On November 23, amidst the cool autumn breeze, the highly anticipated Voice of HFI Final took place. Organized by CLAP, a renowned club in HFI, this singing competition showcased the culmination of talent and passion. From rigorous auditions to captivating live performances and studio work, the finalists were carefully selected, and the Aoxiang Building's Lecture Hall housed a remarkable showcase of songs, dances, musical dramas, and instrument solos. This three-hour extravaganza left an indelible mark as a popular and meaningful event, made possible through the collaborative efforts and creative pursuit of HFI students and faculty.

First Round of the Final:

Out of a total of 16 qualified students, only eight successful singers advanced to the final round. Each of them demonstrated exceptional talent, confidence, and a profound love for music. Sinclair Li opened the competition with Adele's emotional piece, "I Drink Wine," delivering a smooth, resounding voice that touched the audience's hearts. Though she secured her place in the second round, Maxon Li, who followed with JVKE's "Golden Hour," showcased an impressive performance marred only by a missed high note, which unfortunately cost him progression. Miranda Mei's rendition of Janice M. Vidal's romantic Cantonese love song, "Yi Gege" was noteworthy, but minor nuances prevented her from advancing. Vicky Tan's delightful rendition of Rachel Platten's empowering fight song displayed her vocal range and style, but a lack of dominance kept her from moving forward. Martina Wei, however, captivated the audience by skillfully playing her guitar and delivering Taylor Swift's heartfelt ballad, "Cornelia Street." With her outstanding performance slot secured, Tobi Wu followed, deeply moving listeners with Lewis Capaldi's melancholic hit, "Someone You Loved." With a powerful voice and a somber atmosphere, Tobi earned her place in the next round. Valery Zhou's ethereal performance of the Chinese song "Ren Shi" by Shen Zhou showcased her remarkable vocal prowess, qualifying her for the final round. Lastly, Judy Zhu's sweet rendition of Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years" demonstrated good intonation, although stage nerves prevented her from advancing.

Club Performances and Special Performers:

Interspersed between the intense competition were exhilarating performances by various clubs. OXA, Fusion, Muse, Drama Club, and A Capella Club masterfully showcased their talents, enriching the event. OXA commenced the evening with a classical instrumental ensemble, setting an elegant and tranquil tone. Fusion graced the stage with two beautifully distinct dance routines, revealing the grace and strength of their art form. Muse and Fusion returned after the first round with captivating performances, presenting emotionally charged pieces that left the crowd enthralled. Finally, the unexpected rap performance by Jerry Wen, a ninth-grade math teacher, added a unique and entertaining element. As a grand finale, the Drama Club presented a humorous and artistic musical drama that showcased the exceptional singing and acting skills of all its members. A Capella Club enchanted the audience with their harmonious voices, highlighting the beauty of vocal arrangements. These club performances played an integral role in making this event a resounding success.

Championship Final Round:

The last four singers in the final round sought to leave a lasting impression on the audience. Sinclair Li returned, this time challenging herself with Six's "Heart of Stone," effortlessly surpassing the song's high notes. Martina Wei exuded vibrant energy with her rendition of Justin Bieber's popular hit, "Baby," showcasing her powerful voice that matched the song's lively accompaniment. Tobi Wu, exuding mature stage presence, performed a medley of Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, and Silk Sonic's "Leave the Door Open" and Bruno Mars' "Talking to the Moon," engaging with the audience and transforming the competition into a concert experience. Ending the night on a high note, Valery Zhou mesmerized the crowd with her powerful rendition of the Chinese love song "Counting Backwards" by G.E.M., showcasing her exceptional vocal range. After a democratic voting process, Tobi and Valery emerged as the top two contestants, bringing the event to a close.

Interviews After the Event:

To gain further insight into this remarkable event, we conducted interviews with several participants. The champion, Tobi Wu, expressed her joy and gratitude for the platform that allowed her to showcase her talent, emphasizing her deep love for singing. Vicky Zhou, a teacher, praised the performances of Martina Wei and Sinclair Li, noting their excellent performances in the treble section. Lastly, the Vice President of CLAP, responsible for organizing the event, highlighted the challenges faced during planning and the meticulous revisions to ensure fairness. They implemented a problem-solving system, ensuring a seamless competition.

The Voice of HFI Final was a grand musical feast, encompassing passion, talent, hard work, and invaluable experience. Throughout the preparation and competition process, participants embraced challenges, made progress, and earned well-deserved recognition. Ultimately, everyone emerged as a winner, and the echoes of the Voice of HFI Final will reverberate long after its conclusion. The invaluable and enriching experiences gained from this activity will be cherished by all participants at HFI.

Writers: Leo Li, Emily Tang, Jennifer Jiang

Editors: Florence Yin, Bonnie Liu

Photo by: FOCUS, Leo Li