Joker Xue soars to Mandopop royalty

Chinese singer charms his way to more fans with his authenticity, spontaneity and good singing

- Benson Ang

CONCERT JOKER XUE EXTRATERRESTRIAL: OVERSEAS RETURNED CONCERT IN SINGAPORE National Stadium Feb 14

In recent years, few stars have risen as fast, or shone as brightly, as Joker Xue.

From a single night at Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2018, to now two shows at the Lion City's largest concert venue, the Chinese singer has charmed his way to an ever-growing legion of fans.

Some 20,000 attended the first of his two-night gig at National Stadium on Valentine's Day. Another 30,000 showed up for the second show on Feb 15.

What is the appeal? After attending four of his live performances and interviewing him once in 2018, I would say it is his authenticity, spontaneity and the fact that he can sing.

The 41-year-old released his first album, titled Jacky, in 2006, while still known as Jacky Xue.

He saw widespread commercial success only in the mid-2010s, when his songs Ugly (2013) and Actor (2015) became massive hits. Around that time, he changed his English name to Joker and became the fun-loving, joke-telling wisecracker he is today.