mutual trust. "With Keith, I feel an instant sense of security, going by the way he works.
PAULA TSUI WIND PROFESSIONAL
"It's all about trust," she says of her professional relationship with Mr Keith Sim, the head of Biz Trends Media, which is organising her show. What took her so long to head here for a show?
After all, who dares reject someone who is widely dubbed Chinese pop music world's "diantangji gehou", or Hall of Fame Diva?Īlthough there will be no guest stars at her show at Resorts World Sentosa next month, her fans in Singapore are sure to be excited, given that it is her first major concert to be held here - not counting the occasional performances at various nightclubs decades ago. That, surely, is a clear sign of how big a star she is. "I would never want to create that awkward situation where they have a hard time rejecting me." But I won't just call them up and ask them to come, because they could be busy, or are too shy to say no. Speaking to Life! in fluent Mandarin ahead of her concert here next month, the elegant 65-year-old says carefully: "I think in general, most stars would be okay with performing at my concerts. So is getting them to join her on stage as easy as making a quick phone call? Her concerts held in Hong Kong earlier this year featured the likes of Andy Lau, Sammi Cheng and even veteran Taiwanese star Fei Yu-ching. Legendary Hong Kong singer Paula Tsui is such a huge star that she can pretty much get any of her A-list celebrity compatriots to make guest appearances at her shows.
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